For nearly three decades, Metro’s North Portland community enhancement grants have helped improve neighborhoods near the now-closed St. Johns Landfill. Last year, the Metro Council unanimously approved the committee’s recommendation to distribute the remaining $1.6 million in the enhancement grant fund by 2018. The committee recommended that the remaining funds be used to support the North Portland Greenway Trail and investments in capacity building to strengthen programs and services to North Portland residents.
Metro Councilor Sam Chase, District 5, chairs the North Portland Enhancement Committee. Seven citizens serve on the committee, each living in and representing a neighborhood in the North Portland target area including University Park, Arbor Lodge, Portsmouth, Overlook, Cathedral Park, St. Johns and Kenton.