Portland Unveils Five New Snowplow Names

Residents choose creative monikers through ranked-choice voting contest

Feb. 9, 2026 at 9:47pm

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The city of Portland, Oregon has concluded its second annual snowplow naming contest, revealing five new names chosen from nearly 6,000 public votes cast using ranked-choice voting. The winning names - Keep Portland Cleared, Mississlippy, Damian Blizzard, A Sleetcar Named Deicer, and Pink Pony Plow - reflect the city's unique identity and embrace of playful civic engagement.

Why it matters

The snowplow naming contest exemplifies a growing trend of cities using creative initiatives to connect with residents and rebuild trust in local government. By inviting public participation in practical decisions, Portland is fostering a sense of community ownership and providing valuable experience with modern voting systems like ranked-choice voting.

The details

The contest allowed Portland residents to submit and vote on names for the city's fleet of 56 snowplows. The winning names were chosen through ranked-choice voting, which empowers voters to rank candidates in order of preference. This voting method mirrors Portland's use of ranked-choice voting in mayoral and city council elections, providing a low-stakes way for residents to familiarize themselves with the system.

  • The snowplow naming contest concluded in February 2026.
  • Portland's first snowplow naming contest was held the previous year.

The players

Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT)

The city agency responsible for maintaining Portland's infrastructure, including a fleet of 56 snowplows that work to keep essential routes open during winter weather events.

City Elections Division

The division that oversees Portland's elections, including the use of ranked-choice voting in the snowplow naming contest and local political races.

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What’s next

The city plans to continue the snowplow naming contest annually, providing residents with more opportunities to engage with local government and learn about ranked-choice voting.

The takeaway

Portland's snowplow naming contest demonstrates how cities can leverage creative, community-driven initiatives to strengthen civic engagement, promote transparency, and reflect the unique identity of their local communities.