KOIN — April 8, 2023
City of Portland seeks help with its LGBTQ+ Historic Sites Project
"Both the National Park Service and the Oregon State Historic Preservation Office have awarded Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability with grants to expand its LGBTQ+ Historic Sites Project. Now, PBPS is calling on Portlanders to help with the project by sharing their own knowledge of LGBTQ+ spaces in the city."
Mentions: LGBTQ+ Historic Sites Project
East PDX News — April 7, 2023
‘Live’ Portland Fix-it Fair returns to Parkrose
"Parkrose High’s atrium is again filled with tables at which visitors “shop for free knowledge” they can get from experts."
Mentions: Fix-It Fair
Portland Business Journal — April 4, 2023
Women of Influence 2023: Vivian Satterfield of the city of Portland
"Vivian Satterfield has established herself as a leader on sustainability, environmental justice and planning in Portland since arriving from Chicago more than a dozen years ago."
Mentions: Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
Smart Cities Connect — March 29, 2023
Portland, OR Wants Surveillance Used Responsibly
"The city previously implemented privacy principles and a ban on the use of facial recognition systems, and this new policy is intended to provide an overall guidance on their use."
Mentions: Smart City PDX
KOIN — March 12, 2023
Old Town’s historic Yamaguchi Hotel set for demolition on Monday
"The Yamaguchi Hotel, currently owned by Blanchet House, was a pre-World War II Japanese American owned hotel located in what was Portland’s New Chinatown/Japantown district."
Mentions: Historic Resources Code Project
BikePortland — March 10, 2023
Portland’s Off Road Cycling Master Plan is finally legit
"Despite two years of work that went into it, and despite the plan being unveiled to the public in 2017, it was never an officially binding plan."
Mentions: Off-road Cycling Master Plan
Montavilla News — March 9, 2023
BPS Completes Public Trash Can Rollout
"This latest rollout completes a multi-year expansion of the City-managed rubbish collection program that started in 2017 with the Jade District."
Mentions: Public Trash Cans
Montavilla News — March 2, 2023
Portland Expanding EV Charger Access
"These early steps seek to remove barriers blocking the widespread adoption of low-carbon-producing vehicles."
Mentions: Electric Vehicle (EV) Ready Code Project
Willamette Week — March 1, 2023
As Difficult City Budget Approaches, Portland Clean Energy Fund Is Flush
"Parks and housing bureaus get a piece of the action."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
Portland Business Journal — Feb. 28, 2023
Are Portland developers building small to avoid inclusionary housing?
"But one of the big questions since the program went into effect in 2017 is whether developers have been going small — constructing 19 homes or fewer per building — to circumvent inclusionary housing altogether."
Mentions: Inclusionary zoning/affordable housing; Svetha Ambati (BPS staff) quoted.
KOIN — Feb. 8, 2023
City council votes to change zoning rules for Safe Rest Villages
"The biggest change is opening more space in the city for these Safe Rest Villages or other outdoor shelters and commissioners voted to make zoning changes to allow it."
Mentions: Shelter to Housing Continuum (S2HC) Project
KOIN — Feb. 8, 2023
Future Portland apartments now required to include more spaces readied for EV charging
"In the latest push to meet its carbon-reduction goals, the Portland City Council unanimously approved an ordinance on Wednesday that will require future multi-unit housing developments with on-site parking to prepare more spaces for EV charging stations."
Mentions: Electric Vehicle (EV) Ready Code Project
BBC — Feb. 7, 2023
The cities built to be reusable
"The remnants of most old buildings end up in landfill, but some cities are starting to design them for so they can be easily disassembled and repurposed from the start."
Mentions: Deconstruction Program
CityLab — Feb. 3, 2023
Portland Adopts Surveillance Policy, As Police Discuss Drone Trial
"After banning facial recognition in 2020, the Oregon city is taking a much softer approach to vetting surveillance technology for potential privacy risks."
Mentions: Smart City PDX
Cities Today — Feb. 2, 2023
Portland passes surveillance technology policy
"Portland City Council in Oregon has unanimously passed an initial policy that aims to build trust with residents and strike a balance between the benefits and risks of surveillance technologies."
Mentions: Smart City PDX
KATU — Feb. 1, 2023
Portland City Council unanimously approves new policy on surveillance tech transparency
"The council unanimously approved the ordinance, which looks to create an inventory of all the ways the City of Portland uses surveillance on its citizens - including everything from red light cameras to parking meters."
Mentions: Smart City PDX
OPB — Jan. 26, 2023
Portland could require more electric vehicle chargers as it builds out of housing crisis
"Rubio said the changes exceed what is required at the state level, and shows that Portlanders have been early adopters who are embracing the technology."
Mentions: Electric Vehicle (EV) Ready Code Project
The Oregonian — Jan. 25, 2023
Portland looks to increase electric vehicle charging at new apartment complexes
"Portland hopes to make electric vehicle charging – and hence ownership – easier for renters and others in apartments, particularly low-income residents and people of color, who are among those with the lowest EV purchase rates."
Mentions: Electric Vehicle (EV) Ready Code Project
The Oregonian — Jan. 23, 2023
"If accepted, the wood-framed house in the Parkrose neighborhood would be one of the first properties in the Pacific Northwest to earn a place on the national register specifically for its significance to contemporary Indigenous history."
Mentions: Historic Resources Program
Willamette Week — Jan. 20, 2023
City Council Takes Important Step Toward Splitting Planning and Sustainability Commission in Two
"The effort to split the commission was sparked by a consultant’s report delivered to City Commissioner Carmen Rubio in April 2022 that described a critical commission, which advises the City Council on land use and planning policy, in an identity crisis."
Mentions: Planning Commission Code Amendments (PCCA) Project
Builder — Dec. 12, 2022
How eliminating single-family-only zoning will impact builders and developers
"But about three years ago, Thompson started building homes with accessory dwelling units (ADUs), splitting the lots, and selling the ADUs separately in anticipation of Portland’s zoning reforms. Today, his business model revolves around building multiple homes on lots previously zoned for single-family housing."
Mentions: Residential Infill Project (RIP)
The Oregonian — Dec. 7, 2022
Portland is first in nation to phase out petroleum diesel, replace with biofuels
"The unanimous decision by the Portland City Council on Wednesday takes aim at medium and heavy trucks, the city’s fourth largest source of carbon emissions, not by banning them but by shifting their fuel."
Mentions: Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Code Update
Shareable — Dec. 6, 2022
Portland’s circular economy is primed for success. Can it offer a blueprint for the rest of us?
"Sustainable waste reduction requires a transition from a linear economy — one where goods get used for a short period and then wind up in a landfill — to a circular one that prioritizes sharing, repairing, reuse, and creative upcycling. Portland, Oregon offers some leadership in terms of what this might look like in action. The city boasts a lively network of partnerships between nonprofits, businesses, civilians, and different bureaus and layers of government."
Mentions: Resourceful PDX
KOIN — Dec. 2, 2022
City, property owners still unsure when Jackson Tower graffiti will be removed
"However, due to the height and location of the graffiti, and the building’s historical significance, the removal project, she said, is “extremely difficult” to carry out."
Mentions: Graffiti Program
The Oregonian — Nov. 20, 2022
“We have some of the strongest policies in the state, in terms of geographic equity, social justice, racial justice, environmental justice,” said Eric Engstrom, deputy director of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. “But by no means have we reached a decision or a solution on exactly how to implement those policies. We have a long way to go on that work.”
Mentions: Comprehensive Plan, Historical Context of Racist Planning, Renewable Fuel Standard Code Update
DJC Oregon — Nov. 3, 2022
Historic district design guidelines proposed
"Portland City Council will vote Nov. 9 whether to approve proposed South Portland Historic District design guidelines. They would update the historic resource review approval criteria that apply to alterations and new construction in the district and repeal the 42-year-old Lair Hill Conservation District design guidelines."
Mentions: South Portland Historic District Design Guidelines
ARLnow — Oct. 31, 2022
Portland and Minneapolis allow ‘Missing Middle’ housing. So far, new construction has been modest.
“'Two hundred more units were built on those middle housing sites than would otherwise have been built, had this all been redeveloped, they would’ve just been single-family houses,' Wood said at the time. That fits with the overarching reason for the zoning changes in Portland."
Mentions: Residential Infill Project (RIP)
OPB — Oct. 25, 2022
Portland’s climate justice program could see new beginning
"Portland is on the verge of hitting 'reset' on an ambitious but troubled climate action program that aims to make sure communities of color and lower-income residents aren’t left behind."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
AP News — Oct. 25, 2022
Renters face charging dilemma as U.S. cities move toward EVs
"But Terrell quickly encountered a bump in the road on her journey to clean driving: As a renter, she doesn’t have a private garage where she can power up overnight, and the public charging stations near her are often in use, with long wait times."
Mentions: Electric Vehicle (EV) Ready Code Project
BikePortland — Oct. 20, 2022
Southwest regional and town center plans move forward
"Two southwest area projects are currently taking their first steps from plan toward reality."
Mentions: West Portland Town Center Plan
OPB — Oct. 15, 2022
Portland clean energy program is up for an overhaul
"Portland’s first-of-its-kind climate justice program could be undergoing major changes, from ramping up tree planting to helping more people cut their energy bills."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
Morning Brew — Oct. 5, 2022
Portland wants to be America's most prominent smart city
"But it's not that easy."
Mentions: Smart City PDX
OPB — Oct. 3, 2022
Portland approves Zenith Energy’s renewable fuels plan
"Oil-by-rail terminal gets the land-use compatibility statement it needs to expand after promising to eliminate crude oil"
Mentions: Fossil Fuel Terminal Zoning Amendments
Portland Mercury — Oct. 3, 2022
Portland Approves Zenith Proposal for Renewable Fuels Operations
"The proposal could lead to the end of Zenith’s ongoing legal battle with the city."
Mentions: Fossil Fuel Terminal Zoning Amendments
The Oregonian — Oct. 3, 2022
Portland gives Zenith Energy land use green light amid promise to end fossil fuel storage
"Portland officials Monday granted a critical land use credential to Zenith Energy that the city had previously withheld, after the Houston-based company agreed to a series of actions aimed to curb carbon emissions and eliminate transport of crude oil through its facility over the next five years."
Mentions: Fossil Fuel Terminal Zoning Amendments
Nature Communications — Sept. 30, 2022
"The actions cities take to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change will produce benefits as well as unintended consequences that are likely to be distributed unevenly within and beyond city boundaries."
Mentions: Portland's Climate Action
The Stranger — Sept. 29, 2022
Mayor Harrell Proposes $1 Million for Questionable Surveillance Tech
"In moving forward with the pilot project, however, Wheeler ignored concerns from Smart City PDX, a City office focused on surveillance technology and public data ethics."
Mentions: Smart City PDX
Portland Mercury — Sept. 23, 2022
Wheeler Moves Forward with Controversial Gunshot Detection Technology
"Mayor Ted Wheeler’s office will develop a pilot program for the controversial gunshot-detection technology ShotSpotter, according to an announcement at a police oversight meeting Thursday evening."
Mentions: Smart City PDX
Brookings — Sept. 22, 2022
Not according to plan: Exploring gaps in city climate planning and the need for regional action
"While many cities have drafted 'climate action plans' that pledge specific GHG emissions reductions, they are struggling to hit their targets."
Mentions: Portland's Climate Action
BikePortland — Sept. 16, 2022
Revamped Clean Energy Fund would give $100 million to transportation projects
"Rubio’s changes give a larger nod to transportation as both a major source of emissions and a place of great opportunity for decarbonization."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
Willamette Week — Sept. 15, 2022
Commissioner Carmen Rubio Proposes Sweeping Reform to Portland Clean Energy Fund
"The changes aim to shine sunlight on the fund, which has garnered intense criticism for lack of accountability since its infancy."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
Pamplin Business Tribune — Sept. 6, 2022
Feedback sought on proposed renewable fuel standards
"Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability will accept public input through Sept. 30 on city code amendment."
Mentions: Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) Code Update
KATU — July 28, 2022
'City in Crisis - Finding Solutions:' Growing pains for Portland's Hollywood District
"In our ever-changing city, there are two things we hear a lot about - homelessness and growth. But what can be done about both of those issues?"
Mentions: Commissioner Carmen Rubio, Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
The Skanner — July 14, 2022
Solar Energy Push Creates More Robust Support for Black Homeowners
"But Roberts was just as excited about the way her organization was able to pull together resources and, also using Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) money, help a new homeowner save the beloved house that had been willed to her by her grandmother."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
Portland Mercury — July 13, 2022
City Council Considers $107 Million in Clean Energy Grants
"The Portland Clean Energy Fund increased grant giving and added additional risk mitigation measures following scrutiny."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
The Oregonian — July 8, 2022
Portland to vote on $111 million in clean energy grants next week
"The committee that governs Portland’s voter-approved clean energy grants program released its recommendations Wednesday for $111 million across 66 awards aimed to improve environmental equity."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
BikePortland — July 8, 2022
Bikes figure prominently in latest Portland Clean Energy Fund grant awards
"All four of the recommended winners in the Innovation Grant category — a total of $7.6 million — have a bike component to their project."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
Portland Mercury — June 27, 2022
"One year ago, unprecedentedly high temperatures killed 69 people in Multnomah County and nearly 100 statewide... The deadly event was also a call to action for city, county, and state lawmakers."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
OPB — June 27, 2022
Portland environmental nonprofit delivers cooling units for those in need
"In the midst of a heat wave, Verde delivers electric heat pump systems to help cool vulnerable households in Portland’s Cully neighborhood."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
The Globe and Mail — June 26, 2022
A year on from deadly heat wave, many B.C. residents still have no air conditioning
"In the weeks after a deadly heat wave swept western North America last summer, staff from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) program reached out to housing providers, community organizations and tenant advocates to learn how to better prepare for another extreme heat event like the one that killed more than 100 people in Oregon."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
FOX 12 Oregon — June 23, 2022
New program will install 15,000 AC units across Portland
"It’s been a year since Portland’s record-breaking heat wave that killed 96 people state-wide. The heat wave prompted a new program called the Heat Response Program, created by the Portland Clean Energy Fund, to help those most vulnerable to heat in the future."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
Willamette Week — June 22, 2022
“Many of these organizations have operating budgets of $200,000, and we’re like, ‘I don’t know, do you want a million?’”
Mentions: Director Donnie Oliveira, Portland Clean Energy Fund
OPB — June 21, 2022
Portland bureaus hope to lower carbon footprint with new cement
"Engineers at the city of Portland have adopted a plan to use cement with a smaller carbon footprint."
Mentions: Climate Emergency Declaration
Willamette Week — June 10, 2022
Contractors Install First Cooling Unit Paid for by the Portland Clean Energy Fund
"After months of drama, contractors for the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund installed the first cooling unit in the home of a needy Portlander yesterday."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
Portland Mercury — June 7, 2022
Impacts of Portland Clean Energy Grants Begin to Materialize, a Year Later
"Sammie Lewis can’t wait to receive her next energy bill. That’s because Lewis is one of the first Portland homeowners to benefit from a city grant that offers home “energy retrofits”—meant to save low income homeowners money on energy costs by switching homes to clean energy alternatives."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
Portland Tribune — June 7, 2022
Portland adopts second phase of Residential Infill Project
"Zoning codes changed to create more opportunities to boost housing density."
Mentions: Residential Infill Project - Part 2
Portland Business Journal — June 7, 2022
Portland City Council gives go-ahead for more high-density housing
"Portland city commissioners are allowing developers to build even higher-density housing in single-dwelling zones in Portland."
Mentions: Residential Infill Project - Part 2
KGW — June 6, 2022
Portland City Council gives go-ahead for more high-density housing
"There are many perks when it comes to living in Portland. Many will argue access to housing is not one of them. People in city government are well aware of that."
Mentions: Residential Infill Project - Part 2
The Oregonian — June 3, 2022
Coming soon to Portland neighborhoods: more townhomes, six-plexes and other high-density housing
"Portland City Council unanimously approved a bevy of alternative housing developments that they say will provide lower-cost options and increase housing density within city limits."
Mentions: Residential Infill Project - Part 2
DJC Oregon — June 3, 2022
Portland widens development door in single-family zones
"Portland City Council this week unanimously approved zoning code amendments intended to allow greater housing diversity in the city’s residential neighborhoods."
Mentions: Residential Infill Project - Part 2
OPB — May 30, 2022
A vision for the future of cities
"Oregon was the first state in the country to ban single-family zoning in all but the smallest cities, meaning duplexes and triplexes can be built next door to single-family homes. The idea is to increase density within cities while preserving land for farms and wilderness in more rural areas."
Mentions: Residential Infill Project - Part 2
OPB — May 25, 2022
How Oregon is bringing ‘missing middle housing’ to the state
"Cottage clusters, townhouses and duplexes are some of the forms of housing commonly referred to as “missing middle housing.” Zoning rules have previously left them out, but that’s starting to change."
Mentions: Residential Infill Project - Part 2
Portland Mercury — April 4, 2022
The Risks and Rewards of Portland’s Clean Energy Fund
"How can a program that’s designed to break the mold of exclusionary bureaucratic city programs exist within a traditional oversight system?"
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
OPB — March 17, 2022
Portland’s ongoing response to the digital divide
"The pandemic shined a bright light on the digital divide in Portland and across the country, as schools and some workplaces went online almost overnight. Two years later, how has Portland responded to the issue?"
Mentions: Digital divide (Smart City PDX)
OPB — March 16, 2022
Portland Clean Energy Fund faces lawsuit and outcry from businesses
"The Portland Clean Energy Fund took another hit on Wednesday as a former grantee filed a defamation lawsuit against the environmental justice program over its decision to rescind a nearly $12 million clean energy grant."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
Willamette Week — March 15, 2022
Andrea Durbin Steps Down as Director of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
"The former environmental advocate lasted a little less than three years on the job."
Mentions: Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, Portland Clean Energy Fund
The Oregonian — March 11, 2022
Portland’s massive clean energy program not accountable for climate or equity results, audit finds
"More than three years after its launch, a voter-enacted city of Portland program tasked with bankrolling clean energy projects and jobs has yet to set performance standards, finalize accountability systems or launch an equity plan, all required under its design. Those are among the findings of a city audit of the Portland clean energy program released Thursday."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
OPB — March 10, 2022
Portland Clean Energy Fund program is still missing key pieces, audit finds
"Portland’s voter-approved environmental justice program needs new climate action goals and guidelines on who is responsible for what, city auditors say."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
Willamette Week — March 10, 2022
Cash-Rich Clean Energy Fund Needs Guidance From Council, Better Measurement, Auditor Says
"The petitioners who wrote the ballot measure tied its goals to the city’s Climate Action Plan, which included 20 objectives and 247 action items. But it expired in 2020."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
The Salt Lake Tribune — March 3, 2022
‘Slow streets’ and dense housing: How Salt Lake might become more green
"Leaders from Portland and Vancouver share their strategies for building environmentally friendly cities."
Mentions: Residential Infill Project
The Southeast Examiner — Feb. 24, 2022
RIP2 Moves Forward After Amendment Discussions
"RIP2 addresses housing types allowed in all residential zones. This includes many specific actions and initiations, like permitting duplexes and other types of middle housing on buildable lots in the R10 and R20 zones."
Mentions: Residential Infill Project - Part 2
OPB — Feb. 24, 2022
New rules allow Portland homeowners to retrofit and adapt historic homes more easily
"The rules will allow people to retrofit their homes to make them more resilient to climate change, and also to add additional housing units."
Mentions: Historic Resources Code Project
WIRED — Feb. 22, 2022
Why Cities Want Old Buildings Taken Down Gently
"A growing number of US cities are adopting “deconstruction” policies that involve taking structures apart by hand in the name of sustainability."
Mentions: Portland's Deconstruction program
High Country News — Feb. 22, 2022
Portland community leaders bring the heat to building standards
"An activist collective says making buildings carbon-free is just the start."
Mentions: Climate and Health Standards for Existing Buildings
DJC Oregon — Feb. 18, 2022
Portland loosens historic preservation rules
"New rules adopted by the city of Portland will make it easier for developers to renovate historic properties while keeping the original structures intact."
Mentions: Historic Resources Code Project
Portland Business Journal — Feb. 17, 2022
Don't Count Portland Out 2022: Growing pains for a vaunted city climate fund
"Portland’s innovative program to address climate change through an equity lens expanded in the past year — and hit a bump."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
KOIN — Feb. 16, 2022
Protecting more nature with 'environmental zones' in Portland
"More water going into the ground means less runoff and flood risk."
Mentions: Environmental Overlay Zones
The Oregonian — Feb. 11, 2022
Portland officials detail potential havoc that would be unleashed on city by earthquake, oil spill
"Portland area officials are sounding the alarm on a potential nightmare scenario in which a major Pacific Northwest earthquake triggers one of the largest oil spills in U.S. history — and seeking ways to diminish the scale of the catastrophe."
Mentions: Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub
The Oregonian — Feb. 9, 2022
"Portland officials must make a stronger case for their decision to reject a land use designation needed by embattled Zenith Energy to run portions of its fuel storage facility in Northwest Portland, a state agency has ruled."
Mentions: Comprehensive Plan
Portland Mercury — Feb. 7, 2022
Cleaning Up Portland's Anticipated Oil Spill Could Cost $2.6 Billion, Report Finds
"A massive, earthquake-induced oil spill in Portland’s Northwest industrial zone could cost upwards of $2 billion in damages and clean up costs, a county and city report found."
Mentions: Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub
OPB — Feb. 7, 2022
Fuel spill in Portland after a major earthquake could be bigger than Deepwater Horizon, study finds
"Commissioned report finds unstable ground under hundreds of fuel tanks in Portland’s industrial Northwest could bring ecological and economic disaster after the big one hits."
Mentions: Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub
Portland Business Journal — Feb. 4, 2022
LUBA: Portland can deny Zenith fuel terminal, but needs to make better case
"Portland had the authority to deny a key certification for Zenith Energy’s controversial fuel terminal in Northwest Portland, but the city needs to come up with a better explanation for why it did so, the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals ruled on Thursday."
Mentions: Comprehensive Plan
The Oregonian — Feb. 3, 2022
"Rising five stories on a main boulevard, with striking dormer windows at the top, it was the largest, most luxurious, Black-operated hotel in the country..."
Mentions: Historic Resources Code Project
Willamette Week — Feb. 3, 2022
Land Use Board of Appeals Says City Needs Stronger Argument to Deny Permit for Zenith Energy
"The ruling puts the burden back on the city to further justify its decision."
Mentions: Comprehensive Plan
OPB — Feb. 3, 2022
Land-use board says Portland can deny Zenith oil-by-rail terminal, but more evidence needed
"The Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals says the city of Portland has the authority to deny a key approval for a controversial oil-by-rail terminal, but the city needs to provide more evidence to back up its denial last year."
Mentions: Comprehensive Plan
Portland Mercury — Feb. 3, 2022
Oregon Land Use Board Affirms Portland's Right to Deny Zenith Permit
"Oregon’s Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) will uphold the city of Portland’s decision to deny Zenith Energy an operational permit as long as the city can provide additional evidence on why the operations of the oil transportation facility conflict with Portland’s environmental goals."
Mentions: Comprehensive Plan
The Oregonian — Jan. 28, 2022
Portland City Council votes to allow affordable housing, design changes in historic neighborhoods
"The council approved six updates to the city’s historic resources code, which dictates what changes can be made to homes or property in neighborhoods that have received 'historic' designation."
Mentions: Historic Resources Code Project
KPTV — Jan. 27, 2022
Portland City Council votes to change rules regarding federal historic landmarks
"The city of Portland can now take a federal historic landmark and allow changes to be made to it."
Mentions: Historic Resources Code Project
Portland Mercury — Jan. 26, 2022
Portland Energy Fund Updates Grant Review Process After Controversy
"After public scrutiny of a grant recipient, Portland’s green energy grant program is bolstering its proposal review process ahead of its second year of funding."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
KGW — Jan. 26, 2022
'There's a lot of work to do right now': Downtown Portland businesses eye return of shoppers
"Business leaders say foot traffic around downtown is slow to return, but they are optimistic about what the summer will bring."
Mentions: Green Loop
The Skanner — Jan. 20, 2022
Blumenauer Boosts Efforts to Put Three Black History Landmarks on National List
"Blumenauer argued Dean’s Beauty Salon and Barber Shop, the Golden West Hotel, and Mt. Olivet Baptist Church should be included on the national list..."
Mentions: Historic Resources Code Project
Willamette Week — Jan. 19, 2022
Hundreds of Portlanders Are Living in Their Cars. Here’s How They Do It.
"About 30 people call this swath of city-owned Delta Park home. Some sleep in tents, but most reside in vehicles ranging from subcompact cars to full-size RVs. This encampment is illegal, but city officials look the other way."
Mentions: BPS City Planner Eric Engstrom quoted
Portland Business Journal — Jan. 14, 2022
PBJ Interview: How to make a smarter city with Portland's open data guy
"We are trying to promote the idea of digital justice around technology and information where technology and information should serve fairly to everyone regardless of who you are. I’m a technologist. I love the idea of having technology helping others."
Mentions: Smart City PDX
Portland Tribune — Jan. 8, 2022
2021 delivered 'warning signs of things to come' for Northwest summers
"June's unprecedented heat didn't just send people into a frenzy to buy portable AC units. It also delivered a brutal wake-up call that climate change is here."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
The Oregonian — Jan. 6, 2022
"The Portland City Council on Wednesday rescinded a nearly $12 million award to a local nonprofit that the city planned to entrust to carry out life-saving work, citing an investigation by The Oregonian..."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
The Oregonian — Dec. 19, 2021
Editorial: Cleaning up a Portland Clean Energy Fund mess
"Such poor vetting of the largest grant that the young program has ever awarded should trigger immediate changes. To the city’s credit, once Kavanaugh’s story was published, staffers acted quickly to verify Kavanaugh’s findings and explore options."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
Willamette Week — Dec. 2, 2021
The rift over Ridwell in Portland trash hauling
"... breaks down the issue, answering questions like, why aren't trash haulers allowed to pick up items like batteries and light bulbs? And if other jurisdictions in the metro area have told Ridwell to stop its operations?"
Mentions: Portland Garbage, Recycling and Compost program
Willamette Week — Dec. 1, 2021
Who’s Afraid of a Ridwell Box?
"In October 2020, Ridwell asked the city’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability for permission to operate in Portland. On Dec. 8, the industry association that represents Portland’s nine franchised trash haulers emailed the bureau to object."
Mentions: Portland Garbage, Recycling and Compost program
Smart Cities Dive — Nov. 23, 2021
Smart cities grapple with equity issues heightened by the pandemic
"City leaders aim to help bridge the digital divide while providing better access to education, transportation, jobs and community engagement opportunities."
Mentions: Smart City PDX
Smart Cities Dive — Nov. 17, 2021
The future of smart cities: Leaders forecast more digitally just governance
"Over the next five years, smart cities will emphasize digital justice, community trust and data-led decisions, city leaders say."
Mentions: Smart City PDX
OPB/Think Out Loud — Nov. 9, 2021
Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability proposes surcharge to reduce air pollution
"... really we can’t forget about our environment and the very real public health emergency that’s before us. That’s that Portland residents are at a very high risk for adverse health effects from air toxins." - Commissioner Rubio
Mentions: Clean Air Fee
Portland Monthly — Nov. 5, 2021
Portland City Council Considers Changes to Its Historic Preservation Plan
"Under the proposed updates in the Historic Resources Code Project, developers would be able to demolish structures in several more situations, including in single-dwelling zones on federally designated historic districts on the National Register—but only if the demolition of the building could create housing that is more affordable or for more people."
Mentions: Historic Resources Code Project, Residential Infill Project and Planning and Sustainability Commission
KOIN — Nov. 3, 2021
Historic Districts: preserving culture or perpetuating segregation?
"This ongoing contentious debate has captured Portland residents attention since 2017 and is now being brought to Portland City Hall."
Mentions: Historic Resources Code Project
The Oregonian — Nov. 2, 2021
Portland weighs changes to historic landmark designations
"Residents ... have been polarized by the issue of historic preservation. The city council will review and possibly change some of those rules in the coming weeks."
Mentions: Historic Resources Code Project
Portland Tribune — Oct. 26, 2021
Portland: Air pollution surcharge would cost biz $2M yearly
"The proposed 'Clean Air Surcharge' would raise funds from 72 facilities across the city with state air quality permits."
Mentions: Clean Air Fee, Commissioner Rubio quoted
Portland Tribune — Oct. 25, 2021
Portland Clean Energy Fund's unspent cash hits $169 million
"The 1% surcharge on large retailers has collected significantly more revenue than originally expected."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
OPB — Oct. 25, 2021
Upgrades to old buildings can help with Northwest climate goals, but at a high cost
"Retrofitting programs make a difference in the Northwest, but the results are not enough to meet climate goals."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
KGW — Oct. 21, 2021
"A KGW investigation found the government program aimed at providing connectivity for low-income residents and people of color had structural flaws."
Mentions: Smart City PDX
Sightline Institute —Oct. 19, 2021
Bogus "Historic" Districts: The New Exclusionary Zoning?
"Interlocking loopholes would let homeowners in richer parts of Portland veto city council's maps - but there’s a fix."
Mentions: Historic Resources Code Project
Investigate West — Oct. 8, 2021
Cleaner buildings? We need to spend billions
"Retrofitting programs across Cascadia make a difference, but results are probably too small and too slow."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
Land Matters Podcast — Sept. 29, 2021
Season 2 Episode 7: Addressing Structural Racism in Urban Planning
"The planners’ initiative is part of a reckoning about structural racism in American society—economic forces, institutions, and interactions that have discrimination baked in."
Mentions: History of exclusionary zoning in Portland
The Oregonian — Sept. 29, 2021
"Portland city officials are preparing to bankroll a new bonanza of clean energy projects and jobs geared toward the city’s historically marginalized communities."
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
Portland Tribune — Sept. 22, 2021
Multi-cultural, high density district planned in SW Portland
"The city's vision for the westside includes high density housing, transit focused development as part of the West Town Center Plan."
Mentions: West Portland Town Center Plan
Portland Tribune — Sept. 10, 2021
My view: More climate action needed for underserved Portlanders
"After being excluded from environmental funding for decades, communities of color and our allies came together to prioritize solutions that would be led by and benefit those most impacted by climate change." - Rep. Khanh Pham
Mentions: Portland Clean Energy Fund
The New York Times — Sept. 1, 2021
Sustainability Advocates Ask: Why Demolish When You Can Deconstruct?
"More cities are adopting deconstruction ordinances that require older homes to be taken down for salvageable parts, but they face challenges in trying to expand their efforts."
Mentions: Portland's Deconstruction program
Portland Tribune — Aug. 17, 2021
Our View: Prioritize investments to fight the climate crisis before it's too late
"For decades, the city of Portland has been a climate change leader. But the last couple of months have offered tragic and sobering reminders that we are living in a climate-altered world." - Commissioner Carmen Rubio and BPS Director Andrea Durbin
Mentions: Climate Emergency Declaration, EV-ready infrastructure
Sightline Institute — Aug. 1, 2021
We ran the rent numbers on Portland's 7 newly legal home options
"After a seven-year campaign, Portland on Sunday formally lifted a series of 97-year-old bans on seven different types of homes."
Mentions: Residential Infill Project
Waste Dive — July 16, 2021
City hiring woes and solutions; New $16B pitch for recycling infrastructure
"...leaders in Portland, Oregon, seek to widen their worker candidate pools."
Mentions: Waste Equity Workplan
Bloomberg Philanthropies — July 14, 2021
Bloomberg Philanthropies Recognizes 16 U.S. Cities For Using Data Most Effectively
"Data-informed strategies have enabled these newly Certified cities to increase resident satisfaction, reduce carbon emissions, address homelessness, and more."
Mentions: Portland's use of data to improve public services and engagement and increase transparency.
C40 Cities — July 8, 2021
A ‘Letter to Nature’ in Portland from Mayor Ted Wheeler
"Nature breathes life into our cities. As part of a new campaign to highlight the importance of urban nature to our everyday lives, C40 has invited ... thought leaders from cities around the world to write a ‘Letter to Nature’."
Mentions: Environmental Overlay Zones, Climate Action