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Portland City Council approved rate increases for water, sewer, and other municipal services, effective July 1, 2025. Residential bills will rise by 6.34%, costing the average household an additional $9.55 monthly. These increases address a $150 million deficit and fund essential maintenance of aging infrastructure.
More than a thousand corgis will participate in the Corgi Beach Takeover in Seaside, Oregon, on Saturday, raising funds for the Oregon Humane Society. The event features a costume contest, corgi races, and a silent auction, with registration tickets priced at $10. New this year, Pelican Brewing will donate $1 from each pint of "Short Legs IPA" sold to the Humane Society.
Multnomah County's proposal to cut the Preschool For All Program raises concerns about the high cost of childcare, which averages nearly $1,500 per month per infant. Candice Williams of Family Forward warns that such expenses can hinder parents' ability to work, leading to severe consequences like homelessness and reliance on public assistance.
Two young girls died in a three-car crash on Highway 101 in Clatsop County on Thursday afternoon. The accident involved a Toyota Tacoma pickup that crossed into oncoming traffic, colliding head-on with a Honda CR-V and a Nissan Rogue, resulting in serious injuries to three adults and the fatalities of the two girls. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
In-person services at Portland's Development Services Center are available only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, requiring pre-scheduled appointments. The online permit portal, Development Hub PDX, will undergo maintenance on June 30, temporarily halting services during the update.
The City of Portland will implement a new benefits plan starting July 1, 2025, with employees seeing changes reflected in their paychecks from July 10. Employees are advised to verify their selected benefits in the Benefits Portal to ensure accuracy. Key resources and dates are provided to assist employees in navigating the new plan year.
The City of Portland selected four groups to explore the establishment of new Enhanced Services Districts (ESDs) across all four Council Districts. The first group will commence efforts in July 2025, followed by a second group in early 2026, pending City Council approval. Property and business owners will fund additional services through the ESD program to enhance local communities.
Multnomah County allows addiction and behavioral health specialists to refer patients to its sobering services, expanding access beyond law enforcement. The county aims to increase utilization of the 13 beds at its Southeast Portland center, which have seen only 26 users since opening in April. County officials partnered with five organizations to facilitate referrals for individuals unable to care for themselves due to substance impairment.
Sofia Nava Ulacio, a 21-year-old Portland Community College graduate, overcame significant hardships in Venezuela to pursue her dreams in music. With a 4.0 GPA and recognition from her professors, she has inspired others through initiatives like the Rock Creek Choir Club. Nava Ulacio will continue her education at Lewis and Clark College on a full-ride scholarship.
Thirty-two maltipoo dogs were rescued from unsanitary conditions in Bonney Lake, Washington, after their owner relinquished them to animal control. The dogs were taken to the Humane Society of Tacoma & Pierce County, where they are now in foster homes and will soon be available for adoption. This intake adds to the shelter's existing population of 80 dogs and 468 cats during its busiest season.