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June 3: HNA Elections and Wildfire Preparedness

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  • 2 min read

[May 29, 2026]


The Hillsdale Neighborhood Association (HNA) meets next at 7:00pm on Wednesday, June 3, in the lower conference room at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church on SW Vermont St. All are invited to attend for annual board elections and a timely discussion on how to be prepared for wildfires with a rep from the fire bureau.


Join HNA at hillsdalepdxna.org/join/. To be eligible to vote, the membership appliction must be filled out five days in advance.


Over the past year, the HNA has grown its board from 2 to 11 and has expanded to over 200 registered members. Agenda topics have ranged from how to keep the Hillsdale Farmers' Market in its long-time home, to understanding land-use permitting notices, to updates on the construction of the local Habitat for Humanity project.


To suggest agenda topics that you would like to see, email hillsdalepdxna@gmail.com.


The May meeting included an overview of the ongoing Portland Public Schools process to identify schools for closure by the fall of 2027. Hillsdale parent Matt Coolidge told the group of about 50 people that Rieke Elementary is one of the smaller schools in the district, leading to concerns about its future. He emphasized that no list of schools has yet been compiled, and promised further updates as the situation develops.


Also in May, Liz Safran of the Hillsdale Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET) led a discussion on developing the relationships with neighbors that will save lives following a major disaster.


Emergency prep can be daunting. But, said Safran, “Don’t panic! NET can help!”


Here's how:


  • If you’re connected to your neighbors already through a group text or email list, Hillsdale NET wants to add you to their public map to help them identify in neighbor support and to inspire others to get connected.

  • Hillsdale NET can also help your group get prepared for emergencies. A 75-minute training on gathering and storing supplies is available upon request through Portland Bureau of Emergency Management’s Speaker’s Bureau.

  • Not part of a group but want to be? Check out Hillsdale NET’s online pod formation kit and reach out to them for help at pangburn16@gmail.com.

  • Portland Bureau of Emergency Management trains volunteers for free. The 28-hour NET training covers first aid, light search and rescue, and emergency communications. Once trained, there are more trainings available and opportunities to help out with emergency responses to events such as heat waves or ice storms.


Learn more:



Hillsdale Neighborhood Association Meeting

Wednesday, June 3

General Meeting: 7-8:00pm

Board Meeting: 8-8:30pm


The meeting will be held in a hybrid format, both in-person and via Zoom.


Physical location: St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, Lower Level Conference Room, 2201 SW Vermont St. (park in upper lot on west side of church, then walk around the front of the building to the red door at the end of the lower lot).


Meeting ID: 882 4379 5529

Passcode: 092478


—Valeurie Friedman

Comments? Concerns? Send us an email.

 
 
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