About CEIC

ABOUT THE DISTRICT

 

The CEIC is a non-profit, volunteer organization representing businesses and property owners in the Central Eastside Industrial District (CEID) in Portland, Oregon.

Comprised of district property owners, businesses and makers, the CEIC strives to preserve and honor the district’s industrial roots while maintaining a vibrant and thriving community of diverse businesses.

A selection of topics that the CEIC and our Committees are working on:

  • Parking solutions
  • Multi-modal transport incentives
  • Graffiti abatement and mural projects
  • District clean up
  • Work force training
  • Land Use issues
  • District freight & manufacturing studies
19%
District business growth since 2008
35%
% of jobs in manufacturing
37
Years CEIC Operating

OUR VISION & MISSION

MISSION:

Central Eastside Industrial Council ensures a vibrant, prosperous, and welcoming Central Eastside Industrial District for businesses, customers and employees. We serve our members, advocate for the district and its businesses, and promote our unique identity as a central-city industrial district and innovation hub.

VISION:

Central Eastside Industrial District is the national model for a thriving urban industrial district. 

Central Eastside’s diverse mix of businesses, industries, makers and creatives contributes to an innovative environment that generates quality jobs, promotes a vibrant pedestrian experience, and ensures a resilient, welcoming and connected community.

CEIC History Timeline

  • 1891

    The Central Eastside is incorporated into the City of Portland and is the Pacific Northwest’s largest port. Double-decker docks, specializing primarily in the shipping and receiving of agricultural goods, lined the Willamette River’s east bank. Produce distribution and industrial service businesses developed along the railroad tracks and Union Avenue (now Martin Luther King Blvd).

  • 1978

    Governor Neil Goldschmidt and representatives from local Eastside businesses designed the District Sanctuary to preserve the district’s industrial character.

  • 1980

    Central Eastside Council [CEIC] created.

  • 1986

    District Urban Renewal Plan passed.

  • 1989

    Oregon Convention Center built on Eastside through CEIC advocacy.

  • 1992

    OMSI relocates to the Central Eastside with CEIC advocacy.

  • 2001

    Development of the Vera Katz Eastbank Esplanade with partial funding from the Urban Renewal Plan.

  • 2004

    Creation of Employment Opportunity Subarea Zoning to increase density in the area without threatening the district’s industrial character.

  • 2005

    Burnside Bridge Head Project.

  • 2008

    Advocacy for the preservation of Convention Plaza.

  • 2010

    Central Eastside Parking Plan initiated.

  • 2010

    Burnside-Couch Couplet created through CEIC advocacy.

  • 2012

    Formation of the Transportation and Parking Advisory Committee (TPAC), a sub-committee of the CEIC, in partnership with the Portland Bureau of Transportation to resolve current district parking issues and create parking management systems.

  • 2012-2015

    Development of the Portland Vision, Portland Plan, Central City 2035 Plan, and SE Quadrant Plan.

  • 2015

    Opening of the Tilikum Crossing. This pedestrian, bike and light rail bridge is first new bridge built across the river in the Portland metropolitan area since 1973.

  • Enhanced Services District (ESD) Approved

    2019

    In February 2019, Portland City Council unanimously voted to approve an Enhanced Services District in the Central Eastside. The Central Eastside’s Enhanced Services District is known as Central Eastside Together.

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Click here to read an important update about Central Eastside Together's safety services.
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