Welcome to Friends of Riverton

Friends of Riverton was born from a simple belief: that neighbors working together can create positive change.

Our organization was founded in 2025 as Friends of Belfort, created by residents who cared deeply about the future of the Belfort Street neighborhood. What started as an effort to address concerns on one street quickly revealed something larger — the challenges facing Belfort were shared across the broader Riverton community. As our network grew and our work expanded, we evolved into Friends of Riverton, reflecting our commitment to the entire neighborhood.

What began as conversations about traffic concerns and development pressures has grown into a structured, effective nonprofit organization. We've learned that when residents come together with shared purpose and clear goals, we can influence decisions that shape our neighborhood's character and quality of life.

Our journey started when longtime residents noticed increasing challenges in the area. Traffic was becoming more dangerous for families with children. Development projects were moving forward without meaningful community input. Important neighborhood considerations seemed overlooked in city planning discussions. Rather than simply voicing frustration, our founders chose to take action.

In the early days, we listened, learned, and organized. We studied municipal processes, attended city council meetings, and connected with other neighborhood groups across Portland. We discovered that effective advocacy requires more than passion — it demands preparation, persistence, and a willingness to work constructively with city officials, developers, and fellow residents.

Today, Friends of Riverton represents a growing network of engaged neighbors committed to thoughtful community development. We are proud to stand together, look out for one another, and work collaboratively toward a stronger, safer, and more connected Riverton.