Agenda Tracker: December 10th, 2024
Steve Lowenstein Trust Award... Dawson Park... MultCo State Legislative Agenda... Joint Office Name Change... Motel rooms for temporary shelter... Transportation... Food Waste... Parks & Nature... UGB
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This week’s Agenda Tracker highlights pivotal decisions that will shape the future of our region. These items reflect the deep interconnectedness of our challenges, from addressing homelessness and climate change to building a more equitable, sustainable, and just community.
Metro is steering growth deliberately and sustainably by requiring local governments to adopt boundaries for centers on the 2040 Growth Concept Map. This step aligns regional and local planning to prioritize housing, transit, and economic opportunities where they’re most needed.
Meanwhile, Metro’s bold proposal to ban commercial food waste in landfills by 2027 could significantly reduce methane emissions while fostering composting, renewable energy, and food recovery. Thoughtful planning will ensure this transformation works for businesses and communities alike.
Another key item is Metro's consideration of funding for its Parks and Nature Bond Large-Scale Community Visions Program. This isn’t just about parks—it’s about integrating nature with affordable housing, transportation, and workforce development to create truly transformative projects. It’s a perfect example of how we can work across bureaus and agencies to solve multiple challenges simultaneously.
Finally, the City of Portland and Multnomah County continue grappling with the housing and homelessness crisis. With room-block agreements and changes to the Joint Office of Homeless Services, there’s no shortage of plans in the works. But I keep returning to the same concerns: Why aren’t these efforts meeting the scale of the crisis? Are we doing enough to stem the tide of individuals becoming homeless? And are we leveraging our dollars and resources effectively?
Every one of these agenda items touches on principles I care deeply about—safety, equity, sustainability, and justice. How we grow, address homelessness, manage waste, and invest in nature is all part of the same fight for a future where everyone can thrive.
As always, I’ll continue to advocate for solutions that prioritize the needs of the most vulnerable, protect our environment, ensure public dollars are spent wisely, and move us toward a more just and sustainable future. But I’m only one person; it takes a whole community to keep our elected officials accountable and on track—we need each other!
Thank you for reading, and let me know your thoughts on this week’s items!
Here’s to the long haul,
Chloe
*Just a note to say I have reservations about the safety and sustainability of methane as a fuel, but let’s talk about biogas on another day.
Portland City Council
Wednesday, December 11th, 9:30 AM
Time Certain
1064 (9:45am):
2024 Steve Lowenstein Trust Award (Presentation)
The 33rd Annual Steve Lowenstein Trust Award is being presented to Dana Lynn Louis for her visionary work in using art to foster connection and rebuild community among Portlanders experiencing homelessness and poverty. Dana’s efforts have created opportunities for people to express themselves, build relationships, and regain a sense of belonging essential for healing and stability.
The Steve Lowenstein Trust Award was established in 1990 to honor individuals who make personal sacrifices to serve Portland’s most vulnerable communities. Dana Lynn Louis is a perfect example of this spirit. With over 35 years as a practicing artist, she saw an opportunity eight years ago to bring her skills to those living on the margins. What started as a one-year pottery painting project evolved into Gather:Make:Shelter, a dynamic organization that has partnered with more than 23 local groups and worked with over 2,800 participants. From creating welcoming spaces in Safe Rest Villages to launching drawing and printmaking classes, her work demonstrates that art can be a powerful tool for transformation.
“Dana’s heart is so big. Her work is so responsive to those she is serving. People may not recognize the importance of place-making and building relationships—these are the first things people lose when they are on the streets, and something they have to recreate to sustain them.”
This is such a well-deserved recognition for Dana! Her work shows us that addressing homelessness isn’t just about providing shelter—it’s about rebuilding the human connections and sense of community many lose when unhoused. Gather:Make:Shelter isn’t just a program; it’s a lifeline that restores dignity and purpose. Dana’s approach inspires us to think creatively about solutions and reminds us that art can be as essential as food or housing when it comes to healing.
Further Reading:
Gather:Make:Shelter (Willamette Week Give Guide)
For People Who Experience Homelessness, Art Catalyzes Economic Mobility and Rewrites the Narrative (Next City)
1066 (10:10am):
Continue ongoing efforts to reduce crime, improve livability, and support community in and around Dawson Park (Resolution)
"This resolution demonstrates the City Council's intent to continue ongoing efforts to engage with the Dawson Park community and improve public safety and livability in and around the park, identifying many ways in which the City has engaged with the community and addressed issues of concern. [It] does not propose legislation or include changes to specific City policies."This agenda item focuses on sustaining initiatives to address crime, enhance livability, and foster community around Dawson Park. The proposed efforts include increased community engagement, improved public safety measures, and continued partnerships with local organizations to support the area’s residents and visitors.
Dawson Park, located in the Eliot neighborhood, has a rich history as a gathering space and cultural hub, particularly for Portland’s Black community. However, like many urban parks, it has faced public safety and livability challenges. Over the years, the city has implemented measures to reduce crime and engage the community, including adding lighting, improving park amenities, and partnering with local organizations. Despite these efforts, concerns remain about safety and access to the park. This agenda item is part of a broader strategy to ensure the park remains a welcoming and vibrant space for everyone.
Efforts to improve Dawson Park must center community voices as much as they address crime. It’s easy for these initiatives to lean too heavily on policing, often alienating the people they’re meant to serve. I’ll watch closely to see whether the city continues prioritizing real community investments—like youth programs, mental health support, and affordable housing near the park. Improving livability should mean lifting everyone up, not displacing people or problems.
Further Reading
Dawson Park Is Precious. That’s Why Its Dilemma Is So Painful. (Willamette Week)
Reclaiming spaces and 'Reclaiming Black Joy' (Multnomah County)
How Oregon’s Racist History Can Sharpen Our Sense of Justice Right Now by Walidah Imarisha (Portland Monthly)
Wednesday, December 11th, 2:00 pm
Session Status: No session scheduled.
Thursday, December 12th, 2:00 pm
Session Status: No session scheduled.
Multnomah County Board of Commissioners
Thursday, December 12th, 9:30 AM
Regular Agenda
R.1:
Approval of Multnomah County 2025 State Legislative Agenda
Multnomah County’s 2025 State Legislative Agenda outlines its policy priorities for housing, public safety, health, and human services during the upcoming legislative session.
While the agenda sets an important framework, the County faces significant challenges, including a projected $21 million general fund shortfall for FY 2025-26, which could grow to $52.4 million by FY 2029-30. Contributing factors include slower-than-expected growth in property tax revenues, rising personnel costs, and the expiration of federal relief funds like the American Rescue Plan.
Potential federal funding cuts under the Trump administration add another layer of uncertainty. The County needs to prepare for these scenarios proactively, but its efforts must be at scale and cost-effective to achieve the desired results. Are they leveraging resources efficiently to meet the community's needs, or are they investing in costly solutions that fail to match the scope of our challenges?
Further Reading:
City of Portland 2025 Mayor-Council Government Onboarding Plan (City of Portland): As outlined in this document, the incoming mayor and council will discuss the city's 2025 state legislative agenda this month.
Multnomah County Legislative Agendas and Reports (Multnomah County)
R.2:
This ordinance proposes renaming the Joint Office of Homeless Services (JOHS) to the Department of Homeless Services, reflecting its transition from a non-departmental unit to a fully-fledged department within Multnomah County. The name change and departmental reclassification aim to improve operational efficiency and accountability, streamlining decision-making and enhancing service delivery to better address homelessness across the county.
The Joint Office of Homeless Services was created in 2016 as a collaborative effort between Multnomah County and the City of Portland to address homelessness. Recent discussions emphasized continuing this partnership. Notably, in November 2024, Portland city commissioners opted to remain part of the Joint Office after considering withdrawal, and a framework to extend the partnership through June 2027 has been proposed. This demonstrates the City’s ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness in collaboration with the County, even as the office undergoes structural changes.
Renaming and elevating the Joint Office of Homeless Services is a logical step to align its role with its critical mission. However, ensuring that the structural change results in measurable improvements in addressing the homelessness crisis is essential. Continued collaboration with the City of Portland is vital, as both entities must work together to deliver scalable, effective solutions. Transparency in how this transition improves outcomes will be key.
As the second chair from the City of Portland for the Joint Office Executive Committee, I often questioned the necessity of my role, as the work felt far from collaborative. However, hearing directly from community partners about their programs, progress, and challenges was valuable. It also allowed me to advocate for renters’ rights as a crucial component of homelessness prevention and an essential part of our overall affordable housing strategy. With our expanded incoming Council and the structural changes to the Joint Office, I’m hopeful for stronger collaboration and better outcomes.
Further Reading:
MultCo Joint Office of Homeless Services to change name, go from 'office' to 'department' (KATU)
Portland city commissioners reverse plan to pull out of Joint Office of Homeless Services (OPB)
R.3:
Summary:
This resolution proposes a room-block agreement at a motel at 1125 N. Schmeer Road, securing 65 transient lodging units at $75 per night with an annual 2% increase. The agreement aims to provide temporary shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness.
At $75 per night, the monthly cost per room totals approximately $2,250—significantly higher than the average rent for a studio apartment in Portland. Temporary shelter often incurs higher costs due to its flexibility and immediate availability of rooms. However, it remains unclear what services are included in this rate.
If amenities like housekeeping, laundry access, security, or other supports are part of the agreement, they could justify the expense by ensuring residents' clean, safe, and livable conditions. Without such services, this cost raises concerns. In the long run, it may be more cost-effective for the County to purchase properties rather than enter into room-block agreements. As Willamette Week mentions in the linked article below, “it’s a buyer’s market,” so why are we renting at a premium?
I know that addressing the homelessness crisis is always a struggle between stop-gap measures and long-term solutions. While this agreement addresses an urgent need for shelter, the cost underscores the importance of scrutinizing what is included in the nightly rate and whether it aligns with the desired outcomes. Transparency around amenities and services is critical for assessing the agreement’s overall value.
Further Reading:
Multnomah Co. considers converting Portland Motel 6 into 65-room homeless shelter (KATU)
Multnomah County Looks to Buy or Rent Hotel Rooms (Willamette Week)
Metro Council
Thursday, December 12th, 10:30 AM
Consent Agenda
3.1:
This resolution proposes adding or amending six 2024-2027 Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program (MTIP) projects to meet federal project delivery requirements. These projects aim to enhance the region's transportation infrastructure, focusing on safety, equity, and sustainability.
1. Portland Streetcar Montgomery Park Extension
This project allocates funding for preliminary engineering to extend the Portland Streetcar by 0.65 miles along 23rd Avenue to Roosevelt Street, looping around to 26th Avenue and Wilson Street. The extension includes track installation, new stations, stormwater mitigation, and adding up to 10 hybrid streetcars.
Alignment with Goals:
Safety: Enhances public transit infrastructure, potentially reducing traffic congestion and associated accidents.
Equity: Improves transit access to underserved neighborhoods, promoting inclusive mobility.
Sustainability: Encourages the use of public transportation, reducing vehicle emissions.
2. ADA Curb Ramp Construction Grouping
This initiative groups multiple projects focused on constructing ADA-compliant curb ramps throughout the Portland metro area to improve accessibility.
Alignment with Goals:
Safety: Provides safer crossings for pedestrians, particularly those with disabilities.
Equity: Ensures equitable access to sidewalks and crossings for all community members.
Sustainability: Promotes walking as a viable mode of transportation, contributing to reduced vehicle use.
3. I-5 Interstate Bridge Electrical Components Restoration
This project restores the I-5 Interstate Bridge's electrical components to their original locations to facilitate permanent connections, ensuring the bridge's operational reliability.
Alignment with Goals:
Safety: Maintaining critical infrastructure prevents potential failures that could lead to accidents.
Equity: Ensures the continued functionality of a key transportation route, providing reliable access for diverse populations, including those who depend on affordable transit options and essential services.
Sustainability: Ensures the longevity of existing infrastructure until the bridge is replaced.
4. Clackamas County Transportation Safety Action Plan Update
This project provides funding for Clackamas County to update its Transportation Safety Action Plan, aligning it with the Safe Streets for All Action Plan requirements.
Alignment with Goals:
Safety: Develops strategies to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
Equity: Engages communities in safety planning, addressing diverse needs.
Sustainability: Promotes safer, more sustainable transportation options.
5. Urbanized Area Public Transit Services Funding Adjustment
This adjustment revises federal funding for a project now titled "Oregon Transportation Network—TriMet FFY26," which supports transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Due to an earlier calculation error by ODOT, the federal allocation has been reduced to $3,674,037, with a required local match of $420,510.
Key Details:
Purpose: The project is funded through the Federal Transit Administration’s Section 5310 program, which aims to improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
Correction: The funding adjustment ensures accurate allocation following the resolution of the earlier error.
While it’s good to see the correction resolved, clarity about how the adjusted funding will support essential services is still needed. Transparency in how these funds will be used remains crucial, especially in ensuring that transit-dependent populations are not negatively affected. Does the updated project title, "Oregon Transportation Network," indicate project priorities or scope changes? How will the adjusted funding impact planned services and improvements?
6. Portland Broadway Main Street and Supporting Connections
This project focuses on enhancing the Broadway Main Street corridor and its connections to support economic development and improve multimodal transportation options.
Alignment with Goals:
Safety: Implements street design improvements to protect all users.
Equity: Invests in areas that may have been historically underserved.
Sustainability: Encourages walking, cycling, and public transit use, reducing reliance on personal vehicles.
Collectively, these projects demonstrate a commitment to creating a safer, more equitable, and sustainable transportation system in the Portland metropolitan area.
3.2:
Resolution No 24-5435 For the Purpose of Directing Staff to Develop Metro Code and Administrative Rule Language to Prohibit the Landfill Disposal of Commercial Food Waste Generated Within the Region Effective January 1, 2027
This resolution directs Metro staff to develop regulations prohibiting the landfill disposal of commercial food waste generated within the region, effective January 1, 2027. The proposed Metro Code and administrative rules aim to address waste management challenges and reduce the environmental impact of food waste.
This policy represents a significant step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering regional sustainability. However, the transition must be carefully managed to ensure businesses have the resources and infrastructure to comply without undue financial burden. Clear guidance and support from Metro will be critical to the success of this initiative.
One of the key opportunities with diverted food waste lies in its potential for beneficial use as part of a regenerative model:
Composting: Turning food waste into compost can enrich soil, improve water retention, and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers.
Anaerobic Digestion: Food waste can be converted into biogas for renewable energy and digestate for fertilizers, creating a circular economy.
Food Recovery: Encouraging businesses to donate surplus edible food can help combat food insecurity while reducing waste.
While these practices are not part of the resolution, they highlight the broader potential value of diverting food waste from landfills.
Further Reading:
Resolutions
4.2:
This resolution seeks approval for funding under Metro's Parks and Nature Bond Large-Scale Community Visions Program. This initiative, part of the 2019 voter-approved bond measure, allocates up to $50 million to support transformative capital projects that integrate nature with other community assets such as affordable housing, transportation, and workforce development.
Program Objectives:
Racial Equity: Prioritize projects that benefit historically marginalized communities, including people of color, Indigenous populations, and low-income residents.
Community Engagement: Ensure meaningful involvement of local communities in planning and development processes.
Climate Resilience: Enhance the region's ability to adapt to climate change through sustainable and regenerative practices.
Funding Details:
Total Allocation: Up to $50 million, with the first funding cycle providing $10 million.
Eligibility: Governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, public educational institutions, and private real estate developers are eligible to apply.
Project Requirements: Projects must be capital in nature, cost at least $6 million, allocate a minimum of $2 million to habitat restoration, and result in a publicly owned asset.
This funding approval represents a significant investment in the region's ecological and social infrastructure. It aims to create vibrant, resilient neighborhoods by integrating natural spaces with essential community services. With an emphasis on racial equity, community engagement, and large-scale, visionary projects, this initiative promises a significant positive impact across the region. Its success, however, will depend on effective collaboration among stakeholders and transparent resource allocation.
Further Reading:
Ordinances
5.1:
Ordinance No. 24-1523 For The Purpose Of Amending Title 6 Of The Urban Growth Management Functional Plan To Require Local Adoption Of Boundaries For Centers On The 2040 Growth Concept Map
This ordinance mandates that local governments formally adopt boundaries for centers identified on Metro’s 2040 Growth Concept Map. Regional hubs, town centers, and main streets are envisioned as the focal points for sustainable, connected urban living. Aligning local plans with Metro’s vision aims to create vibrant communities while ensuring coordinated regional development.
The 2040 Growth Concept is Metro’s long-term blueprint for managing growth in the Portland metro area. By requiring local jurisdictions to adopt these boundaries, Metro ensures a unified approach to:
Supporting efficient land use and reducing urban sprawl.
Promoting walkable neighborhoods and accessible transit.
Encouraging diverse housing options and economic opportunities in key areas.
This ordinance is grounded in prior community engagement, with Metro gathering input through consultations, workshops, and hearings to ensure boundaries reflect local needs and aspirations. Moving forward, local jurisdictions are expected to continue engaging communities through public meetings, feedback opportunities, and collaborative planning to shape the future of these centers.
Requiring local governments to align with Metro’s growth concept is a positive step toward cohesive, sustainable development. However, its success depends on keeping community voices central to the process. Transparent and inclusive planning is essential to ensure these centers genuinely serve the needs of all residents, fostering connected, livable neighborhoods ready for future challenges.
Further Reading:
What is the 2040 Growth Concept? (Metro)
Wonk Out
Road to Nowhere: What Silicon Valley Gets Wrong about the Future of Transportation by Paris Marx
On the Move: The Overheating Earth and the Uprooting of America by Abrahm Lustgarten
Walking as Artistic Practice by Ellen Mueller
A Natural History of Empty Lots: Field Notes from Urban Edgelands, Back Alleys, and Other Wild Places by Christopher Brown
When We Walk by: Forgotten Humanity, Broken Systems, and the Role We Can Each Play in Ending Homelessness in America by Kevin F. Adler and Donald W. Burnes
And Housing for All: The Fight to End Homelessness in America by Maria Foscarinis