Brighter days ahead

Hello, friends! We wanted to take a moment to update you on a few spring projects here at Portland Downtown. Please know that we are doing everything in our power to add color and a sense of normalcy to our downtown streets and parks during this challenging time. We hope this update brings you a little warmth, as we all await the brighter days to come.
Look up to cheer up
When Pandora's Winter Lights come down and our colorful street banners go up, it's a sure sign of spring. The banners encourage passers-by to shop, eat, play, and explore – and we know that (when it's safe to do so) downtown will be bustling again and brimming with love for all things local. Until then, please remember to support the businesses you love through online ordering and curbside pick-up! #PayItForwardMaine

Photo by Sarah Beard Buckley Photography.
Take pride in where we live
We are so grateful that our Downtown Public Works crew continues to work – every day – to ensure that our streets, sidewalks, and public spaces are kept clean and safe. From bench painting to street sweeping to tree well repairs, these projects help maintain pride of place – something we all need now more than ever. Thank you to our designated downtown crew – Tom, Robert, Chris, Michael, and AJ – for all you do to make our city shine.
Stop to smell the roses
Thanks to an ongoing partnership with the  City of Portland's Parks, Recreation, and Facilities department, we're happy to report that 40 self-watering flower pots will soon be installed along Congress Street. We hope you enjoy the lively bursts of green & vibrant color!
Team up for safety
Our  Downtown Cadet Program ,  in partnership with the Portland Police Department , will be welcoming four new faces this summer. Interviewing the candidates happened virtually, but these young people interested in pursuing careers in community policing had no trouble adapting to technology in order to serve and protect!

Our cadets from last season – Ethan, Emily, Katie, and Orlando – are pictured.
Do more – without your car!
When we launched our Drive Less, Do More multimodal transportation campaign last fall, we never could have imagined that people would be driving less due to a global pandemic! Although we wish the circumstances were different, we'll take the silver linings where we can find them. Driving less means more clean air to breathe and more time to enjoy long walks outside. Did you know that there's a walking trail within a quarter-mile of 95% of residences in Portland? Thanks, Portland Trails !