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Commissioner Carmen Rubio expressed gratitude towards Mayor Wheeler and the City Budget Office for navigating a challenging budget year. The proposed budget includes significant investments to support small businesses and the Portland Clean Energy Fund, which will allocate over $600 million for various community and environmental projects over the next five years.
Portland has launched a new bureau, Portland Permitting & Development, to streamline the permitting process for residential and commercial projects. This initiative consolidates 350 professionals from multiple city bureaus, aiming to enhance customer service and simplify navigation for those seeking permits.
The City of Portland is set to unify its development permitting process under a new bureau starting July 1, 2024. This initiative aims to streamline services and improve the efficiency of issuing permits for various community projects, including housing and business improvements. City Commissioner Carmen Rubio emphasizes the importance of this change for enhancing customer service and supporting economic growth.
New tools, particularly the urban data platform Replica, are transforming urban planning by enabling real-time analysis of transportation and economic data. A study conducted by Georgetown University students indicates that replacing on-street parking with bike lanes can enhance local economic activity.
New urban planning tools, particularly the Replica platform, are transforming how cities analyze and improve transportation and economic activity. A study conducted by Georgetown University student Josiah Blackwell-Lipkind in Washington, D.C. demonstrates the positive impacts of replacing on-street parking with bike lanes, showcasing the benefits of utilizing real-time data for urban planning.
Commissioner Carmen Rubio has appointed Donnie Oliveira as the Interim Deputy City Administrator for Community and Economic Development in Portland, effective early May. Oliveira, who has been the Director of the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, aims to leverage his experience to address key challenges facing the city, including affordable housing and climate action.
Four development teams have been invited to submit proposals for the development of 200-250 affordable homes at the Broadway Corridor in Portland. The Portland Housing Bureau will provide up to $60 million in resources to support this initiative, which aims to enhance affordable housing options in the area.
The PDX Clean Industry Network has been awarded a $100,000 prize as part of the American-Made Community Energy Innovation Prize to promote sustainable industrial practices in Portland's Columbia Corridor. The initiative aims to build a network that reduces carbon emissions and fosters economic growth within disadvantaged communities.
The U.S. Justice Department has filed a $100 million lawsuit against the owner and manager of the cargo ship Dali, alleging negligence in the maintenance of the vessel that led to a deadly bridge collapse in Baltimore. The incident resulted in the deaths of six workers and significant disruption to commercial shipping traffic. The lawsuit aims to hold the companies accountable for the cleanup costs incurred by the government.
Portland City Council unanimously approved an ordinance to phase out gas-powered leaf blowers to enhance public health and reduce pollution. Introduced by Commissioner Carmen Rubio, the policy aims to address the negative health impacts associated with gas leaf blowers, especially for landscape workers. A complete ban on their use will take effect by 2028, with support measures for small businesses transitioning to electric alternatives.