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ENA Board Meeting Agenda Monday September 15, 2025 at 7:00pm

Posted on by Serena Li

Eliot Neighborhood Association Meeting Agenda
Monday 09/15/2025
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Cascadia Garlington Health Center
3036 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd

Using Microsoft Teams for the meeting:
Click here to join the meeting

Co-Chairs: Patricia Montgomery and Laura Fay

Agenda (subject to changes):

  • Welcome and Introductions – 7:00
  • Review Meeting Agreements [Link] – 7:05
  • Approve Minutes from July 21 meeting [Link] VOTE – 7:10
  • Neighborhood Safety – 7:15
  • ENA Activities – 7:30
  • Byrne Grant Next Steps
  • Additional Activities?
  • James Proctor, Lewis & Clark Environmental Studies Project – 7:45
  • Curb Painting on NE 7th – 8:00
  • Neighborhood Updates – 8:15
    • NECN Update
    • Treasurer’s Report – new bank account
    • LUTC Update
    • Community Outreach
    • Instagram Account Update?
  • Public Comment – 8:25
  • Adjourn – 8:30

Next meeting Monday, October 20, 2025

Local Residents take PBOT’s advice, repaint worn out yellow curb in do not park area

Posted on by Allan Rudwick
after cutting back the overgrown “parking strip” yellow paint was found on the curb from past city paint

A local Eliot resident, known as Lady Max, attended our July general meeting to share her safety concerns during the open public comment period. 

Her first concern is the overall volume of fast moving vehicle traffic on NE 7th, even after the speed bumps were installed. She feels that rush-hour traffic has also increased, possibly diverting away from MLK by apps like Waze, or drivers just wanting to bypass stoplights. On 7th, this higher traffic is clashing at busy pedestrians crossings as they near Knott, and an increase in cycling numbers since the Earl Blumenauer pedestrian and bicycle bridge opened across I-84 on NE 7th Ave in 2022.

On NE 7th, there is an added crash risk is from blocked crossing visibility from cars parked too close to crossings. Especially when cars park in marked no-parking zones close to corners

Lady Max shared one spot specifically that she has observed and photographed over 50+ violations in only a few months period. The location has a sign, in which the homeowner keeps very well pruned around, but drivers continue to park there. After hearing a neighbor’s dog yelp because a truck got super close close when its owner tried to cross at Russell, Lady Max got really mad and decided to take action for the sake of ALL the neighbors. 

She asked various city staffers including PBOT’s Safe Streets program for ideas during community events. Considering PBOT budget limitations, she learned it might be necessary to do a little tactile urbanism. PBOT won a grant to paint 200 daylight corners but that doesn’t cover the need over all of Portland, it barely scratches the surface.

They suggested she attend her local neighborhood association meetings, and reach out to organizations like Strong Towns PDX. She created a petition to ask the city for traffic reduction with a diverter, and has several hundred signatures so far. She attended city counselor’s ‘Coffee in the park’ to bring attention to the matter. Lady Max rallied attendees to our August 11 Land Use meeting, which included Senior Council Aide Jacq Tjaden who works with councilor Sameer Kanal’s office and Mauricio Leclerc – a manager in the Area planning team at PBOT. Eliot’s Land Use and Transportation Committee (LUTC) met with some neighbors including Steve Cole from Irving neighborhood association. We talked for a bit and then went for a walk 7th. We left the meeting with no firm commitments from the City, but it was good to retell the story from our perspective and we think there may be room to continue the conversation there.  

After the meeting, Lady Max and the LUTC came up with a plan to clean and paint the No-Parking section of the curb that Max had documented more than 50 violators at. Over Labor Day weekend, a few of us gathered to get the first curb done. It looks great and we are already seeing the impact of less drivers parking there. 

replenished paint marking the no parking zone on NE 7th

We are always looking for community involvement and new ideas on how to make our neighborhood more livable and safe. This project was doable with tools we had readily available. If other neighbors want to do a similar project or have any other issues they want addressed feel free to reach out at info@eliotneighborhood.org or attend a future next meeting.

Our next LUTC meeting will be TODAY, September 8th at 6:30 PM – meeting indoors at 7th and Russell again.

Eliot Land Use & Transportation Committee 9/8/25 at 6:30pm IN PERSON – Meet at Russell and 7th (inside the Russell)

Posted on by Allan Rudwick

This meeting will be in person. I would like to apologize for using the indoor space at 7th and Russell without putting it on the agenda last time, thank you for those who came and those who tried to come but didn’t find us.

We are back to our normal time and will be using space at the Russell Apartments again (enter on 7th). The space is at the corner of NE 7th and Russell.

Agenda

Public Comment & Agenda Additoins

Discussion of next steps for a diverter on NE 7th

Walking tour of 7th – look at fresh yellow paint in ‘no parking’ areas and other small changes neighbors can make

Fremont Bridgehead update – forming a committee is happening.

Parking update – Zone V enforcement season coming again in October, new signs with paid parking are coming but haven’t arrived yet. Link to more details

Grand Opening of Albina One, Saturday September 6, 2025

Posted on by Serena Li

We’re just a few days away from Back on the Block, the grand opening celebration of Albina One. Join us this Saturday, September 6, from 10 AM to 4 PM for a day of live music, food, art, speakers, and community.

This event will intentionally center Black joy, creativity, and entrepreneurship. It will have local Black-owned businesses, artists, community organizations, and public institutions joining as vendors.

Please get your sun hats and walking shoes ready!

Back on the Block: Revisiting the Porches and Stoops of Afrotopia

Courtyard of Albina One: 1771 N Flint Ave, Portland, OR 97227

Date: Sept 6, 2025, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Formal program and ribbon cutting 12PM to 1PM. No RSVP needed.*

Black Parent Initiative Hosts Milkchella & Family Fun Day/Back to School Giveaway August 23 & 29

Posted on by Serena Li

August 23, 2025

Milkchella: The Rodeo Remix is a free community event celebrating breastfeeding, culture, and community care. Hosted at Soulful Sips Courtyard, the event will feature a live DJ, henna, express chair massages, line dancing, tacos, and more. Attendees can also purchase VIP tickets for a special experience.

August 29, 2025

Join BPI for an end-of-summer celebration at Peninsula Park on Friday, August 29, 2025! The Family Fun Day & Back 2 School Giveaway, in partnership with the Summer Free For All Concerts in the Park will feature a free backpack and school supplies giveaway, a concert by LaRhonda Steele & Friends, outdoor games, bounce houses, and a basketball clinic hosted by the Portland Trail Blazers. There will also be food available for purchase and special appearances by local mascots.

Eliot Land Use & Transportation Committee – Walk and Talk about 7th 8/11/25 at 5:30pm IN PERSON – Meet at Russell and 7th

Posted on by Allan Rudwick

This meeting will be in person and will be a walking meeting on NE 7th.

We will be meeting with PBOT to talk about reducing the traffic on NE 7th as we have repeatedly advocated for.

We will start to gather at 5pm for early attendees, but will walk NE 7th during the meeting and observe traffic while discussing potential mitigations

Amplify PDX Block Party Fundraiser: Saturday August 9, 2025

Posted on by Serena Li

AMPLIFY PDX is a community resource block party and fundraiser featuring more than 20 of Portland’s most visionary community groups and nonprofit organizations! A celebration of collective resilience and a call to action in support of Portland’s cultural workers, justice organizers, and community-builders. Connect with organizations working across a wide range of issues including  racial justice, immigrant rights, youth empowerment, creative economy, cultural sovereignty, and gender liberation.

WHEN: Saturday, August 9th 2025 | 1PM-7PM
WHERE: Open Signal, Portland’s Community Media Center: NE Graham St between MLK and NE 7th

Block Party Highlights:

  • Amazing lineup of live music, spoken word, and storytelling
  • Food and beverages from local Black, Brown, and Indigenous owned businesses
  • Nonprofit showcase to discover  grassroots organizations on the frontlines of social justice in Portland
  • Kids Corner: fun for the whole family with games, activities, and entertainment
  • Teach-ins and presentations about advocacy and social justice
  • Raffles and prize giveaways
  • Live podcast tapings
  • And other fun activities!

Get Your Tickets Today

Sliding scale tickets start at $20, and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. All proceeds will be shared between the collective of organizations.

Get your tickets here!

Partners and Sponsors

14th Annual MLK Dream Run Returns September 20-21, 2025

Posted on by Serena Li

Presented by Nike, Alaska Airlines & Raimore Construction
September 20–21, 2025
Portland Community College – Cascade Campus
Register now: www.MLKDreamRun.org

The Soul District Business Association (SDBA) proudly announces the return of the MLK Dream Run Weekend Celebration, happening September 20–21, 2025, at PCC Cascade Campus in Portland’s historic Soul District.

This year marks the 14th anniversary of this powerful tradition—where running meets purpose, and movement becomes momentum.

Run, Donate, or Volunteer 

  • MLK Dream Run September 20 and 21st 2025 –  Our Goal 1500 Participants 
  • The countdown begins, Don’t Miss Out – Prices Go Up!
  • Register Early and Save.
  • Race fees increases as the event gets closer.
  • 5k, 10k, 15k September 21st – Sign up (Run with: Family or Friends)
  • Free Kids Race September 20th 

This Year’s Theme: “Strengthening Our Communities”

Inspired by Dr. King’s words—

“We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality…”
—this year’s theme reminds us that what we build together, we strengthen together. The MLK Dream Run does more than honor history—it fuels local economic empowerment, amplifies BIPOC-owned businesses, and invests in the next generation of leaders.

Why We Run?

“Strengthening our communities isn’t just a theme—it’s a mandate,” says John Washington, Executive Director of the Soul District Business Association.
“We’re not running for medals. We’re running to reclaim what was taken. To invest where others divested. To remind Portland, and ourselves, that our neighborhoods still matter, our businesses still matter, and our people still matter. This is about legacy, justice, and the power of showing up for each other.”

For over a decade, the MLK Dream Run has helped fuel economic equity through programs that provide technical assistance, financing, and mentorship to BIPOC-owned small businesses and youth entrepreneurs.

 Why Sign Up?

  • USATF-sanctioned 5K, 10K, and 15K races
  • Prizes including round-trip airfare from Alaska Airlines for the overall fastest winner and random participants Male/ Female each from 5k, 10k,15k 
  • Live Music & Entertainment – Games, Give aways, and family fun throughout the day.
  • Nike Swag bags, Win a number of raffle prizes donated by local business owners, T-shirts, music, food, kids’ activities, health screenings, and more
  • A weekend of unity, celebration, and impact you’ll never forget

Reminder Once Again: “We’re not just running for medals—we’re running for justice, for equity, for legacy,” says John Washington, Executive Director of SDBA.

Whether you run, walk, cheer, or sponsor, your presence strengthens the community.

Eliot Neighborhood Association Board Meeting Minutes Monday 6/16/2025

Posted on by Andrew Champion

Eliot Neighborhood Association

Board Meeting Minutes

Jun 16, 2025 7:00 PM at Cascadia Health Garlington Center

Attendees

Board

Pat Montgomery – Co-Chair
Cassie Muilenburg – Community Outreach
Serena Li – Community Outreach
Andrew Champion – Recorder
Jennifer Wilcox – Treasurer
Anders Hart
Alice Newman
Allan Rudwick
Bliss Suh
Jimmy Wilson (pere)

Guests

Brittany Davidson
Jimmy Wilson (fils)

Public Comment

None

Approve Minutes

Approved May minutes with amendments to the date of Soul Stroll and accounting for Fremont Bridgehead grant.

Motion to approve the minutes as amended: Allan
Seconded: Jennifer | For: unanimous

Neighborhood Safety

The board discussed the general conditions and liquor licensing at the 365 convenience store, formerly Stop N Go Mini Mart, at 2858 N Williams.

Laura Fay (ENA) and Robb Lawrence (Cascade AIDS Project/Prism) are meeting with Dawson Park Apartments residents and management.

ENA Activities

Dawson Park Summer Events

Ice Cream Day/3v3 Hoops

An ad hoc group is holding weekly coordination meetings. They are looking for an organizer and sponsors. Other considerations are finding more space for additional courts and/or alternate activities like music and dominoes: North Stanton, immediately south of Dawson Park, is a candidate location, but has steeper permitting requirements than the residential permit that can be applied on NE Stanton.

Motion to seed the event with a $500 budget: Pat
Seconded: Jennifer | For: unanimous

Instagram Account – Brittany

ENA’s Instagram account has been idle for several years. Brittany has experience running social media accounts for the Portland Trail Blazers and others. She wants to establish a presence for Eliot and will present ideas for the board.

Communication with Nike about reopening the Community Store

Allan: Soul District thinks it’s difficult, and that Nike would still need to see a commitment from PPB.

Jennifer suggested convening a meeting with interested parties like Soul District, PPB, Safe Blocks, PEMO, Commissioner Ryan,and others to establish a plan before contacting Nike.

Expungement Clinics

Future clinics are contingent on future funding.

Neighborhood Updates

NECN Update – Jimmy

The group is tightening its belt. Neighborhood associations will remain insured, but other community based organizations will lose coverage. Potential cuts are the secretary position and grants to community groups. Jimmy favors raising new funds to preserve those grants.

NECN is seeking a representative from Eliot for the upcoming year.

Motion to nominate Jimmy for another term: Pat
Seconded: Jennifer | Approved: unanimous

Treasurer’s Report

Jennifer: deposited check from Metropolitan Defenders for the expungement clinic and verified that as a signer, she can easily close the ENA bank account at Beneficial and transfer to OnPoint Credit Union when that account is approved.

LUTC Update

LUTC received a demolition notice for 542 NE Brazee, which is slated to be replaced with multifamily housing. Allan noted that objection is possible, but it requires an actionable alternative.

Community Outreach

Board members were given until the end of the week to pitch Byrne Grant ideas. Serena will aggregate and tally votes for the top five.

Public Comment

Pat noted the passing of former chair Joan Ivan in May 2025. The group brainstormed different ideas for a memorial and will return with ideas next month.

Cassie expressed concern about HB 3946, the “preschool loophole” bill: a sentence enhancement for crimes within 1000 feet of a school that includes preschools would apply to most of the city.

Adjournment

Adjourned at 8:40 pm

Call for Volunteer Mentors and Tutors with Minds Matter Portland

Posted on by Serena Li

Minds Matter Portland empowers high-achieving, low-income students to reach their goal of attending and graduating from college. This 3 year mentoring program offers academic support and hands-on opportunities. Students gain the tools they need to navigate the college admissions process and thrive beyond it.

In the wake of recent changes, the need for community-based support is more urgent than ever. Volunteer mentors play a vital role in closing the opportunity gap for talented students who deserve equitable access to higher education.

Founded over 30 years ago in New York City, Minds Matter has operated in Portland since 2006. Last year, the program expanded to Hillsboro. With two sites now serving students, there are more ways than ever to get involved. 100% of Minds Matter students are accepted to four-year colleges, and 90% go on to graduate from those institutions.

Volunteers are needed in both the Portland and Hillsboro locations. In Portland, they meet with students on Saturdays during the school year in NE Portland site on Alberta Street, next to Eliot School in the adjacent King neighborhood. Sign up for a coffee chat to learn more about what it’s like to volunteer, or fill out an online application if you’re ready to get started today!

On a personal note, I have also been volunteering as a mentor with Minds Matter for the past 4 years, and have found it an incredibly rewarding journey. If you’d like to hear more about my personal experience, please email serena@eliotneighborhood.org.

ENA Board Meeting Agenda Monday July 21 2025 at 7:00pm

Posted on by Andrew Champion

Eliot Neighborhood Association Meeting Agenda
Monday 07/21/2025
7:00 – 8:30 pm
Cascadia Garlington Health Center
3036 NE Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd

Using Microsoft Teams for the meeting:
Click here to join the meeting

Co-Chairs: Patricia Montgomery and Laura Fay

Agenda (subject to changes):

  • Welcome and Introductions – 7:00
  • Review Meeting Agreements – 7:05
  • Approve Minutes from June 16 meeting VOTE – 7:10
  • Neighborhood Safety – 7:15
  • ENA Activities – 7:45
  • Dawson Park summer event
  • Byrne Grant Next Steps
  • Discuss Joan Ivan memorial ideas
  • Instagram Account
  • Soul District Business Association – 8:00
  • Neighborhood Updates – 8:15
    • NECN Update
    • Treasurer’s Report
    • LUTC Update
    • Community Outreach
    • Instagram Account Update?
  • Public Comment – 8:25
  • Adjourn – 8:30

August meeting TBA – September meeeting Monday, September 15 2025

Eliot LUTC meeting cancelled tonight, ENA Board meeting next week. Some Eliot Zone V (near Moda Center) parking changes coming – details below

Posted on by Allan Rudwick

Board meeting coming July 21st

Land Use and Transportation items of interest:
– Zone V Parking permit changes coming – slightly larger area, meters instead of time limits. This has many benefits, but the primary reason is that it is much more enforceable. Roughly 200 tickets were given in the past 12 months under the sold system, less than the number of visiting cars on a single night.

People living in Eliot within the meter area will be able to buy permits (the addresses inside last year’s permit are and the expanded areas – apartment and house residents). If you plan to park on the street during these events it is expected that you should expect to be ticketed due to the new enforcement policies unlike last year.
https://www.portland.gov/transportation/parking/eliot-parking/apply-zone-v-parking-permit
It is expected that meter revenue will be used to subsidize permits in the area.

Soul Stroll Returns to Eliot on August 16

Posted on by Serena Li

Miracles Club invites you to join this year’s Soul Stroll! This year’s theme is “Building Bridges”, which focuses on raising awareness about type 2 diabetes and promoting community health through connection and physical activity.

The walk will begin at 8:30am in Dawson Park. The event will have a 2.4k loop and a 5k loop.

For more information and to register, click here. Hope to see you there!