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Timed use permits return for visitors driving to Multnomah Falls this summer, aiming to manage parking demand. The initiative encourages alternative transportation methods to enjoy the scenic area without a car.
Portland City Council approved an $8.5 billion budget for 2025-26 after lengthy discussions and numerous amendments. The budget allocates funds for homeless shelter beds and public safety but enforces significant cuts to the permitting department and parks services. Final adoption is scheduled for June 18.
Climate change has increased fire weather days in parts of Oregon by over 20. The surge in these risk days poses significant threats to local communities.
Portland city councilors redirected $2 million from police funding to park maintenance during a lengthy budget session. The city faces a $93 million budget shortfall, prompting amendments to the proposed $8.5 billion budget submitted by Mayor Keith Wilson.
Oregon officials reopened a section of the Historic Columbia River Highway near Multnomah Falls ahead of schedule, easing access to popular waterfalls. The highway had been closed for repairs to restore its historic structure, which included patching decorative concrete and reinforcing the roadway. Future lane closures are anticipated for cleanup and additional projects.
Axios Portland covers recent developments in the city, including a rise in wealthy renters and a forecast for a hot, dry summer in 2025. The local community faces challenges like increased fire weather and budget cuts affecting police funding. These issues highlight ongoing socio-economic changes in Portland.
Multnomah County voters approved a $1.8 billion bond for Portland Public Schools in the May 20 special election, with nearly 59 percent in favor. The election also resulted in new leaders for several school boards, with significant voter turnout reported at nearly 25 percent. Final results will be certified by June 16.
Fire weather days in Oregon have surged, prompting concerns among officials. Meanwhile, the Portland City Council has redirected $2 million from police funding to parks, reflecting a shift in budget priorities. These developments highlight ongoing local efforts to address community needs amid environmental challenges.
Portland ranks 9th in the nation for its parks, according to the Trust for Public Land's ParkScore rankings. The city scored highest in investment, allocating $274 per resident, but faces challenges in equity as neighborhoods with higher populations of people of color have access to significantly less park space.
Portland's Old Town neighborhood is undergoing significant redevelopment led by the Old Town Community Association (OTCA), raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest. OTCA president Jessie Burke and treasurer Jonathan Cohen, who own a local hotel, have influenced funding decisions for a project called Made in Old Town, which aims to establish a multi-building sportswear campus. Critics question whether the project's financial backing, including a $2 million state grant, is appropriate given OTCA's close ties to its leaders.