We have been hearing lately about how our NE Portland neighborhoods (Rose City Park, Roseway, Madison South) are so well organized and engaged. The neighborhood associations and the grass roots projects within do wonders for our community. With the Rocky Butte Farmers Market season opening today we thought it would be appropriate to share an article about the need for spaces like public markets when things are not so great. This is a story about what we have done for fun, for connecting with each other, and for building community, becoming so important when things go south. It is a reminder that what you are doing to create spaces for people is invaluable in times of need.
The article “Where We Go When Everything Breaks” by Ryan Smolar, published on May 16, 2025, on the Project for Public Spaces website, examines how the design of public spaces influenced Asheville, North Carolina’s response to Hurricane Helene in September 2024. Smolar, Director of PlacemakingUS and Consultant to Thrive Asheville, highlights that communities with established, walkable public spaces such as markets, churches, and community centers were effective in organizing relief efforts and fostering solidarity. Conversely, areas characterized by urban sprawl and a lack of communal spaces faced challenges in coordination and support. The article underscores the importance of public spaces that serve as critical infrastructure during crises, facilitating not only logistical support but also emotional resilience and community cohesion.
We highly recommend this article if for no other reason than you will learn about “toilet angels.”
Rose City Bluff Restoration 