More than a week has passed since I sent the message “extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures“, the first email communication from Portland Downtown related to the emergence of COVID-19 in our community. Since then, I’ve talked with business owners and nonprofit leaders who have had to lay off staff, cancel fundraising events, and in
With each new day, individuals, businesses, and organizations are having to make difficult decisions that have very real and immediate consequences for their businesses and for those who they employ. While we use the term ‘businesses’, ‘organizations’, and ’employees’, what we are really talking about is our community members and friends. There is an
In the face of a global pandemic, local leaders are having to step up and make difficult decisions in their communities. Local leaders are not just those in charge of instituting rules and regulations, but those who lead by example. The call to flatten the curve by using social distancing is both real and
PORTLAND, Maine – Portland Downtown is beginning its search for a new executive director to replace existing director, Casey Gilbert, whose contract ends June 30. Gilbert, who led the organization through its five-year strategic plan from 2015 to 2020, plans to build a consulting practice and explore teaching opportunities along with the completion of
Over 50 downtown businesses decorated their storefronts this year for Portland Downtown’s annual Holiday Window Display Contest . The creations are simply breathtaking – and we’re thrilled to present our winners! Read more
There’s holiday cheer at every turn downtown! Take a look at our upcoming events including the Monument Square Tree Lighting, Shop For A Cause, Elfternoon, and Merry Madness.
The early bird catches the worm! Save $5 per Merry Madness ticket if you order by Oct 31. Read more
Celebrate multimodal living in Portland! Join us for our Drive Less, Do More Launch Party in Monument Square. Read more
It’s not every day that you see a giant swarm of BEES in downtown Portland – but that’s precisely what happened last Thursday! To the surprise of pedestrians along Congress Street, thousands of bees were seen (and heard!) swarming in and around a METRO bus shelter. While some onlookers fled in terror, others watched
Portland Downtown announces ‘end of an era’ for Old Port Festival PORTLAND, Maine – All good things must come to an end. Portland Downtown is announcing that the 2019 Old Port Festival — to be held Sunday, June 9, 2019 — will mark a fond farewell to one of Maine’s largest summer events. For