Joining Forces With Albina Vision Trust

The Albina Vision Trust (AVT) and Lewis & Clark are proud to announce a historic partnership to weave education and opportunity into a redeveloped Lower Albina, a historically Black community in inner Northeast Portland. This alliance will create permanent infrastructure and programming for residents, students, educators, and community members to learn together and build community-based knowledge for the area’s vibrant future.

AVT was created to buy back land, rebuild Lower Albina, and re-root the legacies and futures of Portland’s working-class and historically displaced Black communities in the heart of the city. Anchored on a 94-acre project area, AVT envisions a neighborhood where social, physical, and financial wealth are accessible; where sustainable infrastructure supports world-class housing, mobility, and river access; and where development centers on the needs and futures of children and families. The effort aligns with L&C’s focus on promoting productive civic and community engagement as well as innovating in pursuit of a more just society.

“The Albina Vision Trust cannot build a world-class district without a world-class commitment to education,” says Winta Yohannes, executive director of the AVT. “Education is the backbone of economic mobility, community-led development, and all visionary acts of hope and healing. We are proud to approach this partnership with Lewis & Clark as both builders and learners.”

Together, AVT and Lewis & Clark will pursue two primary goals: the creation of a physical hub for world-class education and economic empowerment, and the integration of education and economic opportunity into the fabric of the community through large-scale programming and place-making initiatives.

A color rendering of the revitalized community, as envisioned by the new AVT-L&C partnership.
Credit: Albina Vision Trust

“We are excited to be working with Albina Vision Trust, a truly transformational redevelopment project that is sure to become a model for other cities nationwide,” says President Robin Holmes-Sullivan. “Bringing the Albina and Lewis & Clark communities together has untold value for all, including offering immersive learning opportunities for our undergraduate, graduate, and law students as well as a chance to codevelop a brighter future for our city.”

The partnership also aligns with L&C’s new strategic imperatives in its plan The L&C Advantage. In addition to the co-creation of community-based knowledge, the partnership will involve L&C’s legal clinics; culturally appropriate and empowering mental health services; and learning opportunities for children and youth. Albina residents will gain access to pathways for certifications, college credit, and postsecondary education through the undergraduate college, graduate school, and law school.

Both organizations look toward the multi-decade redevelopment of Lower Albina, not only with a deep understanding of its past, but with an unwavering belief in the boundless potential of its future.

As partners, we will build that future together.