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Audit Update: Momentous move by Council to consolidate permitting as City reforms continue

This is a two-year follow-up to our 2021 report, Building Permit Audit: Long-standing inability to meet customers’ needs won’t improve without better management, sustained governance.

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Audit Update: The Office of Management and Finance has addressed most City credit card risks; purchase of gift cards prohibited until City policy is in place

This is a two-year follow-up to our 2021 report, City credit card use slowed during pandemic but exposes underlying risks.

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Audit Update: Council’s legislative changes helped the Portland Clean Energy Fund put management systems in place

This is a one-year follow-up to our 2022 report Portland Clean Energy Fund: Additional steps needed to implement voter-approved program.

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City Council to vote on amendment to extend Veterans Memorial Coliseum Operating Agreement

An amendment to the Veterans Memorial Coliseum Operating Agreement, extending the current expiration date, would allow for more comprehensive discussions around future improvements and operations at the Rose Quarter venues.

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Portland City Council unanimously approves largest single investment in climate justice in City history

$107 million will fund 65 projects fighting climate change as nation faces unrelenting heatwaves, wildfires, drought and other extreme weather events.

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Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability announces recommendations for Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund Round 2 RFP

The full recommended portfolio will be presented to City Council on Wednesday, July 13, at a first reading.

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Portland City Council approves three initiatives to improve contracting opportunities for companies owned by people of color, women

A new contracting disparity study, pilot programs and a regional workforce equity agreement are designed to diversify firms doing business with the City of Portland and workers at City construction projects. Reforms were proposed in partnership with community partners, in response to a 2020 audit.

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PBOT News Release: PBOT extends Healthy Businesses, Portland Public Street Plazas programs to help Portlanders continue to embrace public space after the COVID-19 pandemic

In the early days of the pandemic, PBOT created two new programs that provided critical, urgently needed outdoor space for business use and community gatherings. Operation in the streets beyond this summer is contingent on City Council funding in the upcoming 2022-23 budget.

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Permit applications submitted under the 2014 versions of Oregon Structural Specialty Code or Oregon Residential Specialty Code that have not achieved “Approved to Issue” status expire on Oct. 1, 2022, without further action

Permit applications that normally expire after 180 days of inactivity received automatic extensions due to the pandemic.

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City Council to discuss ongoing permitting improvement efforts at Jan. 25 work session

The City Council will receive updates from development review bureaus on efforts to improve permitting services and discuss proposed updates to city policies.

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PBOT cuts the ribbon on Rivergate Overcrossing

Rivergate Overcrossing is Portland's newest investment in its freight network. The $23 million bridge solves a long-standing traffic bottleneck, making it easier and safer for employees to get to work, truck drivers to deliver their goods and businesses to get their goods into customers' hands.

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City of Portland selects new Chief Procurement Officer to guide public investments, improve equity programs

Biko Taylor brings expertise from public school districts, commitment to support small businesses

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Free transit, discounted BIKETOWN: Rediscover Portland This Fourth of July Weekend

The weekend of July 3-5, 2021, is the perfect time for Portlanders to explore the city and support local businesses.

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Portland City Council considers proposal to keep Tourism Improvement District, fund economic recovery

Lodging executives want to extend a 2 percent fee on overnight stays in Portland, which supports tourism marketing. They are also proposing a 1 percent surcharge to fuel Portland’s recovery from COVID-19 – and the resulting economic recession.

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Portland City Council agrees to focus on safety, housing and economy as city faces historic challenges

Shared priorities will shape the Portland City Council’s budget and policy decisions during 2021.

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Social Distancing Guidelines for Restaurant Seating and Retailers

Use outdoor space like a parking lot to help with social distancing and safety. Get zoning and other city code information to use parking lots for outdoor customer seating, services, and to sell merchandise. Use these social distancing guidelines for your outdoor seating, outdoor booths and more.

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Portland Creative Laureate, Oregon Poet Laureate launch crowdfunding campaign to support artists affected by COVID-19

Emergency relief fund for artists receives more than $65,000 in donations, 250 applications for support in first two days

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City of Portland wins award for timely, transparent financial reporting

Chief Financial Officer: 'Timely financial data is needed more than ever'

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Portland City Economist: To limit economic impact of COVID-19, 'end the panic as soon as possible'

Portland does better than average in booms, worse in recessions, says Portland City Economist Josh Harwood

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