The City of Portland’s Public Environment Management Office (PEMO) is excited to announce the first phase of installation of Travel Portland ‘Near Me Now’ app-branded sidewalk cling graphics around the Central City.
When pedestrians scan the sidewalk clings’ QR code, they are taken directly to the web app, and prompted to download native versions of the app, if they prefer.
Through use of the ‘Near Me Now’ app, walkers will learn about nearby businesses and various points of interest. This project aims not just to connect people with businesses but to encourage a deeper exploration of the Central City’s diverse array of offerings.
PEMO has served as the connective thread among the many involved groups, addressing the concerns articulated in their Downtown and Old Town Problem Solver meetings about the lack of visitors impacting many areas of the Central City. While specific destinations such as the intersection at Powell’s Bookstore (1.1 million pedestrians in August 2023) and the area around Pioneer Courthouse Square and Pioneer Place Mall (averaged over 650,000 pedestrians in August 2023) see significant pedestrian traffic, there’s a notable gap in the movement of pedestrians beyond these hotspots.
To bridge this gap, Travel Portland’s ‘Near Me Now’ app and its associated branding was selected by the stakeholder groups as a meaningful way to drive both resident and visitor interaction with the Central City’s points of interest. The project employs large ‘main graphic’ clings in especially heavily trafficked areas and smaller directional clings to guide walkers through lesser known but equally interesting locations.
This innovative project, led by PEMO in collaboration with Mayor Ted Wheeler’s Office, Travel Portland, Portland Metro Chamber, Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, Downtown Retail Council, Pioneer Place, Old Town Community Association, and West End and Pearl District businesses is designed to promote pedestrian movement through Downtown, Old Town, the Pearl, and the West End, encouraging exploration and support of local businesses.
The clings, which have a lifespan of 12 months, aim to increase foot traffic and economic activity throughout the Central City. Their success, measured through usage of the ‘Near Me Now’ app, could see this initiative scaled to other areas of the city, tailored to meet the unique needs of each area.
“This project from PEMO and additional partners will foster connectivity, support local businesses, and enrich the urban experience for everyone who finds these clings along their path,” said Mayor Ted Wheeler. “By harnessing Travel Portland’s ‘Near Me Now’ app, residents and visitors will have a deeper connection to the diverse and vibrant offerings in Portland’s Central City. This initiative embodies my administration’s commitment to creating a dynamic, accessible, and welcoming Central City for all.”
“Travel Portland is delighted to do its part to encourage the exploration – and resurgence – of the Central City,” said Travel Portland President & CEO Jeff Miller. “And we’re pleased that a visitor-facing tool like ‘Near Me Now’ is finding applications for Portlanders, too.”
“We see this as a great way to help office workers and locals better navigate downtown, to branch out a bit further, and to connect to different restaurants and shops that they may not have seen before,” said Chase McPherson, Downtown Retail Advocate with Downtown Portland Clean & Safe. “People are coming downtown, and this new wayfinding tool will help visitors explore more on a single visit, go from district to district more easily, and ensure they can experience everything our city has to offer.”
“The moment we saw the stickers go down, people were using the QR code and began their journey,” said Dan Lenzen, Owner of Dixie Tavern and Board Member of Old Town Community Association.
“We all know that navigating the Central City can sometimes be difficult. This easy-to-use tool, found right under your feet, will help both tourists and locals find their way to their newly favorite shopping, dining, or entertainment destination,” said Jessica Curtis, General Manager Pioneer Place and Co-Chair of Downtown Retail Council.
About Travel Portland's 'Near Me Now'
- Travel Portland, the city’s destination marketing organization, drives travel demand that generates economic impact for Portland. Travel Portland’s ‘Near Me Now’ app offers an insider’s perspective on dining, shopping, public art, food carts, attractions, live music, and more throughout the city.
About PEMO
- Established through Mayor Ted Wheeler’s Emergency Declaration in May 2022, the Public Environment Management Office (PEMO) coordinates the City of Portland’s efforts to clean and activate public spaces. PEMO’s mission is to enhance livability, economic vitality, and community safety through efficient management and activation of public spaces.