Your trusted source for local Portland, OR news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Lauren Johnson will become the new chief of the Portland Fire & Rescue Bureau on August 18, marking a significant leadership appointment in the city's government. Johnson, currently an assistant fire chief in Dallas, expressed her eagerness to enhance public safety in Portland. Mayor Keith Wilson praised her extensive experience and leadership.
Portland ensures compliance with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II by providing necessary accommodations for access to city programs. Services include translation, interpretation, and auxiliary aids. Residents can request ADA accommodations by calling 503-823-4000.
Portland's Digital Services team presented a generative AI chatbot aimed at simplifying the permit appointment process for residents. The initiative, part of a pilot program, addresses confusion over scheduling by using a human-centered design approach. The chatbot aims to improve customer experience and reduce misrouted appointments.
The City of Portland has officially transitioned the operations of the Multnomah Safe Rest Village shelter site to Urban Alchemy, effective July 1, 2025. Urban Alchemy, recognized for its trauma-informed approach, aims to enhance support for Portlanders experiencing homelessness. The partnership reflects the city's ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness with compassion and effective collaboration.
Portland's Street Services Coordination Center (SSCC) reported 64 shelter referrals for people experiencing homelessness last week, with 46 accepted and 23 utilizing beds. The SSCC, which collaborates with multiple city agencies, removed 177 campsites posing health and safety risks during the same period.
One person died following a shooting in Downtown Portland on Tuesday afternoon, and a suspect has been arrested. The incident occurred near the Central Library, prompting road closures and disruptions to public transit in the area. Authorities confirmed no ongoing public safety threat.
Portland's Bureau of Environmental Services announced rate and fee increases effective July 1, 2025, to fund essential services including water and sewer operations. The increases aim to maintain the safety and sustainability of city infrastructure. Residents can expect more details on the fiscal year 2025-26 budget and its implications.
Urban Forestry will implement a fully online Tree Removal & Replanting Permit Application process starting July 1, 2025. Applicants using DevHub will no longer need to download and upload PDFs, streamlining the application process. Minor content changes include the removal of site plans and photos as requirements.
Mary Lou Cook works to ensure individuals can afford service animals, emphasizing that everything is "pawsible." Her efforts aim to increase accessibility for those in need of service animals. Viewers can watch her story by clicking the video link.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) filed a federal lawsuit against the Oregon Department of Corrections, alleging the systematic denial of religious accommodations for three Muslim inmates. The lawsuit claims that these inmates were not provided halal meals or allowed to celebrate Eid, while other religious groups received such accommodations.