PORTLAND, Ore.–Mayor Ted Wheeler and the Central Eastside Industrial Council (CEIC) officially
kicked off a ‘90-day reset plan’ to help revitalize the Central Eastside Industrial District. Key elements of
the 90-day plan include reducing the number of unauthorized tents by 70%, removing graffiti,
improving lighting, and removing stolen/abandoned vehicles.
“Since the November listening session, my team has met with the CEIC, the local Enhanced Service
District – ‘Central Eastside Together,’ and others to set goals for the next 90 days and beyond,” said
Mayor Ted Wheeler. “The resounding consensus from business visits and conversations was that they
needed our help to address key issues like break-ins, graffiti abatement, trash cleanup, and public
safety improvements. This action-focused 90-day plan addresses these concerns, and I appreciate that
we are able to kick it off today.”
Developing the reset plan began following a business forum CEIC convened in November that over 140
employers attended. The overwhelming message was the need to take immediate action to address
crime and safety concerns within the district, specifically the inner core.
Since November, the City began providing targeted clean-up efforts in the Central Eastside area. This
included the removal of 125 unsanctioned campsites that posed a significant threat to public health,
public safety or blocked public rights-of-way and the removal of 14,000 square feet of graffiti from the
neighborhood.
“Portlanders pride themselves on recognizing one another’s humanity and honoring each other’s lived
experiences,” said Clare Briglio, Executive Director of Central Eastside Industrial Council and Central
Eastside Together. “Our business owners are compassionate people who care deeply about the Central
Eastside and who want to see our city, and everyone who works and lives here, thrive. But the status
quo is failing both our businesses and our community members experiencing houselessness. This reset
is an opportunity to rebuild our District.”
While residents and businesses may be hopeful this plan will work, there are still those that are skeptical. 90 days near the end of March will tell the story.
About the Central Eastside Industrial Council
CEIC is a non-profit, volunteer organization representing property owners, businesses, residents, and
makers in the Central Eastside. It operates the newest Enhanced Services District (ESD) in Portland,
Central Eastside Together. It is currently creating new ways to help businesses survive the pandemic
and set them up to thrive. The Central Eastside Industrial District, or CEID, stretches from 1-84 to
Powell Boulevard and from the Willamette River to SE 12th Avenue. Over 22,000 people work at 1,300
businesses in the District in a diverse range of fields, from research and manufacturing to retail and
technology. http://www.ceic.cc/