Many of you already know that Max Margolis, Crime Prevention Program Coordinator, is no longer working with Southeast Uplift Neighborhoods. Max will be missed by the 10 neighborhoods and business districts within those neighborhoods that he provided services to: Ardenwald-Johnson Creek, Brentwood Darlington, Brooklyn, Creston-Kenilworth, Eastmoreland, Foster-Powell, Mt. Scott-Arleta, Reed, Sellwood-Moreland, and Woodstock.

The CENTER Neighborhood of east Portland has voted to change its name to North Tabor Neighborhood.

Metro is currently updating the Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) to shape future planning to protect the livability of our communities and sustain our region's well-being and economic prosperity. A goal of this update is to better advance regional policies, public priorities and local efforts to implement the 2040 Growth Concept to keep this region a great place to live and work for everyone.

By Cece Hughley Noel, Executive Director

It is an exciting time for neighborhoods in America! Our newly elected President has a deep commitment to civic engagement and community activism and this bodes well for those of us who share his commitment to promoting grassroots democracy.

The SE Uplift Livability Committee is open to neighborhood members interested in land use, transportation, sustainability and the urban environment. This committee gives neighbors the opportunity to get to know one another and help each other with livability concerns and projects that come up in all the southeast neighborhoods.

1000 Friends of Oregon is presenting this training where you can learn about Oregon's legislative process and how to make your voice heard. Gain the skills and techniques you need to be an effective advocate and citizen lobbyist for a cause. Review policy priorities of 1000 Friends and partner organizations to be well-informed on issues to discuss with your legislator. Meet others who share your interest in civic participation and smart land use planning for Oregon and discuss what we can do together to advance our common goals.

Meet, mingle and build new partnerships with neighborhood and business leaders from across the coalition area! The Harvest Social will be a great opportunity for networking and resource sharing between neighborhood and business association members. Apple cider, pumpkin pie, and donuts will be provided!

The City of Portland is accepting applications through October 31, 2008, for 12 community members to serve on the Community Involvement Committee (CIC) for the Portland Plan. The Portland Plan is a comprehensive, three-year planning project lead by the City's Bureau of Planning. The purpose of the Portland Plan is to develop policies and actions to guide Portland's growth and development over the next 30 years. The planning effort will result in an update to the city's Comprehensive Plan and the Central City Plan.

There is still time to make your voice heard at the City.

The Streetcar System Plan (SSP) is a 20 to 50 year long range planning study that will identify transit corridors in the City of Portland with the highest potential for more detailed analysis in the future.

And How Will We Have a Voice?

Portland is being transformed from a city of distinct neighborhoods into higher density. The Buckman Historic Association formed to protect Portland's unique historical resources and to consider how such increased density will affect neighborhood quality of life.