Building an ESD for a Stronger, Safer, Cleaner Parkrose Business District
📍 A message to our neighbors, business owners, and property owners in Parkrose and East Portland
We’re excited to share some big news: Historic Parkrose has been officially accepted by the City of Portland to begin the process of forming an Enhanced Service District (ESD) in our business district.
This is a huge opportunity—and we want you to be part of it.
What is an ESD?
An Enhanced Service District is a community-powered program that allows local business and property owners to invest in improvements we choose—together. That could mean:
A dedicated cleaning crew to tackle litter, graffiti, and illegal dumping
Safety ambassadors or security teams who walk or bike the district to deter crime and help people feel safer
Beautification projects like murals, flower planters, and better lighting
Business promotion and events that drive foot traffic and celebrate Parkrose’s unique diversity
A more coordinated response to homelessness, with outreach and resources, not just complaints
And the best part? We, the community, decide how it works.
ESDs already exist in Downtown Portland, the Lloyd District, and Central Eastside—and they’ve made a major difference. Cleaner sidewalks. Safer storefronts. More people shopping and spending time in the area. Now, it’s Parkrose’s turn.
Why Parkrose Needs This
Let’s be real: Parkrose hasn’t always gotten its fair share of city attention. We’re an incredibly diverse, resilient, and hardworking community, but we’ve been underserved for too long. We’ve faced vandalism, break-ins, vacant buildings, and a lack of regular cleaning and support.
Some of us are already paying for security or clean-up out of pocket. But working individually only goes so far.
With an ESD, we pool resources and work collectively—getting better services at a better cost. Think of it like hiring a neighborhood cleaning and safety team, funded and directed by us, for us.
We’ve Been Accepted—Now We Need You
Being accepted into the ESD formation process means the City sees potential here. It means our community is being heard.
But here’s the thing: this process only works if our local business and property owners get involved. We’ll need to:
Help shape the services and priorities of the ESD
Review a proposed budget and service plan
Participate in a vote to make the ESD a reality
If you own a business or commercial property in the Parkrose business district—you have a seat at the table.
And if you’re a resident, shopper, customer, or supporter of Parkrose—you can help by spreading the word and encouraging local businesses to join the effort.
This is About Community Power
An ESD isn’t just about cleaning up or hiring security. It’s about reclaiming pride and ownership in our neighborhood. It’s about making Parkrose a place people feel safe, welcome, and excited to visit.
We have the momentum. We have the need. We have the vision.
Now, with your support, we can build something that works—not just for a few—but for all of Parkrose.
What’s Next?
Historic Parkrose will be hosting info sessions, outreach meetings, and working groups over the next few months to build the plan with you—not for you.
✅ Want to get involved?
✅ Want to learn more or share your ideas?
✅ Want to make sure this reflects the values of our diverse, multilingual, hardworking community?
👉 Reach out to us at info@historicparkrose.com
👉 Join our mailing list or upcoming ESD info event
👉 Follow us on social media for updates
👉 Donate to support this effort!
Let’s show Portland what Parkrose can do when we invest in ourselves.
Let’s make our district cleaner, safer, and more vibrant—for everyone.
Let’s build the Parkrose ESD.
