How Should We Reopen Portland?

BY: Gabriel Gonzaga-Valenzuela

After nearly two years of protests and viral disease, Portlander prepares to emerge from their shelters — whether that be Colonial, Victorian, Bungalo, Cabin, Apartment or Tent.

Have we created safe, inclusive spaces for individuals?

I would argue no, but there’s a new generation of political activists, urban planners and community organizations attempting to fill our city’s unmet needs.

Feel free to dive into Friends of Noise’s Rose City Rising candlelight vigil series occurring in parks across Portland to remember loved ones lost during the pandemic, Produce Portland as they activate Chinatown with flea markets and Portland Parks Foundation Paseo, a festival centered on mutual aid during August 27-29 on Portland’s Historic Park Blocks.

The city has over $200m in American Rescue Plan funding that will be dispersed in August. Keep eyes on those funds and a PR campaign to get Portlanders to take back the city. Make sure that you use your voice and action to let them know how you would like to change the city.

In the meantime, check out these amazing places in Portland to grab a bite to eat. Politics and money can be boring and time-consuming.

BRUNCH
MATT’S BBQ TACOS
PINE STATE BISCUITS
PETITE PROVANCE

DINNER
EEM
AFURI
MARUKIN
NONG’S KAO MAN GAI
GOOD TASTE
LUC LAC
MATADOR

DESSERT
PAPA HYDEN’S
SALT N’ STRAW

PARKS
PITTOCK MANSION
COUNCIL CREST
PIONEER SQUARE
MT. TABOR
ROCKY BUTTE
ROSE GARDEN
OREGON ZOO
LAURELHURST
IRVING

HOW SHOULD WE REOPEN PORTLAND?