Portland's streets are expected to see a rise in unsanctioned campsites following the end of a partnership between the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and the City of Portland. The previous agreement, in effect since 2019, allowed for the City of Portland’s Impact Reduction Program (IRP) to handle campsite management on ODOT properties. According to a statement from the City of Portland, the intergovernmental collaboration concluded due to funding constraints after a key transportation bill was left untouched by the Oregon State Legislature at the session’s end.
As a consequence, ODOT will now resume control over camp removals, although at a diminished service level compared to past efforts. The change is anticipated to increase the presence of camping, accompanied by trash and debris, within city highway jurisdictions. The City of Portland's online campsite reporting tools will no longer service areas on ODOT property, with city residents directed to report such sites to ODOT directly by calling or via their online service.
For those on the streets, the procedural shift holds tangible ramifications. Portland’s prior handling of campsite removals, characterized by clear guidelines and a dedicated property retrieval system, will be replaced by ODOT’s policies. These policies, while sharing similarities, bear distinct procedural differences. As noted by the City of Portland, ODOT’s policies prescribe a minimum 10-day advanced warning of camp removals, and varying response times depending on whether the site is in a designated "No Trespass" zone.
People residing in such camps on ODOT's watch will need to remain vigilant for signage indicating impending cleanups and adapt to new processes for personal property retrieval. ODOT has designated a contact number and different retrieval locations compared to the city's services. Individuals camping on state property who had earlier been served notice from the city but not yet seen action are advised to brace for potential removals by ODOT contracted crews, as their camps may be re-posted for cleanup.
