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No PDX People newsletter next week.
We'll see you again on Monday, May 4.
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Walt Marchbanks is a Customer Service Powerhouse
This week, we’re highlighting an extra special customer service story – someone who exemplifies the values of PDX People with an exuberance that will be deeply missed: Walt Marchbanks, the Port of Portland’s Customer Programs and Services Manager.
As he heads to a new opportunity, we want to wish him well and take a moment to honor his legacy with the PDX People program.
You’ve seen him at every PDX People event, whether it’s 2 a.m. or 11 p.m. He’s there greeting employees with a smile, a high-five, a laugh…and sometimes even in costume. Walt brings a vibrant spirit to the PDX People program, along with empathy and support. Uplifting the PDX community is at the heart of what he does, and it’s reflected in every aspect of the program he’s nurtured over the past 10 years.
As Walt shared, "I’m especially proud of what we’ve built together through PDX People. Over time, we’ve collectively and meaningfully evolved every element of the program. Over the past decade, our Employee Appreciation Week efforts have grown from hundreds of engaged participants to thousands."
"To everyone who is part of PDX People," he added, "I believe wholeheartedly that these moments have helped foster a stronger sense of community across the airport, and that’s a direct reflection of your involvement and leadership."
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What's New with PDX Next: Community Murals Installed and Exit Lanes Now Open
Community Mural Features Faces of the PDX Project: The next time you’re in the terminal, head toward the south meeter-greeter area (near Topaz Farms) and take a moment to admire the faces featured on our new PDX community mural – each one a person who contributed to building, designing, imagining, and collaborating on the new PDX. Plus, on Monday, April 27, you’ll see a matching mural go up on the north side with an entirely different set of people pictured. Together, there are 156 faces featured, and while that doesn't even begin to capture everyone who contributed to this project, it's a small way to pay tribute to the thousands of locals – employees, Tribes, forestry folks, builders and makers of all stripes – who worked together to make PDX a love letter to the Pacific Northwest.
Exit Lanes Now Open: Last week, the exit lanes opened and KPTV stopped by to help share the good news. The direct route will likely save a minute or two for travelers and employees, and feels seamless and intuitive. Soon, it will be even easier to get to baggage claim when the escalators outside the exits open – the south side will open in early May, and the north side is set to open in mid-June. Travelers had nice things to say about the change to KPTV. "[The exits are] great," Suzanne Lambrecht said. "It’s a lot quicker and there’s no carpet to push the carts on." Jeanne Sterner Rush agreed. "I am so happy. It’s just so beautiful. It’s such a nice gateway to the city and to Oregon." Learn more about this change and how to answer questions from travelers.
Looking for more PDX Next information? We're keeping you in the know on what's new on the PDX People website. Have questions or suggestions about construction? Email hello@pdxnext.com or call the construction hotline at 503.460.4339.
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Celebrate Tomorrow at We Made it, PDX! Event
Drop in, grab a bite, pick up new PDX swag, enter the raffle featuring newly opened concessions, and spend time in the space you helped shape. Don't miss the party that's just for YOU!
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Celebrating PDX Volunteers: PDX Animal Assisted Therapy Program
Did you know that PDX is home to three volunteer programs – the PDX Music Program, the PDX Volunteer Information Program, and the PDX Animal Assisted Therapy Program? This month, we're highlighting each of these areas in honor of National Volunteer Week, celebrated April 19-25.
Travel can be stressful – that’s where the PDX Animal Assisted Therapy Program steps in, fetching a little peace and comfort for airport visitors. In February 2024, we welcomed a new group of four-legged friends to the program: Mountain Peaks Therapy Llamas and Alpacas. Over the past two years, Mountain Peaks has averaged about one visit per month. In 2026, they aim to visit weekly, introducing four additional animals to the PDX family: a father-son llama duo, Rocky and Rico, along with two alpacas, Fonzie and Chachi.
The canine therapy teams are overseen by our partners at DoveLewis. More than 36 highly trained canine therapy teams visit PDX, roaming the terminal with their handlers, tails wagging and on the lookout for pets and cuddles.
Portland Area Canine Therapy Teams Program Director Kathy Loter describes their impact: "We feel the love from all by seeing the smiles and the laughter when our dogs are in costume or in their program vests. We feel part of the PDX family!"
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PDX Bring Your Child to Work Day Happens This Thursday
Planes, fire trucks, and wildlife – oh my! Join us on Thursday, April 23, for a hands-on adventure where kids can explore the airport and discover the many careers that keep it soaring.
From up-close demos to interactive tables, you’ll meet the teams behind the scenes, including PDX People, Port of Portland Police, Portland Airport Fire and Rescue, PDX Wildlife, TSA, PDX Maintenance, and Lost and Found. Along the way, enjoy a scavenger hunt, grab some lunch, and yes…llamas will be making a special appearance. Get ready for fun and inspiration to take off at PDX!
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Take the Readers' Choice Awards Survey (and Vote PDX!) Today
Do you love our airport? If so, here's your chance to show support. Right now, Condé Nast Traveler is soliciting votes for their Readers’ Choice Awards, which highlight top-notch travel experiences and provide readers with trusted recommendations. PDX is in the mix for best airport and – as a bonus – your vote enters you for a chance to win a 15-day Viking ocean voyage to explore the British Isles. Voting ends Tuesday, June 30, at 11:59 p.m.
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Help Shape the Future of PDX
Pull up a chair and let’s map the next 20 years of our airport together. PDX 2045 is our roadmap to make sure PDX keeps serving airport employees, travelers, neighbors, and the local businesses that rely on it.
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