Contact the Cully-Concordia Community project by email

Cully-Concordia Community Assessment and Action Plan

A cooperative effort of the City of Portland, Portland Public Schools, interested individuals, communities and organizations.

This project has

• Explored how to increase and sustain the livability and attractiveness of the Cully-Concordia area for families with school age children, and

• Created an action plan and has built partnerships to follow up on actions generated through this process.

Key questions addressed

• How do anticipated growth, change and existing conditions in the study area affect local school capacity/viability and neighborhood livability?

• What is the potential for schools to serve as multi-purpose centers of community life in a way that also benefits their educational mission?

• What are the key missing neighborhood amenities and infrastructure that affect neighborhood livability for residents, including families with children?

• What are some potential strategies to address the enrollment challenges at the three elementary schools located within the study area?

• How can redevelopment of the area help advance community goals?

Steps Completed

1. Collected Information: Interview stakeholders and conduct focus groups with parents of school-age children. Collect existing conditions data on the Cully-Concordia area related to demographics, infrastructure facilities and services, school statistics, etc. along with development and population trend projections. (November 2007–April 2008)

2. Summarized findings from interviews and focus groups and compile information into a draft assessment report. Discuss the implications of conditions and trends on area schools and infrastructure facilities and services. (December 2007–April 2008)

3. Convened a community discussion group to review and discuss the draft assessment report, and help develop a list of near- to long-term actions that address needs, impacts, and community aspirations. Begin to identify potential partnerships to carry out actions. (April–September 2008)

4. Held community conversations to receive public comments on the draft assessment report and action list. (July 2008)

5. Finalized Assessment Report and Action List with partners (September 2008)

6. Presented report and Action Plan to City Council and other implementing agencies and organizations for endorsement, which was accomplished (October-November 2008)

7. Carry out implementation of Action Plan (ongoing)

Study area

The study area has included portions of two neighborhoods (Cully and Concordia) and three elementary schools—Faubion, Rigler, and Harvey Scott, each of which faces challenges common to elementary schools throughout the five school districts in Portland. The study area also includes a vacant school site, the former Whitaker Middle School, which presents a tremendous opportunity for serving and enlivening the community.

For more information and to participate on Action Plan implementation, contact Debbie Bischoff, 503-823-6946, dbischoff@ci.portland.or.us

Review Report Highlights (5/08)

Review Draft Assessment Report (6/08)

Review Final Assessment Report (9/08)

Review Action Plan (11/03/08)

Review Updated Action Plan (02/09/09)-English

Review Updated Action Plan (02/09/09)-Spanish

Review Updated Action Plan (02/09/09)-Somali