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Hey Portland,
It's been one year since I was elected to office, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to serve Portlanders and the city I grew up in and love.
As we head into the festive season, I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays.
Design Review Resolution Moves to Full Council
On the campaign trail, I often talked about Portland's Design Review process as a major barrier to housing and development. And to no one's surprise, the current system is overly complex.
That's why I partnered with Councilor Morillo to develop our Design Review Resolution, which directs staff to develop a set of code reforms for Council to review. This resolution also has the potential to create immediate, temporary exemption recommendations for new development across our city.
Right now, developers know exactly which shade of tan to use and what height to stop at to navigate our complex design review process. The result is functional and uniform buildings, but not creative.
I want to see taller buildings, mixed uses, and more homes at more affordable price points, each with its own "Portland weird" aesthetic. This resolution is the first step towards moving us in that direction.
Our resolution, paired with the SDC exemptions passed earlier this year, positions Portland as the city that welcomes new development. Because we are in a housing emergency, and it's time we start acting like it. The resolution passed the Climate, Resilience, and Land Use Committee and now heads to full Council.
You Passed the Parks Levy—Thank You
Portland voters approved the Portland Parks Levy, securing the funding needed to keep our parks open, maintain programs like those at the Sellwood Park Shack, and protect jobs for Portland Parks & Recreation employees.
Portland's parks mean a lot to me. Growing up, some of my best childhood memories are at our parks. I voted yes on the levy because I believe they are one of our city's greatest resources. I'm grateful you did too.
Judge Immergut's Final Ruling
Judge Immergut issued her final ruling: there is no need for National Guard troops in Portland. After two temporary restraining orders and weeks of uncertainty, this is a major win for our city.
I'm proud of Portlanders. We met ‘exceeded authority' with Portland weird and countered propaganda with fact. And it's working.
We should expect the federal government to appeal. In the meantime, there's confusion about what comes next for the hundreds of California and Oregon National Guard troops who were mobilized to deploy to Portland. Roughly half have been demobilized and sent home. The rest are on hold. Today, that's a win.
What Is Eric Eating?!
At the grand re-opening of Nike's new downtown store, they were serving freshly made waffles topped with whipped buttercream and a chocolate swoosh. When I asked my staff if we should get seconds he replied, "just do it."
Thank you for re-investing in Downtown Portland.
Until next month,
Councilor Eric Zimmerman