Central Eastside's Monthly Newsletter

March 2026

Thanks to Living Häus Beer Company for hosting The Central Eastside Social, our quarterly member series. 

Join us for a relaxed, after-work gathering that brings together our members and businesses from across the district. It’s an opportunity to build connections, spark new collaborations, and spend time with the businesses that power the Central Eastside. Ticket includes two drink tickets and light apps.

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

4–6pm

Tiered ticket pricing is available to help offset event costs. All ticket sales directly support our advocacy and district-wide work on behalf of the business community. $10 off for members, in the member portal.

Queers from the Country, supported by Better Together Grant.

The Spring 2026 Better Together Grant deadline is fast approaching, with just two weeks left to apply. Central Eastside’s Enhanced Service District is currently accepting applications for the fifth Better Together Grant cycle, supporting arts, cultural events, public installations, and place-based projects across the district.

We’re seeking creative, collaborative projects taking place between July 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to think beyond one- or two-day events, with proposals that have the potential to grow into annual traditions or signature events that embody the district’s brand and identity. 

This cycle offers $50,000 in total funding ($3,000–$7,000 per project). Projects must be co-created by at least three businesses or organizations within the district. Funding can support new ideas or expand existing initiatives.

Applications are due March 25, 2026.

Questions? Contact Jenn Rhodes, District Activation Manager, at jenn@ceic.cc.

TriMet is planning major changes to transit service starting in August. The transit agency shared updated service proposals March 11, informed by public feedback on an earlier set released in January.

One key update is that TriMet now plans to maintain bus service on Northeast Glisan Street, including service to Providence Portland Medical Center. The Glisan segment of Line 19 will be combined with Line 58 as Line 19-Glisan/Canyon Rd. TriMet still plans to extend Line 4 and Line 10 to cover Line 19’s route in Southeast Portland.

Line 4-Fessenden/Woodstock will run between Downtown Portland and Lents Town Center, with additional service along Southeast Woodstock Boulevard. Line 10-Steele will run between Downtown Portland and the Mt. Scott neighborhood. The updated proposal now serves Duke Street between 52nd and 72nd avenues and will operate from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm weekdays.

The TriMet Board of Directors is considering the proposals. You can provide comments through email to boardtestimony@trimet.org or at a TriMet Board meeting. A special listening session will be held at 9 am Wednesday, March 18. The Board meets March 25 and is expected to vote April 22.

Rising costs, declining revenue and insufficient funding are driving the changes. Additional service reductions are expected in August 2027.

Join us for our Coffee Break Series on Tuesday, April 21 from 9–11 am at Jupiter Hotel with City Councilor Tiffany Koyama Lane for a conversation with Central Eastside member businesses.

Tiffany Koyama Lane is one of the three councilors representing District 3 (inner Southeast Portland, reaching north to Sandy Blvd. and east to I-205) on the Portland City Council. She brings her lived experiences and values as a mother, a teacher, and fourth-generation Japanese American, into office with her.

Koyama Lane will share updates from City Hall, followed by an open town hall-style Q&A and discussion. This is a chance to engage directly with your City Councilor, ask questions that matter to your business, and help ensure the Central Eastside’s voice stays front and center in city decisions.

Act fast! Coffee Break events are limited to 30 guests.

This event is free for CEIC members with code available in the Member’s Portal. Non-members are welcome and can purchase a $10 ticket. RSVP required.

The Jupiter Hotel is the official host partner for CEIC’s 2026 Coffee Break Series, supporting thoughtful conversation and open dialogue between Central Eastside businesses, local leadership, and community voices.

Central Eastside Industrial Council is pleased to introduce Nicole Stein, Director of Social Impact and Sustainability at Killian Pacific, as the newest member of the CEIC Board of Directors. Nicole brings experience in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and organizational development, along with a strong commitment to the district’s continued vitality.

Nicole is interested in serving on the CEIC Board to support the Central Eastside, a district she describes as a workhorse neighborhood shaped by its creative and maker communities and strengthened by river access, proximity to the urban core, and connections to surrounding neighborhoods. She looks forward to advancing the district’s identity, supporting its thoughtful evolution and advocating for the businesses and people who rely on it.

We’re excited to welcome her perspective and leadership to the board!

The Transportation & Parking Advisory Committee (TPAC) leverages transportation and parking systems to assist, foster, and expand employment and business growth in the Central Eastside Industrial District.

Our efforts focus on improved parking management, freight mobility, ride-sharing, and public transport; facilitating bicycle and pedestrian use; and promoting sustainable measures to improve air quality and livability for district residents, employers, and employees. 

Celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day finale with live DJs, specialty drinks, and a 21+ crowd. Enjoy music from Cazrep and Shay Baca, free admission, and a chance to win daily prizes. Supported by the Central Eastside Better Together Grant.

Join a casual evening of art, connection, and community. Artist Epiphany Couch leads a hands-on collage workshop for all ages, with materials provided. Guests can create alongside others, enjoy music, dinner, and drinks, and take an optional tour of the Center for Native Arts + Cultures.

Enjoy the talents of local professional vocalists during a three-course dinner cruise on the Portland Spirit. Thoughtfully timed throughout the evening, their melodies complement beautiful springtime river views. 

For more events happening in the Central Eastside, see our events calendar.

New to the Central Eastside and not sure how to get involved?

Join our community of businesses for free within the first year of operating your business in the District. You’ll get access to our exclusive updates, networking events, and more!

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Events

Enhanced Services

1028 SE Water Avenue
Portland, OR 97214
(503) 236-6830
ceic@ceic.cc

Central Eastside Industrial District is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization.

Our mission is to serve the business interests of our members by advocating for a vibrant, safe, prosperous and welcoming Central Eastside Industrial District.