Neighborhood Nonprofit Spotlight: Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods

Patch talks to Adam about his work with the Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods.

Patch: Tell Patch a little about your organization!

Adam: Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods (NECN) is a district coalition representing inner northeast Portland. We aim to create sustainable, equitable, and healthy communities. We empower people to be directly involved in the evolution of their neighborhood. Our work includes civic engagement, issue advocacy, volunteer leadership development, and community project support.

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Patch: What is the biggest struggle your organization faces?

Adam: Our neighborhoods have drastically changed in culture and landscape. A study by Governing Magazine found that over the past 15 years, Northeast Portland has experienced some of the highest rates of gentrification in the country. African Americans were once the majority of residents and business owners in the Boise and Eliot neighborhoods, but urban renewal projects, redlining by banks and real estate agents, and the use of “eminent domain” to build property has caused ongoing displacement. Many children go to the same schools in the Northeast as their parents, but their families no longer live in the neighborhood. We deal with rising prices, a shortage of affordable housing, demolitions of old and historic properties, and the slow and uncertain dismantling of racist policies.

Patch: What do you hope for the future of your nonprofit?

Adam: Better, more equitable inclusion. Overall, we aim for community cohesion and equity. We hope to increase inclusion of historically under served and underrepresented groups. We hope for more activities to bring people into the conversation around air pollution, housing, schools, and criminal justice.