The Public Environment Management Office (PEMO) expanded its popular basic sidewalk cleaning service to several new, busy locations along major corridors in East Portland on October 5, 2026.
Two local contractors, Cultivate Initiatives and Junk It Junk Removal, were selected to conduct the work through a competitive procurement process.
The expansion builds on a program that PEMO launched in October 2025 along major business corridors and shopping districts. Since then, crews have collected more than 522,000 pounds of garbage from Portland sidewalks.
"Half a million pounds of trash from the sidewalk is a lot of trash, and it tells you how much of this work was going undone," says Anne Hill, director of PEMO. "East Portland has been asking for this. Now we have the crews and the contracts to deliver it."
It's easy to overlook sidewalks, but they're a vital part of Portland's transportation network, connecting people to the schools, businesses, and parks they visit every day. Cleaner sidewalks promote health and safety for everyone, especially children, families, and vulnerable populations. They also support local businesses, make neighborhoods more inviting, and stoke community pride.
How it works
Beginning October 5, cleaning routes will extend into additional East Portland business corridors and high-impact areas. Crews pick up trash, clean biohazards, and rinse off sidewalks.
Most corridors get weekly service, others bi-monthly or quarterly. Crews step up or step back their presence depending on conditions on the ground.
They work out of trucks marked with iconic pink signs featuring roses and the City of Portland's logo.
New contractors
Two local contractors, Cultivate Initiatives and Junk It Junk Removal, were selected through a competitive procurement process run by the City. They will join Central City Concern, which continues to serve corridors under the existing program.
All three contractors run crews that include people rebuilding their lives after homelessness, recovery, or other challenging circumstances, who often face barriers to employment.
"Community beautification is where purpose meets pavement," says Caleb Coder, executive director of Cultivate Initiatives. "Every bag we haul isn't just cleaner streets—it's paid work, pride, and a pathway forward for neighbors rebuilding their lives."
"We're proud to play a part in keeping East Portland clean while creating meaningful employment opportunities in our community," says Michelle Barrows-Carter, owner of JunkIt Junk Removal. We're also excited to expand our workforce development efforts through our partnership with Trash for Peace, providing hands-on training and creating pathways to long-term employment."
Source: City of Portland