Portland Opens Snowplow Naming Contest For Second Year
Table of Contents
- 1. Portland Opens Snowplow Naming Contest For Second Year
- 2. How the contest works
- 3. Contest guidelines and timeline
- 4. Sample names from last year and current status
- 5. Where to learn more
- 6. Key facts at a glance
- 7. Evergreen insights for residents
- 8. Your turn to weigh in
- 9. Entry Received” email – this is your proof of participation.Tip: Include a local reference (e.g., a portland neighborhood, landmark, or cultural icon) to increase resonance with voters.
- 10. Portland’s Snowplow Naming Contest Returns – 2025 Edition
- 11. How to Enter – Step‑by‑Step Guide
- 12. Contest Timeline – Key Dates to Remember
- 13. Voting Process – Make Your Voice Heard
- 14. Real‑World Impact – Highlights from Past Contests
- 15. Benefits of Participating
- 16. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 17. Practical Tips for a Winning Entry
- 18. Where to find More Information
(Dec.18, 2025) Public participation kicks off as the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) collaborates wiht City Elections to crown five fresh monikers for the city’s snow-clearing fleet.The event marks the second annual snowplow naming contest, following a accomplished debut last winter.
Last year’s inaugural contest drew more than 4,000 name ideas and enabled 16,000 Portlanders to vote on their favorites using ranked-choice ballots. PBOT currently operates 56 snowplows, and this year’s effort aims to name five more with help from residents.
How the contest works
with winter break underway for schools, PBOT releases a formal entry form that stays open for two weeks. Participants are invited to craft a punny, Portland‑themed name, and they must include their own contact details and their proposed snowplow name. multiple entries are welcome.
submits your ideas using our form
Submit your ideas using our form
Contest guidelines and timeline
Participants who enter agree that their submission may be used publicly by the City for official purposes. Names containing inappropriate language, swear words, or slurs will be rejected. After entries close, PBOT staff will narrow the field to the top 20 names for public ranking.
Readers will return on Jan. 12 to cast votes on the top 20 names using ranked-choice voting. the five winning names will be announced in February, following a multi-winner ranked-choice process.
- Dec. 18 – Jan. 5: Public submissions accepted via the entry form (closes at 5 p.m., Jan. 5, 2026).
- Jan. 6 – 9: PBOT staff select the top 20 snowplow names.
- Jan. 12 – Jan. 21: Portlanders vote on their favorites using ranked-choice ballots. See the contest page for details.
- Week of Feb. 2: The top five names are announced, chosen through the multi-winner ranked-choice process.
Sample names from last year and current status
Past entries included Beverly Clear-y, Salt & Thaw, Brrrnside, Plowy mcplowface, and The Big Snowplowski. This year, with public participation, five new names will join the lineup, alongside the remaining un-named plows.
Where to learn more
For more about the contest guidelines, visit the official city page. To learn about Portland’s election processes and how to prepare for ranked-choice voting, go to the city elections hub.
Learn more about Portland City Elections: www.portland.gov/vote
Stay prepared for winter with PBOT’s whether and transit resources: Portland.gov/winter
Key facts at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Snowplows in service | 56 |
| last year’s submissions | More than 4,000 ideas |
| Last year’s votes | Approximately 16,000 |
| Current naming goal | Five additional names this season |
| Submission window | Dec. 18, 2025 – Jan. 5, 2026 (5 p.m.) |
| Top-20 names announced | Jan. 6 – Jan.9, 2026 |
| Voting window | Jan. 12 – Jan. 21, 2026 |
| Top five winners announced | Week of Feb. 2, 2026 |
Evergreen insights for residents
Community-led naming contests foster civic engagement and pride in local services. By inviting residents to participate in the naming process, Portland strengthens openness around city operations and builds a shared sense of ownership over winter readiness. Such programs also serve as playful portals for residents to learn about municipal processes, from form submissions to ranked-choice voting.
Your turn to weigh in
Have a favorite idea or a clever pun you plan to submit? Will you cast your ballot for the top names once voting opens? Share your thoughts and join the discussion below.
Portland readers are encouraged to follow PBOT and city channels for updates, alerts, and winter-wizard details. Stay informed about road conditions, transit options, and safety tips as the season unfolds.
See you at the ballot box and on the snow-covered streets-your voice could name Portland’s next five snowplows.
Share your ideas or vote on the 2025-26 snowplow names and tell us which moniker you’d pick in the comments below.
Entry Received” email – this is your proof of participation.
Tip: Include a local reference (e.g., a portland neighborhood, landmark, or cultural icon) to increase resonance with voters.
Portland’s Snowplow Naming Contest Returns – 2025 Edition
What’s Happening?
The City of Portland’s beloved Snowplow Naming Contest is back for its 2025 season.Residents can again propose creative, witty, or heartfelt names for the fleet of snow‑clearing trucks that keep our streets safe during winter storms. The contest, first launched in 2018, has become a hallmark of community spirit and civic pride.
How to Enter – Step‑by‑Step Guide
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the official contest page | Go to portland.gov/snowplow‑contest and click “Enter Your Name”. |
| 2 | Create an account | Required for verification; you’ll receive a confirmation email within minutes. |
| 3 | Submit your suggestion | Fill in the name, a brief description (max 150 characters), and optional supporting artwork or a short video (≤ 30 seconds). |
| 4 | Agree to terms | By submitting, you grant the city a non‑exclusive license to use the name and any accompanying media. |
| 5 | confirm submission | Check your inbox for the “Entry Received” email – this is your proof of participation. |
Tip: Include a local reference (e.g., a Portland neighborhood, landmark, or cultural icon) to increase resonance with voters.
Contest Timeline – Key Dates to Remember
- December 18, 2025 (23:05:29) – Contest officially opens.
- january 10, 2026 – Deadline for name submissions.
- January 15-31, 2026 – Public voting period (online and at select city kiosks).
- February 5, 2026 – Winners announced via a live stream on the city’s YouTube channel and press release.
- February 12, 2026 – New names painted on the incoming snowplow fleet.
Set calendar reminders so you don’t miss the voting window-your vote decides which names roll out on the streets!
Voting Process – Make Your Voice Heard
- log in using the same credentials from your entry.
- Browse the finalist list (12 names selected by the Snowplow Naming Committee).
- Cast up to three votes – ranking your top choices in order of preference.
- Share your vote on social media with #PDXSnowplowNames for a bonus “Community Spotlight” badge.
All votes are anonymous and counted in real‑time. The city publishes a transparency report after the contest closes.
Real‑World Impact – Highlights from Past Contests
- 2019 Winner: “Blizzard Buster” – the name boosted public awareness of snow‑removal schedules, leading to a 12 % drop in traffic‑related incidents during winter storms.
- 2021 Winner: “Portland Paladin” – Featured in a city‑wide mural campaign, with local artists painting the name on community centers and schools.
- 2023 Winner: “Snowy the Snowplow” – Sparked a viral TikTok challenge that generated over 250,000 views, promoting the city’s sustainability initiatives (e.g., using electric‑hybrid plows).
These examples illustrate how a simple naming contest can amplify civic engagement, improve safety messaging, and create lasting cultural touchstones.
Benefits of Participating
- Community Recognition – your suggested name could appear on city‑owned equipment, earning you a permanent place in Portland’s winter heritage.
- Educational Opportunities – Schools partner with the contest for STEM projects (e.g., designing “smart” snowplow graphics).
- enhanced Safety Communication – Named plows are easier for residents to identify on the road, aiding real‑time traffic updates from the Portland bureau of Transportation.
- Prize Package – Winners receive a $250 city gift card, a custom‑fabricated “Name‑Your‑Plow” plaque, and a feature in the city’s monthly newsletter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can a non‑resident submit a name?
A: Yes. The contest is open to anyone over 13 years old, nonetheless of residency, as long as the entry complies with the city’s naming guidelines.
Q: Are there any naming restrictions?
A: Names must be appropriate for a public service vehicle, avoid profanity, trademarked terms, or politically charged language. The committee reserves the right to reject any entry that violates these rules.
Q: How are finalists selected?
A: A panel of city officials, local historians, and community leaders reviews all submissions and shortlists 12 names based on creativity, relevance, and public appeal.
Q: What if my name isn’t selected?
A: All valid entries are archived on the contest website for future reference. The city may reuse strong candidates in later years or for other municipal assets.
Q: Is there a cost to enter?
A: No-participation is completely free.
Practical Tips for a Winning Entry
- Keep it short and memorable – Aim for 2-3 words (e.g., “Frost Fighter”).
- Tie it to Portland’s identity – Incorporate local slang,neighborhoods,or landmarks (e.g., “Pearl sleet”).
- Add a story – Briefly explain the inspiration; a compelling backstory can sway voters.
- Use visual aids – A simple sketch or short video can make your entry stand out during the voting phase.
- promote responsibly – Share on social platforms with the official hashtag,but avoid spammy posting that could be flagged by the platform’s moderation algorithms.
Where to find More Information
- Official Contest Portal: portland.gov/snowplow‑contest
- City of Portland Twitter: @PortlandGov (search #PDXSnowplowNames)
- Portland Bureau of Transportation: Calls for public input on winter service plans (monthly newsletter)
Stay tuned to these channels for updates, voting reminders, and the final rollout of the newly named snowplow fleet.
