Index

Executive Summary

Purpose & Methodology

Who Participated (Demographics + Respondent Profile)

Relationship to 82nd Avenue

Awareness of the ODOT → PBOT Transfer

Community Priorities & Key Findings

Community Vision for a Prosperous 82nd Avenue

Major Themes from Open-Ended Responses

Safety & Public Safety
Housing & Houselessness
Transportation & Street Design
Business & Economic Development
Green Space & Beautification
Community Identity, Culture & Anti-Displacement
Governance, Trust & Accountability

Areas of Agreement & Areas of Tension

Community Recommendations

Conclusion / Next Steps

Appendix: Detailed Statistics + Representative Quotes

Community Perspectives on the Future of 82nd Avenue

Survey Findings & Community Priorities Report

Executive Summary

The 82nd Avenue community survey gathered feedback from residents, workers, business stakeholders, and community members regarding the future transition of 82nd Avenue and priorities for investment, safety, mobility, economic development, and community well-being.

The responses reveal a community with both deep concerns and strong hope for the future of 82nd Avenue. Participants consistently described 82nd Avenue as a culturally diverse, strategically important corridor with significant potential, while also identifying longstanding challenges related to public safety, transportation infrastructure, housing affordability, houselessness, business investment, and public trust.

A central theme emerged throughout the survey: community members want investment and improvement, but they want those improvements to happen with existing residents and businesses—not at their expense.

Respondents frequently described a desire for an 82nd Avenue that is:

Safer for pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, families, and businesses
More welcoming and attractive through trees, landscaping, parks, and public spaces
Supported by local businesses and entrepreneurs
Accessible to residents of all incomes
Connected through improved transit and walkability
Developed without displacement or loss of cultural identity
Guided by meaningful community participation and accountability

The strongest concerns identified through survey responses were:

Houselessness — 258 selections (21.7%)
Crime — 225 selections (18.9%)
Affordable housing — 156 selections (13.1%)
Transportation — 129 selections (10.9%)
Green spaces — 120 selections (10.1%)

While many respondents expressed frustration with current conditions, there was also significant optimism about the opportunity ahead. Many participants believe 82nd Avenue could become a thriving neighborhood corridor that reflects the diversity, history, and needs of East Portland.

1. Purpose and Methodology

This report summarizes community feedback collected through an engagement survey focused on the future of 82nd Avenue.

The survey sought to understand:

Who uses and connects with the 82nd Avenue corridor
Community awareness of the ODOT to PBOT transfer
Current challenges affecting residents and businesses
Priorities for future investment
Community hopes, concerns, and recommendations for improvement

The survey included both quantitative questions and open-ended responses, allowing participants to identify priorities and share personal experiences.

Interpreting the Results

The survey represents the perspectives of community members who participated in the engagement process. Results should be understood as community input rather than a statistically representative sample of all Portland residents.

Open-ended responses provide important context by illustrating lived experiences, concerns, and aspirations that may not be captured through numerical data alone.

2. Respondent Profile: Who Participated?

Understanding who responded provides important context for interpreting community priorities.

Key Demographic Findings

Gender

The majority of respondents identified as female.

Gender

Amount

Percentage

Female

177

67.3%

Male

31.9%

Nonbinary

0.8%

Age

Respondents were primarily working-age adults, with the largest age group being 35–44 years old.

Age Range

Amount

Percentage

18-24

1.3%

25-34

25.6%

35-44

157

50.3%

45-54

17.0%

55-64

4.5%

65-74

1.0%

75+

0.6%

Key takeaway: More than half of respondents (50.3%) were between ages 35 and 44, indicating strong participation from adults likely connected to housing, schools, employment, and neighborhood stability issues.

Race and Ethnicity

Most respondents identified as White, with additional participation from Asian, Hispanic/Latino, and other communities.

Race/Ethnicity

Amount

Percentage

White

263

80.7%

Asian

9.5%

Hispanic or Latino

8.3%

Not Hispanic or Latino

2.1%

American Indian or Alaska Native

0.6%

Middle Eastern

0.3%

Jewish

0.3%

Mixed

0.3%

Key takeaway: Although respondents included residents from diverse backgrounds, the survey sample does not fully represent the racial and cultural diversity of the 82nd Avenue corridor. This is important when considering responses related to representation, equity, and community decision-making.

Neighborhood Representation

Respondents represented neighborhoods throughout East Portland and surrounding areas.

The largest represented neighborhoods were:

Neighborhood

Amount

Percentage

Montavilla

22.4%

Lents

20.3%

Foster-Powell

14.2%

Brentwood-Darlington

9.2%

South Tabor

8.8%

Powelhurst-Gilbert

7.1%

Madison South

5.1%

Roseway

4.7%

Cully

1.7%

Hazelwood

1.4%

Cherry Park

1.0%

Sumner

0.7%

Mount Tabor

0.7%

Sullivan’s Gulch

0.7%

North Tabor

0.3%

Rose City Park

0.3%

Creston-Kenilworth

0.3%

Battin

0.3%

Mill Park

0.3%

Pleasant Valley

0.3%

Key takeaway: Participation was concentrated among neighborhoods immediately surrounding the 82nd Avenue corridor, particularly Montavilla, Lents, and Foster-Powell.

Housing Status

Most respondents identified as homeowners.

Housing Status

Amount

Percentage

Homeowner

263

84.3%

Renting

16.0%

Key takeaway: Homeowners were significantly overrepresented compared with renters. This should be considered when interpreting concerns about property values, development, affordability, and displacement.

3. Relationship to the 82nd Avenue Area

Awareness and Connection

Most respondents reported an existing connection to the corridor through residence, work, transportation, shopping, or community activities.

Awareness of ODOT → PBOT Transfer

Aware of 82nd Avenue Transfer?

Amount

Percentage

Yes

249

80.1%

19.9%

A significant majority of participants were aware of the transition of 82nd Avenue from state to city management.

Expected Impact of the Transfer

Will the Transfer Impact You?

Amount

Percentage

Yes

184

60.3%

N/A

21.3%

18.4%

Most respondents believe the transfer will have an impact on them or their community.

Employment Connection

Work in the Area

Amount

Percentage

Home (Remotely)

130

42.5%

129

42.2%

Yes

11.1%

N/A

4.2%

4. Civic Awareness, Participation, and Community Engagement

The survey findings show that while many respondents are aware of neighborhood issues and invested in the future of 82nd Avenue, there is a significant gap between community interest and formal civic participation.

Many respondents expressed a desire for greater involvement in decision-making, particularly around how funding is allocated, how projects are designed, and who represents the communities most impacted by future changes.

Neighborhood Association Awareness

Do respondents know their local neighborhood association?

Know Your Local Neighborhood Association?

Amount

Percentage

Yes

151

48.4%

117

37.5%

Unsure

14.1%

Nearly half of respondents know their neighborhood association; however, a large portion remain disconnected from formal neighborhood organizations.

Neighborhood Association Participation

Do respondents attend neighborhood association meetings?

Attend Neighborhood Association Meetings?

Amount

Percentage

273

87.8%

Yes

6.4%

N/A

5.8%

Despite strong opinions about the future of 82nd Avenue, formal participation in neighborhood association meetings remains low.

Community implication: Future engagement strategies may need to reach beyond traditional neighborhood association structures and create more accessible opportunities for renters, renters experiencing housing insecurity, youth, immigrants, small business owners, and historically underrepresented communities.

Awareness of Local Representatives

Do respondents know their local elected representatives?

Know Your Local Representatives?

Amount

Percentage

179

55.0%

Yes

106

34.3%

Unsure

10.7%

More than half of respondents reported not knowing their local representatives.

This suggests an opportunity to strengthen communication pathways between residents and government officials.

Access to Information and Resources

Are information and resources accessible?

Information and Resources Are Accessible?

Amount

Percentage

Yes

117

37.7%

Unsure

31.3%

31.0%

More than 60% of respondents either felt resources were inaccessible or were unsure how to access them.

This indicates that future 82nd Avenue planning efforts may benefit from clearer communication, multilingual outreach, and easier pathways for residents to participate.

5. Trust, Accountability, and Confidence in Institutions

A major theme throughout the survey was a lack of trust that public investment would directly benefit existing residents and businesses.

While respondents expressed strong support for improvements, many questioned whether funding would be distributed equitably and whether community needs would remain central throughout implementation.

Perceptions of Government Agencies

Do city government agencies care about the 82nd Avenue area?

Do You Believe City Government Agencies Care About This Area?

Amount

Percentage

227

72.8%

Unsure

15.1%

Yes

12.2%

A significant majority of respondents expressed concern that the city has historically neglected East Portland and the 82nd Avenue corridor.

Common concerns included:

Lack of infrastructure investment
Poor road conditions
Limited maintenance
Insufficient public safety response
Feeling that areas east of 82nd Avenue have received less attention than other Portland neighborhoods

Trust in Funding Allocation

Do respondents trust that allocated funds will benefit local community members?

Trust Funds Will Benefit Local Community Members?

Amount

Percentage

186

60.2%

Yes

31.1%

N/A

8.7%

Many respondents supported investment but wanted transparency, accountability, and community oversight.

Common themes included:

Funding should support existing residents
Investments should not lead to displacement
Local businesses should benefit
Community members should have a role in decision-making

Trust in Organizations Managing Funds

Do respondents trust funded organizations will properly manage funds?

Trust Organizations to Handle Government Funds Properly?

Amount

Percentage

177

57.5%

Yes

28.0%

N/A

14.6%

Participants frequently requested:

Transparent reporting
Public updates
Community oversight
Clear measurements of success

Confidence in Nonprofit Organizations

Do respondents believe nonprofits care about the area?

Do You Think Nonprofits Care About This Area?

Amount

Percentage

Yes

183

58.5%

Unsure

23.3%

18.2%

Although respondents expressed concerns about government and funding systems, nonprofit organizations were viewed more positively.

This suggests community-based organizations may be important partners in future engagement, outreach, and implementation.

6. Community Priorities and Challenges

Respondents were asked to identify the biggest challenges affecting the 82nd Avenue area.

Top Issues Identified

Key Issues Impacting the 82nd Avenue Area

Amount

Percentage

Houselessness

258

21.7%

Crime

225

18.9%

Affordable Housing

156

13.1%

Transportation

129

10.9%

Green Spaces

120

10.1%

Police Response

114

9.6%

Climate Change

6.7%

Gentrification

5.6%

Other

3.5%

Key Finding: The Community Wants Safety and Investment Together

Responses show that safety concerns were among the strongest themes, but participants described safety in multiple ways.

Safety was connected to:

Crime prevention
Traffic safety
Pedestrian safety
Lighting
Clean public spaces
Access to services
Housing stability
Mental health and addiction support

Many respondents did not view safety as only a policing issue. Instead, they described a broader need for a healthier, more connected, and more supported community.

7. Community Vision: What Does 82nd Avenue Need to Prosper?

When asked what is necessary for 82nd Avenue to prosper, respondents identified several interconnected priorities.

Theme 1: Safety, Security, and Public Confidence

Safety was the most repeated theme across open-ended responses.

Participants described concerns about:

Crime
Open drug use
Street racing
Traffic speeds
Unsafe crossings
Poor lighting
Fear of walking or biking

Many respondents connected safety directly to economic development.

Representative Quotes

“Make 82nd a street that people can enjoy rather than a high traffic corridor that is neglected.”

“For the street to be safe and clean in order to attract business and residents to explore.”

“Residents deserve to feel safe where they live.”

Community Recommendations

Respondents suggested:

Better lighting
More visible safety presence
Traffic enforcement
Safer intersections
Improved crosswalks
Speed reduction strategies
Community-based safety programs
Increased services for people experiencing crisis

Theme 2: Addressing Houselessness Through Support and Services

Houselessness was the highest-ranked concern in the survey.

Responses reflected frustration with visible impacts such as:

Trash
Encampments
Public safety concerns
Property impacts

However, many respondents also emphasized that long-term solutions require services and support rather than displacement alone.

Participants requested:

Affordable housing
Shelter options
Mental health services
Addiction treatment
Restrooms and sanitation resources
Outreach services
Employment assistance

Representative Quotes

“Solutions to the root causes of the problem rather than displacement and cleanup without care for community members.”

“The houseless population isn’t going away, we need to meet more people’s needs.”

“A humanistic approach to meeting people’s needs—as in shelters and porta potties and public dumpsters.”

Community Recommendation

Many respondents expressed that successful revitalization requires balancing neighborhood safety with compassion and long-term support systems.

Theme 3: Affordable Housing and Anti-Displacement

Affordable housing was one of the strongest priorities identified.

Respondents expressed both:

A need for more housing options
Concern that investment could increase costs and displace current residents

Common recommendations included:

Affordable housing development
Mixed-income housing
Protection for existing residents
Support for renters
Support for current businesses
Community-led planning

Representative Quote

“Prosperity doesn't just mean bringing in new to replace the old. There are amazing and vibrant people and businesses already here that could use some help.”

8. Transportation, Mobility, and Street Design Priorities

Transportation and street design were among the most discussed topics throughout the survey. Respondents described 82nd Avenue as both an essential transportation corridor and a major barrier to safe, comfortable movement.

Many participants expressed that the current design prioritizes vehicle movement over people walking, biking, accessing transit, shopping, or spending time in the area.

A recurring vision emerged: 82nd Avenue should function not only as a route through East Portland, but as a place where people can safely live, work, gather, and connect.

Key Transportation Concerns

Respondents identified:

High vehicle speeds
Dangerous pedestrian crossings
Unsafe conditions for cyclists
Limited sidewalks
Poor lighting
Traffic noise
Street racing
Lack of comfortable transit access
Difficult connections between neighborhoods east and west of 82nd

Many participants described feeling unsafe walking, biking, or waiting for transit.

Representative Quotes

“It is not safe to be a pedestrian or cyclist anywhere near 82nd right now.”

“We need more space to safely walk, more interesting places to walk to, curb strips with trees for shade.”

“People deserve better. Lots of people use the transportation along 82nd yet it seems very unpleasant to do so.”

Community Priorities for Transportation Improvements

Respondents recommended:

Safer Pedestrian Infrastructure

More crosswalks
Signalized crossings
Flashing pedestrian beacons
Improved sidewalks
ADA accessibility improvements
Better lighting
Safer school routes

Traffic Safety Improvements

Lower speeds
Speed enforcement
Traffic calming
Safer intersections
Improved visibility at side streets
Red light enforcement

Bicycle and Multimodal Improvements

Protected bike lanes
Better bicycle connections
Safer crossings for people using mobility devices
More human-scale street design

Area of Debate: Road Diets and Lane Reductions

While many respondents supported reducing car dependency and creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment, others expressed concern about reducing vehicle lanes.

Supporters of roadway redesign argued:

82nd Avenue is too focused on moving vehicles
The corridor should prioritize people and community activity
The nearby freeway system already provides regional vehicle movement

Concerns included:

Increased congestion
Emergency response impacts
Business access challenges
Reduced parking availability

Representative Quotes

Supportive perspective:

“82nd is currently just a through road while I-205 right next to it does a better job at moving cars.”

Concerned perspective:

“Do not take away driving lanes. There is a lot of traffic already and taking away driving lanes will not improve that.”

Community implication: Future transportation planning should include continued dialogue around balancing mobility, safety, emergency access, business needs, and neighborhood livability.

9. Business Development and Economic Opportunity

Economic development was a major theme throughout responses.

Many participants described 82nd Avenue as having significant untapped potential but felt the current business environment does not reflect the needs or strengths of surrounding communities.

Respondents expressed a desire for:

Local businesses
Restaurants
Cultural businesses
Family-friendly destinations
Small business support
Improved storefronts
More services residents need daily

Current Business Concerns

Participants frequently mentioned:

Too many used car lots
Vacant properties
Abandoned buildings
Limited destinations
Businesses that do not serve surrounding neighborhoods

Some respondents specifically identified auto-oriented uses as limiting opportunities for more community-serving development.

Representative Quotes

“We don't need 1000 car dealerships.”

“Get rid of the car lots and create usable spaces such as housing, retail, and parks for people to use.”

“82nd could be a commerce and cultural thoroughfare if it wasn’t an automotive bypass.”

Supporting Existing Businesses

A significant theme was that improvement should not mean replacing existing businesses and cultures.

Respondents emphasized:

Supporting existing entrepreneurs
Supporting immigrant-owned businesses
Providing grants and technical assistance
Improving storefronts
Keeping commercial opportunities affordable

Representative Quote

“Prosperity doesn't just mean bringing in new to replace the old. There are amazing and vibrant people and businesses already here that could use some help.”

Creating Destination Businesses

Many respondents wanted 82nd Avenue to become a place people travel to—not just pass through.

Suggested investments included:

Restaurants
Cultural markets
Arts spaces
Performance venues
Community events
Outdoor gathering spaces
Local retail

Representative Quotes

“Make it the Asian Hawthorne Blvd but even better.”

“Water parks bring kids, music brings youth, open markets bring families, museums bring tourists.”

10. Green Space, Beautification, and Public Realm Improvements

Green space and neighborhood appearance were among the strongest recurring themes.

Respondents frequently described 82nd Avenue as:

A concrete corridor
Unwelcoming
Lacking trees
Missing places to gather

Many participants connected physical improvements with community pride, climate resilience, and safety.

Community Priorities

Respondents requested:

More trees
Tree canopy
Landscaping
Parks
Plazas
Community gardens
Public art
Seating areas
Cleaner sidewalks
Improved lighting

Representative Quotes

“It’s a concrete jungle.”

“We need more green spaces/trees to create a more friendly and inviting area.”

“Make it a safe place for all community members to promenade.”

11. Community Identity, Culture, and Equity

A strong theme throughout the survey was the importance of preserving the existing identity of 82nd Avenue.

Respondents repeatedly described the corridor as:

Diverse
Culturally rich
Home to immigrant communities
One of Portland’s remaining affordable areas

Many participants expressed excitement about investment but concern that improvement could lead to displacement.

Concerns About Gentrification

Respondents raised concerns that investment could unintentionally:

Increase rents
Displace residents
Push out small businesses
Erase cultural identity

Representative Quotes

“I hope 82nd can retain its character as it improves, and avoid gentrification and displacement.”

“Don’t assume that just because people are low income, immigrants, etc. that they don’t deserve a safe, high-quality life.”

“I welcome change, but I don't want 82nd to look like Division does now. I want the culture of this place to remain.”

Community Recommendations

Respondents recommended:

Community-led planning
Representation from impacted communities
Protection for existing residents
Support for immigrant-owned businesses
Affordable commercial space
Transparent decision-making

12. Governance, Investment, and Accountability

Many responses reflected frustration with years of perceived neglect.

Participants frequently described feeling that East Portland has historically received less attention and investment compared with other parts of Portland.

Common concerns included:

Lack of maintenance
Poor road conditions
Limited city response
Lack of communication
Distrust regarding funding decisions

Community Expectations for Future Investment

Respondents requested:

Transparency

Clear funding information
Public reporting
Community oversight

Accountability

Measurable outcomes
Resident involvement
Regular updates

Representation

Inclusion of renters
Inclusion of low-income residents
Inclusion of BIPOC communities
Inclusion of youth and business owners

Representative Quote

“The people that live there are the ones that are going to be impacted the most.”

13. Summary of Major Community Themes

Across hundreds of responses, seven major themes emerged:

Theme

Community Message

Safety

People want streets where residents feel safe walking, biking, shopping, and gathering.

Housing

More affordable housing is needed, but investment must avoid displacement.

Services

Address houselessness through meaningful support systems.

Mobility

Create safer transportation options while balancing vehicle needs.

Business

Support local businesses and create destinations.

Environment

Add trees, parks, and attractive public spaces.

Trust

Ensure investment is transparent and community-driven.

14. Overall Community Vision

Despite concerns and frustration, the survey reveals a community that believes 82nd Avenue has tremendous potential.

Residents envision a corridor that:

Reflects the diversity of East Portland
Supports local businesses
Provides safe transportation options
Offers affordable places to live
Creates welcoming public spaces
Connects neighborhoods instead of dividing them

The strongest message from respondents is that transformation should not simply mean physical redevelopment—it should mean creating a healthier, safer, more connected community for the people who already live, work, and invest along 82nd Avenue.