City Notices: Winter Safety Alerts, Park Stewardship, and Council Updates
Public Health and Safety: Emergency Warming Shelters Active
In response to the current cold snap, the City of Portland has activated emergency warming shelters to protect vulnerable residents. The shelter located in the Riverside Industrial Park will remain open through Sunday night, January 25. Officials from the Department of Health and Human Services are monitoring weather thresholds and may adjust future opening criteria as the city nears the halfway point of the winter season. Residents in need of warmth or transportation to a shelter are encouraged to call 2-1-1 for real-time availability and assistance.
Additionally, the Oregon Health Authority reports that influenza transmission has reached a high level across the region, with recent test positivity rates hitting approximately 14.8%. Health officials urge community members to stay up to date on vaccinations. January is also recognized as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month; the city joins state health partners in encouraging regular screenings and HPV vaccinations as primary preventative measures.
Community Stewardship: Volunteer Opportunities Today
Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is hosting several community events today, Saturday, January 24, 2026. Residents are invited to participate in the following activities:
- Marquam Nature Park: Volunteer trail work event from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm to maintain essential footpaths.
- Terwilliger Parkway: Fern planting party from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
- Native Gathering Garden: Saturday Tending Day from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, focused on seasonal plant care.
- Westmoreland Park: A collaborative planting event with the Johnson Creek Watershed Council from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.
In the afternoon, Urban Forestry will present "Black Environmentalism in Portland" from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm in North Portland, highlighting community leaders and historical environmental projects in the Albina neighborhood.
City Hall and Infrastructure Updates
Following a recent reorganization, the Portland City Council has confirmed Jamie Dunphy as the new Council President and Olivia Clark as Vice President. The council recently reviewed reports on the allocation of unspent Rental Services Office funds and progress on the West Lents Floodplain Restoration Project, which remains under construction through Spring 2026.
Public comment is currently being sought regarding an EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant application for the remediation of a property at NW Pettygrove Street and NW 20th Avenue. Furthermore, travelers should be aware of ongoing overnight lane closures on Northbound I-5 near the Rose Quarter for seismic retrofitting and sign installations as part of the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project.
Law Enforcement Notice
The Portland Police Bureau is seeking public assistance regarding a robbery that occurred on January 12 in the 6000 block of Northeast Lombard Street. Community members with information are encouraged to submit tips anonymously to assist with the ongoing investigation.