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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A new bagel shop, Sincerely, Bagel, has quickly gained popularity in the Kerns neighborhood of Portland since opening earlier this year. The business draws on traditional Korean flavors and quality ingredients, promising a unique culinary experience.
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.
Portland City Councilors Mitch Green and Candace Avalos proposed a rent subsidy for tenants at Everett Station Lofts amid rising rent concerns. Their plan, aimed at addressing a unique leasing agreement that has led to higher rents, seeks to allocate $100,000 from the budget to support affected residents. The council is set to vote on the amendment on May 21.
Oregon parents favor book-themed baby names, with Ramona, Estrella, and Westley being over four times more popular than nationally. Matilda also sees a significant uptick, appearing three times more often in the state. However, Oliver and Olivia remain the most common names overall in Oregon.