email : Webview : PDX People Weekly Update: March 23, 2026

📌Updates on the Partial Government Shutdown and PDX Operations.

Stasia Marie Sipili and Mercedes Pennie

It Takes Two to Make a Traveler's Day Go Right

Stasia Marie Sipili and Mercedes Pennie with G2 Secure Staff were nominated by a PDX traveler.

"Stasia and Mercedes went above and beyond to assist our family. They met us at the jetway with wheelchairs, reassured us they had sanitized their hands, and helped move multiple carry-ons and checked bags filled with medical supplies. They guided us to a luggage cart, offered restroom and food stops, and even took us to the pet relief station for our son’s service dog.

When our wheelchair-accessible van was delayed, they gave us their contact information, returned promptly when we called, and arranged with security so the van could pull up to the curb, saving us from crossing the street with a ventilator and heavy luggage. They then helped load everything into the van, ensuring we could get on our way.

In the days following, I kept thinking about their kindness and competence. Stasia and Mercedes were friendly, knowledgeable, and respectful – and so much more. From sanitizing their hands to giving us contact info and returning to help, they showed foresight, skill, and genuine care. They truly love their work and take pride in providing exceptional service. Even our van driver remarked he’d never seen assistance like theirs. They deserve recognition as outstanding employees who put a welcoming face on PDX."

Want to learn more about PDX People recognition? Check out the recognition programs and read about past winners on the PDX People website. You can also nominate an employee who embodies the PDX People values and serves as a shining example of great customer service for next quarter – submit a nomination now.

Nominate a PDX Employee

Person using a red badge on a badge reader at PDX.

What's New with PDX Next: Access Door Changes and North Tunnel Closures

Access Door Changes: Starting today, there are significant changes to access doors. These changes are due to construction activities as crews work on baggage claim improvements.

Baggage Claim: Door T1772, near carousel 2, is closed. Door T1860, between carousels 6 and 7, is restricted to use by maintenance, TSA, and PAC – no airline or construction use.

Bypass Hallway Doors: To reduce cross-traffic from these closures, the B/C and D/E security bypass hallways are now one-way only, from pre-security into the sterile area. Employees should use exit lanes to leave sterile/secure areas. TSA is exempt from this change.

For alternate routes, stairs 6 and 17 – located at either end of the Concourse Connector and lead to the airfield – may be used by anyone with a red badge. Additionally, stair 12 – located near Hello from Portland – will temporarily be open to red badgeholders and provides access to the airfield and first floor secured areas.

We recognize this is a significant change and will be closely monitoring traffic flow and adjusting as needed. Signage is in place at access points to help guide you.

North Tunnel Closures: Next Monday, March 30, access to the terminal from the North Tunnel will be impacted by construction. For about three months – until around the end of June – escalators and stairs connecting the North Tunnel and baggage claim will be closed. The elevators will also be closed Monday, March 30, through Wednesday, April 1. In the interim, you'll want to use alternate routes, including the South Tunnel.

So why the closures? This is all part of a baggage claim refresh that will result in brighter lighting, a finished ceiling, WiFi upgrades, paint updates, and restroom improvements.

To keep baggage claim operational throughout construction, we’re doing this work in phases. Expect temporary detours through Nov. 2027, with South Tunnel escalator and stair closures coming in late 2026 / early 2027.

If you encounter travelers with questions, please let them know about baggage claim improvements and alternative routes through construction. There will also be wayfinding signage in place and staff available to help as needed.

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.

Child at Bring Your Child to Work Day interacting at one of the booths.

PDX Bring Your Child to Work Day Coming Thursday, April 23

Planes, fire trucks, and wildlife – oh my! Join us 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!

Back: Captain TJ Eriksen, Officer Skip Baker, Lieutenant Rohn Richards, Chief Jason Wallis Front: Sergeant Jan Childers, Officer Kelli Schrader, and Jason Hattrick, founder of Kindness 911

Port Police Present Annual Awards

The Port of Portland Police recently held their annual awards ceremony to recognize exceptional performance and outstanding contributions to the department and community by both employees and citizens. From the Chief’s Commendation to the Police Officer and Staff Member of the Year, join us in congratulating the award recipients and celebrating their notable accomplishments.

Be Knowledgeable:
Add New VEOCI Number for Emergency Alerts

Do you receive emergency alerts for activities at PDX? If so, you’ll want to add a new number to your contacts: 866.481.7757. Going forward, if you’re signed up for our Emergency Notification System, you’ll receive alerts from this dedicated toll-free number; adding it to your contacts will ensure if doesn’t get flagged as spam in your messaging app. If you aren’t currently signed up for PDX alerts, you can do so at any time using the PDX Emergency Notification System subscription form.

Poison Waters taking a shoe selfie on the PDX carpet.

Spread the Word:
PDX Open Casting Call

Every detail of the new PDX reflects the collaboration, craft, and heart of our region – from locally sourced wood to Portland-inspired design. As we prepare to unveil the second and final phase of PDX main terminal remodeling, we’re producing new photography to help bring this story to life.

If you have or know of a multigenerational family including a child (age 3 to 7), or a pair of friends, colleagues, or couple interested in being part of telling this story, please fill out the casting form. The photoshoot will take place on Monday, April 27, and Tuesday, April 28, and we’re prioritizing casting people with disabilities and/or people who have accessibility needs. Compensation is $100-400 depending on the role; deadline to apply is Wednesday, April 1.

Emily and chef Alex of Mikiko Mochi Donuts.

PDX in Pictures

Last week, two family-owned businesses kicked off one-year residencies in PDX’s pre-security pop-up spaces! Founded by Emily and chef Alex, Mikiko Mochi Donuts are inspired by Emily’s Japanese heritage and a family tradition of making mochi from scratch every December. Made with mochiko rice flour, these donuts have a signature chewy texture and bold rotating flavors, including fan favorites like passionfruit curd. Even better, they’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free, making it easier for more travelers to enjoy a sweet treat. Run by husband-and-wife duo Len and Dre, ECOVIBE brings together leafy houseplants, candles, and thoughtfully chosen goods from local makers. Take a moment to get to know the family behind ECOVIBE and the story of how their neighborhood shop found a home at PDX.

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