Public Works Procurement Day: Advancing Collaboration and Equity in Portland’s Infrastructure

Last week, Public Works Deputy City Administrator Priya Dhanapal and Chief Procurement Officer Sylvester Donelson were joined by bureau leaders and project managers from the City’s three Public Works Bureaus—Bureau of Environmental Services, Portland Bureau of Transportation, and Portland Water Bureau—to host a successful City of Portland Public Works Procurement Day.

 The event brought together dozens of COBID-certified contractors, City staff, and community partners to talk about the City’s contracting process and wide array of 2025 construction bid opportunities, including projects to serve excellent drinking water, maintain an effective and safe transportation system, and provide reliable wastewater and stormwater services.

As the City’s Public Works Service Area oversees billions of dollars in infrastructure investments, it is essential that we manage these resources effectively to improve the quality of life for Portlanders.

Equally important is ensuring that all businesses—particularly small, emerging, and minority-owned contractors—are equipped and empowered to compete for these opportunities and contribute to Portland’s growth and success.

“The City of Portland is honored to support the empowerment of small and medium enterprises, especially those owned by Black, Indigenous, entrepreneurs of color and women,” Priyal Dhanapal, the deputy city administrator for Public Works said. “Together we can bridge the gap to equitable contracting by shining a light on opportunities, ensuring that every community has a chance to thrive and contribute to our shared success.”

In line with the City’s commitment to COBID contracting goals, this event provided valuable opportunities for networking, education, and access to resources, empowering these diverse businesses to successfully engage in the City’s procurement process.

Explore the City’s open bid opportunities

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the City’s transportation system, and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility. 

Learn about upcoming PBOT construction projects

The Portland Water Bureau serves water to almost a million people in the Portland area. Portland’s water system includes two great water sources, 54 tanks and reservoirs, and 2,250 miles of pipes. With 600 employees working on everything from water treatment to customer service, the Water Bureau is committed to serving excellent water every minute of every day.

Learn about upcoming Water construction projects

Environmental Services – the City of Portland’s sewer and stormwater utility – protects public health and the environment by collecting and recovering resources from the city’s wastewater, managing stormwater, and restoring and protecting Portland’s rivers, streams, and watersheds.

Learn about upcoming Environmental Services construction projects