Portland's city streets are getting a tech makeover aimed at boosting foot traffic and supporting local businesses. To turn passersby into patrons, the Public Environment Management Office (PEMO) has teamed up with several partners to introduce the Travel Portland 'Near Me Now' sidewalk clings, as reported by the City of Portland. These eye-catching sidewalk graphics feature QR codes which, when scanned, direct pedestrians to a web app that showcases nearby shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Hotspots like Powell’s Bookstore and Pioneer Courthouse Square have been drawing crowds, but many parts of Central City have been left quiet. According to the city's announcement, the new initiative is slated to change that. While encouraging deeper exploration of the city, the clings are placed strategically to lead foot traffic to under-visited yet culturally rich locales.
PEMO's collaboration for this project extends to Mayor Ted Wheeler's Office, Travel Portland, Portland Metro Chamber, Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, Downtown Retail Council, Pioneer Place, Old Town Community Association, and various businesses. These clings are more than just decoration; they're a new chapter in urban navigation and commerce. Mayor Wheeler stated, "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," underscoring the initiative's broader mission of revitalizing the city's heart, per the City of Portland.
The sidewalk clings, built to last a year, are expected not just to boost immediate exposure but also to enhance economic activity in the long term. If they perform well, PEMO plans to expand this concept to other neighborhoods, offering a tailored experience to each. Travel Portland President & CEO Jeff Miller said, "Travel Portland is delighted to do its part to encourage the exploration – and resurgence – of the Central City." The clings are designed to assist office workers and locals in discovering downtown's hidden gems, underlined by Chase McPherson of Downtown Portland Clean & Safe, who noted the clings' potential for aiding visitors in their exploration.
Immediate responses to the clings are promising. "The moment we saw the stickers go down, people were using the QR code and began their journey," Dan Lenzen, Owner of Dixie Tavern and Board Member of the Old Town Community Association, as per the City of Portland.
