Portland Anarchists Illegally Repair Potholes

Saying that they believe in direct action and suspecting the motives of the State, a group of Portland anarchists are taking to the streets to fix potholes.

1 minute read

March 16, 2017, 10:00 AM PDT

By Casey Brazeal @northandclark


Road Maintenance

AlexWang / Shutterstock

"Portland Anarchist Road Care is taking matters into its own hands by illegally repairing potholes around town," Mark Frauenfelder writes for Boing Boing. The Anarchists' Facebook page says, "We believe in community oriented direct action. We believe the state cares more about funding a militarized police force to suppress free speech than caring for and repairing the roads," Frauenfelder reports.

The group claims anarchists are misunderstood and mischaracterized by the media. "Portland Anarchist Road Care aims to mobilize crews throughout our city, in our neighborhoods, to patch our streets, build community, and continue to find solutions to community problems outside of the state," the group's Facebook page says.

Tuesday, March 14, 2017 in Boing Boing

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 7, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

The mayor of Baltimore speaks into a microphone in front of a rally for more state transportation funding from Maryland.

‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan

Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.

October 2, 2026 - Baltimore Sun

A rendering of the waterfront development, which shows a lit-up stage by the waterfront and people walking about.

Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment

Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.

October 2, 2026 - ABC 7

A yellow sign on the side of the road reads "NO DATA CENTER"

Data center developers are using lawsuits, cash offers to ‘overwhelm’ rural America

Newsrooms in five states worked together to uncover the tactics big tech developers use to buy land from reluctant communities.

October 10 - The Oregonian

A woman in the snowy woods wraps two children in blankets.

U.S.-Iran war may have ‘devastating’ impact on cost to warm homes

Vermont and Maine residents may see a 76% increase in the cost of warming their homes this winter.

October 9 - Grist

Construction worker uses a power saw to cut through metal.

Senate bill would ‘overhaul’ environmental permitting laws

Under the proposed act, government agencies would also not be able to suspend or rescind permits after granting them.

October 9 - Smart Cities Dive