Community enhancement grants improve economic opportunities, neighborhood livability, public safety and more in areas near the region's garbage transfer facilities.
In fiscal year 2019-20, the Community Enhancement Program funded 76 projects throughout the region. Learn more about these projects and their community impact in our annual report.
Since 1986, Metro has invested more than $6 million in communities across the Portland metropolitan area. Seven cities participate in the program, including Forest Grove, Gresham, Portland, Oregon City, Sherwood, Troutdale and Wilsonville.
To be considered, projects must do at least one of the following:
- increase employment and economic opportunities
- rehabilitate and upgrade residential housing
- preserve wildlife, marine and recreational areas for public enjoyment
- improve public safety
- enhance neighborhood appearance or cleanliness
- improve viability of commercial areas and enhance the business environment
- provide programs and training opportunities to benefit youth and elderly
- improve neighborhood livability.
Who is eligible
Nonprofit organizations, schools or local governments can apply for the grants. In recent years, successful applicants have included neighborhood, environmental, health and education organizations.
Project examples
Successful grant projects include:
- developing environmental education projects for at-risk youth
- removing ivy and restoring habitat in Forest Park
- installing fire escapes at senior centers
- producing summer concert programs in local parks
- planting trees around community parks and main street boulevards in industrial areas.
Target areas and grant cycles
In each of eight enhancement grant target areas, a committee of local residents promote, solicit, evaluate and select projects.
Funded by a surcharge on waste at the Metro Central Transfer Station, located off of Highway 30 in Northwest Portland, Metro Central Enhancement Grants benefit the neighborhoods of Forest Park, Cathedral Park and Linnton; the Northwest District Association, the Northwest Industrial Area and an area directly adjacent to the St. Johns Bridge. Awards are made by a local citizen's advisory committee, which includes six citizens who reside wihtin targert boundary area. Metro Councilor Mary Nolan, District 5, chairs the advisory committee.
The application period for the 2022 grant cycle will be June 11, 2021 to September 17, 2021. For details, visit the Metro Central Enhancement grants webpage. To be added to the mailing list, contact Eric Crandall at 503-797-1662 or [email protected].
Metro South (Oregon City)
Communities near the Metro South Station in Oregon City benefit from annual community enhancement grants. Awards are made by a local citizens' advisory committee, which includes the Oregon City Commission, four citizens appointed by the mayor and Metro Councilor Christine Lewis, District 2. Applications are due each spring. For details, visit the city’s grants webpage or email Anne Griffin with Oregon City's Community Grant Programs.
Forest Grove
The Forest Grove Community Enhancement Committee awards about $100,000 each spring to projects that serve city residents. Metro Councilor Juan Carlos González, District 4, acts as co-chair of the committee. For more information, review the city’s grants webpage or email Elizabeth Stover, Forest Grove Program Coordinator.
Gresham
The Gresham Community Enhancement Committee Awards about $20,000 each winter to projects that serve city residents. It is funded by community enhancement fees collected at Gresham Transfer Station. Metro Councilor Shirley Craddick, District 1, acts as an adviser. For more information, review the city’s grant webpage, or contact Joe Walsh at 503-618-2372 or [email protected].
North Vanport Legacy (North Portland)
The Metro North Vanport Legacy Community Enhancement Program awards about $20,000 each fall to programs and projects that build community for all North Portlanders. It is funded by community enhancement fees collected at the Recology Suttle Road Transfer Station. Metro Councilor Mary Nolan, District 5, acts as an adviser. For more information, contact Tom Griffin-Valade at 503-823-4513 or [email protected].
Sherwood
The Sherwood Community Enhancement Committee awards about $70,000 each spring to projects that serve city residents. Metro Councilor Gerritt Rosenthal, District 3, acts as an adviser. For more information, review the city’s grants webpage or contact Leslie Dean, Sherwood city accountant, at 503-625-4212 or [email protected].
Troutdale
The Troutdale Community Enhancement Program awards funds to homeowner associations, city advisory committees, service clubs, schools, and other community non-profit groups. Metro Councilor Shirley Craddick, District 1, acts as an adviser. For more information, review the Troutdale grants webpage or email i[email protected].
Wilsonville
The Wilsonville Community Enhancement Committee awards about $70,000 each winter to projects that serve city residents. Metro Councilor Gerritt Rosenthal, District 3, acts as an adviser. For more information, review the city’s grants webpage or call Zoe Monahan at 503-570-1503.