The City of Portland now cleans the sidewalks along major business corridors and other high-impact areas to keep our community friendlier, safer, and more welcoming. Clean sidewalks promote health, safety, and livability for everyone.
Starting in October 2025, Portland Solutions' Public Environment Management Office (PEMO) is rolling out basic sidewalk cleaning along major business corridors and high-impact areas. Building on the success of cleaning services in the Gateway Management District, PEMO developed the concept and manages the contracts.
Crews on bikes and trucks visit Portland's busiest locations on a regular basis to clean up trash and debris from the walkways that people rely on to go to school, go shopping, and enjoy their neighborhoods.
Cleaner sidewalks promote health and safety for everyone, especially children, families, and vulnerable populations.
Cleaner sidewalks also support small businesses, make neighborhoods more inviting, and stoke community pride.
Crews sweep sidewalks, remove graffiti, pick up litter, clean biohazards, and pressure wash outdoor surfaces.
In the central city, crews follow routes on pink bikes.
In other parts of town, crews follow routes in trucks.
The frequency depends on need. Crews may step up or step back their presence in a particular corridor depending on the condition of sidewalks.
Cleaner sidewalks invite more people to stroll through their business districts, generating energy and buzz.
Crews will clean sidewalks on the busiest stretches of Portland's major business corridors. Routes and frequency may vary depending on impact and need.
The service is made possible by Portland City Council working together with Portland Solutions' Public Environment Management Office (PEMO). PEMO developed the concept and manages the contracts.
The work is performed by our contractors: Central City Concern's Clean Start and Cultivate Initiatives.
Source: City of Portland