Regional Refresh Fund

Metro’s Regional Refresh Fund is a locally administered funding program designed to support community-led cleanup and environmental improvement efforts across the greater Portland region. Administered by Metro, the regional government responsible for planning and environmental services, the fund emphasizes equitable access to cleanup resources by prioritizing underserved communities and environmentally sensitive areas. Through this program, Metro seeks to strengthen partnerships with local organizations while improving public spaces through waste reduction, trash removal, and related environmental initiatives. The core purpose of the Regional Refresh Fund is to provide flexible, low-barrier funding for projects that address immediate cleanup needs. The program supports a wide range of activities, including trash collection events, waste reduction campaigns, and preventative environmental efforts. Funding is intentionally designed to be adaptable, allowing applicants to tailor their proposals to the specific needs of their communities. In addition to standard cleanup projects, the fund currently includes a temporary expansion supporting graffiti abatement and mural installations, which is expected to remain available through approximately June 2027 or until funding is exhausted. Eligible uses of funds include purchasing cleanup supplies, covering waste disposal and transportation costs, producing educational materials, and supporting administrative expenses, which are capped at 30 percent of the total project budget. Graffiti abatement activities are generally limited to 25 percent of the total budget for standard projects; however, under the temporary expansion, projects focused entirely on graffiti removal are eligible if they meet specific guidelines. These include repainting entire wall sections rather than spot treatments, providing before and after documentation, and obtaining written authorization from property owners prior to award. Additional allowable costs may include equipment such as power washers for ongoing removal efforts. The program outlines clear restrictions on the use of funds. Ineligible activities include gardening, landscaping, yard waste removal, and interior rehabilitation or painting projects. Funds also cannot be used for political activities, lobbying, or initiatives that promote religious viewpoints. For graffiti abatement projects, additional requirements ensure long-term effectiveness, such as implementing deterrent measures like murals or protective coatings at sites with repeated tagging. These provisions are intended to maximize the durability and impact of funded projects. Eligibility for the Regional Refresh Fund includes nonprofit organizations, public agencies, schools, and business district associations. All proposed projects must take place on publicly accessible property within the Metro service boundary and must serve an underserved population, equity focus area, or environmentally sensitive location. Applicants are required to submit a clear project plan with detailed and realistic cost estimates, along with any required documentation such as site authorization forms and pre-project photographs for graffiti-related proposals. The application process involves reviewing program materials, completing the Regional Refresh Fund application, and submitting required documentation. Applicants are encouraged to consult with Metro staff, including the program manager, to confirm eligibility and strengthen proposals. Once approved, funding is distributed on a reimbursement basis, with Metro issuing payment within approximately 30 days of receiving an invoice. The program does not specify fixed application deadlines, suggesting a rolling or continuously available funding structure, and the temporary graffiti abatement expansion is anticipated to remain active through mid-2027.

Ensure full surface repainting for graffiti projects; include deterrent strategies for repeat tagging; provide clear documentation and realistic budgets