The beautiful City of Portland is in the south-central portion of Michigan's lower peninsula. We are nestled comfortably between Grand Rapids and Lansing, Michigan's capital. We rest at the confluence of the Grand River and the Looking Glass, from which we take our moniker "The City of Two Rivers", and which give us great fishing, canoeing, kayaking and other recreation opportunities.

The city is 3800 people strong, and boasts not one but two thriving K-12 school systems, Portland Public Schools, and Portland St. Patrick's School.

Portland's diverse shopping and service opportunities in our thriving Victorian-era downtown are complimented by a strong up-town commercial district as well. We have several fine industries in town, and a diverse and well-trained workforce.

Portland's commitment to meeting the recreation and quality-of-life desires of our residents is shown in our abundance of neighborhood and pocket parks,our phenomenal recreation program serving residents ages 1 to 100, and our nearly 9 miles of linear park, our "River Trail". This trail circles and bisects the city, connecting it's parks, schools, uptown and downtown, and includes several secluded "wilderness" trail loops teeming with deer and other wildlife. The River Trail includes 3 refurbished "old iron bridges", and several new bridges criss-crossing our two beautiful rivers.

Portland is honored to be the only community in Michigan to have been designated a "Michigan Main Street" AND named a "Cool City" by the Governor. Both programs provide us with different benefits. The Main Street program, administered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, provides us with their expertise in four areas: Economic Restructuring, Community Design, Promotion and Organization.

The Cool Cities program provides us with a catalyst grant, which we can use as our local match for obtaining other grants for a large project. Our project is a one-block-long boardwalk over the Grand River behind our "100 block" of shops that back up to the river, providing them with a second storefront "with a view" for access, increased pedestrian traffic, open-air cafe, and so forth.

Portland's commitment to the quality of life for your family, and the success or your business venture is backed up by a strong, positive, productive relationship between the City of Portland and the Portland Area Chamber of Commerce. We complement each other's efforts, and are both committed to your positive Portland experience.