By The Portland Medium
Multnomah County has awarded $250,000 in stimulus grants to nine community-led projects aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods, activating public spaces, and strengthening economic development. The funding, announced by Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, is part of the County’s inaugural Community Vitality and Economic Opportunity pilot program.
The program is designed to jumpstart small, creative initiatives that bring energy, visibility, and public engagement to business corridors and gathering spaces across all four of the County’s districts.
“These investments in small businesses and vibrant neighborhoods are key to our region’s economic health and prosperity,” said Chair Vega Pederson. “I’m looking forward to the many ways these small but mighty grants will bring creativity and community-building alive across the county—and with it, a lot of fun, learning, connecting, and thriving.”
The grant program was developed as part of the FY25 budget and specifically targeted to support grassroots organizations and small nonprofits with annual operating budgets under $5 million. Applicants were required to be based in Multnomah County and could apply for funding between $5,000 and $50,000. No matching funds were required. In total, 52 organizations submitted proposals; nine were selected.
The selected projects represent a broad range of community goals, including economic development, cultural celebration, space activation, civic engagement, and family preparedness.
In District 1, which includes Southwest and inner East Portland, grant recipients include the Old Town Community Association ($30,000) for the No Vacancy Art Gallery, an initiative to activate vacant storefronts; Lan Su Chinese Garden ($12,000) for its Blossom and Summer Bounty Market; and the Oregon Entrepreneurs Forum ($10,516) for a local pop-up and pitch event to support emerging businesses.
District 2, covering North and Northeast Portland, will see Lloyd Ecodistrict receive $49,562 for “Lloyd Live at Holladay,” a series of free community events designed to re-energize Holladay Park and strengthen partnerships among businesses and community organizations.
In District 3, which spans central and outer Southeast Portland, the Division Midway Alliance will use a $39,506 grant to support business leadership and corridor development, while the Asian Health and Family Center received $11,416 for capital improvements and community engagement.
East Multnomah County’s District 4 will benefit from a $15,000 grant to Outgrowing Hunger for enhancements to the Rockwood People’s Market, and a $45,000 grant to Community Pulse Association for a business bootcamp and civic engagement series tailored to local entrepreneurs.
Countywide, the Latino Network received $37,000 to support its Adelante Juntos Community Defense Initiative, a series of family preparedness clinics designed to promote safety and resilience.
Commissioners representing the funded districts praised the program for empowering local partners and activating public spaces in ways that strengthen community bonds and economic resilience.
“I am excited to see Lloyd Live at Holladay was selected for grant funding to work with businesses, community-based organizations, and other groups to plan some free events at Holladay Park,” said District 2 Commissioner Shannon Singleton. “Activating this space for events and gatherings will have lasting impacts on the neighborhood and beyond.”
District 3 Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards highlighted the role of trusted local organizations.
“Both the Asian Health and Service Center and Division Midway Alliance are invaluable anchors in East Portland and trusted partners that help to create a thriving, equitable community through economic development and civic vitality,” Brim-Edwards said. “By activating spaces, increasing foot traffic for businesses, and fostering community connection through cultural events, we’re investing in and elevating the important role East Portland businesses and cultural centers play in our County.”
The County views the pilot as a potential model for future investments in small-scale, community-driven economic development. The projects are expected to launch later this summer and continue into early 2026.
