Agenda Tracker: December 17th, 2024
Last Portland City Council session of 2024! City Audits... Affordable housing... Lead abatement... City Hall remodel... Portland Clean Energy Fund grants... Rent assistance... and more!
Dear Readers,
Tomorrow marks the last Portland City Council meeting of 2024 and the final meeting under our current governance structure! As we close out the year, we’re also turning the page on a chapter of Portland’s history. In January, a new form of government will take shape—one that promises to be more representative, responsive, and better equipped to address the challenges and opportunities ahead.
This week’s Agenda Tracker reflects many issues that continue to define our city, such as housing affordability, accountability in governance, and climate change. From the allocation of rent assistance and lead abatement funding to much-needed conversations about how we prioritize resources, these decisions will impact Portlanders for decades to come.
While it’s easy to dwell on what hasn’t been accomplished, I want to focus on what comes next. The incoming Council has a unique opportunity to rebuild trust, demonstrate leadership, and make meaningful progress. Our problems—whether housing insecurity, seismic risks, or addressing the needs of frontline communities—are massive, but so is our collective capacity to solve them.
Thank you for coming along for the ride with Street Wonk! I wish you all a restorative holiday season—we have lots of work to do next year!
Onward,
Chloe
P.S. Check out the history of Portland’s commission form of government created in 1913, when our population was estimated to be around 276,000, and our Council was reduced from 15 to 5 members. The 1910s also saw the construction of critical civic infrastructure such as the Hawthorne Bridge, the Central Library, and the Benson Bubblers, all of which have received more maintenance and updates than our City Council in the ensuing 110 years.
Welcome and than you to this week's new paid subscribers! To make Street Wonk a sustainable project, I need to add another 78 paid subscribers. Once we hit that number, I'll add new weekly and monthly content!Portland City Council
Wednesday, December 18th, 9:30 AM
Agenda Update
1099: Amend Graffiti Materials and Sales Code to allow for misdemeanor penalties resulting from graffiti application using right-of-way (amend Code Chapter 14B.85) (Emergency Ordinance)
This item has been requested to be referred back to the Offices of Commissioner Gonzalez and Mapps. This emergency ordinance to amend Code Chapter 14B.85—allowing misdemeanor penalties for graffiti applied using the right-of-way—was pulled and referred back to Commissioners Gonzalez and Mapps, delaying any action.
Graffiti enforcement has been an ongoing issue and debate in Portland for decades. However, with so many urgent challenges facing the city—housing, public safety, and infrastructure—it’s disappointing that this is what Gonzalez and Mapps chose to prioritize, and they couldn’t even see it through. When I lost my reelection, my team used our remaining time to tie up loose ends on our various projects, pass meaningful policies, and recognize community leaders—an approach sorely lacking here.
Portlanders deserve more than half-baked, punitive proposals while critical issues go unaddressed. Leadership requires focus, prioritization, and follow-through—qualities sorely missing from this Council. I guess it should come as no surprise that their exit strategy is as uninspired and ineffective as their time in office.
The new Council can look to cities around the world—such as Bogota, Lisbon, Barcelona, Melbourne, and Berlin—for examples of more enlightened and collaborative policies toward graffiti and street artists. We’re also lucky to have the Portland Street Art Alliance, which plays a vital role in bridging the gap between artists, the community, and local government by promoting street art as a powerful tool for creative expression, placemaking, and cultural engagement.
Further Reading
Gonzalez to Introduce Ordinance Creating New Penalties for Graffiti (Willamette Week)
Graffiti: The good, the bad, and the ugly (Oregon Arts Watch)
Graffiti Capitals: 9 of the World’s Best Cities for Street Art (Catalyst Planet)
Time Certain
1096 (9:45 am): Present Audit of the Financial Statements for the year ended June 30, 2024, and related communications (Report)
1097 (9:45 am): Accept City of Portland Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for fiscal year ended June 30, 2024 (Report)
1098 (9:45 am): Approve Plan of Action to correct finding by outside auditor of a material weakness in the FY 2023-24 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (Emergency Ordinance)
This morning, City Council will:
Hear the results of the FY 2023-24 audit, which revealed a material weakness in internal controls.
Accept the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) detailing the City’s financial position.
Approve a Plan of Action to correct deficiencies and strengthen financial oversight.
While Portland received a “clean audit,” the material weakness in internal controls is a red flag that demands immediate action. Gaps in oversight, reconciliation practices, or staffing can undermine financial accuracy, erode public trust, and create risks for the City’s financial stability—particularly as the next budget cycle already forecasts a $27 million gap.
The Plan of Action is necessary, but implementation will be the true test of leadership. To restore public confidence and safeguard City funds, the Council must:
Strengthen oversight and internal controls.
Invest in staffing, training, and updated financial systems.
Provide clear, transparent updates on progress and outcomes.
Portlanders deserve a government that is accountable, proactive, and capable of managing its finances with integrity. This is a moment for leadership to prioritize financial stewardship and ensure these failures are not repeated.
Further Reading
Forecast predicts $27 million gap for the City of Portland, requiring spending cuts to balance next year’s budget (City of Portland)
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler suggests hefty budget cuts for 2025 (OPB)
Consent Agenda
1103: Establish 2025 sale price cap for the Homebuyer Opportunity Limited Tax Exemption Program (Resolution)
Council will establish the 2025 sale price cap for the Homebuyer Opportunity Limited Tax Exemption (HOLTE) Program, which provides property tax exemptions to incentivize developers to build affordable homes. This cap determines the maximum sale price for homes eligible for the program.
The HOLTE program is intended to increase affordable homeownership opportunities for households earning up to 100% of the Median Family Income (MFI). However, the gap between what is affordable for these families and the average home price in Portland is daunting. For reference:
100% MFI (family of 4): $110,000 annual income
Affordable home price: Approximately $375,000 (assuming standard lending guidelines)
Average home price in Portland: $540,000+
This disparity highlights the challenges facing middle-income families. Home prices continue to outpace wages, making homeownership out of reach for average Portlanders. While HOLTE is a valuable tool, it’s a drop in the bucket when it comes to addressing our affordability crisis. The City must pair this program with bold action to reduce housing costs. Without these efforts, programs like HOLTE risk becoming symbolic rather than substantive solutions.
Further Reading
Homebuyer Opportunity Limited Tax Exemption (HOLTE) Program (City of Portland)
Habitat, Proud Ground testify on expanding property tax exemptions in Portland (Habitat for Humanity)
1104: Appropriate grant for $7,750,000 from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for 2024 City of Portland Lead & Healthy Home Supplemental Grant (Emergency Ordinance)
Council will appropriate $7,750,000 in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the 2024 City of Portland Lead & Healthy Home Supplemental Grant. This funding supports critical efforts to reduce lead hazards in homes, ensuring safer living conditions for Portland families.
Lead exposure remains a significant public health issue, particularly for children and low-income households. During my tenure on Council, we passed Portland’s lead abatement policy, which set clear standards for identifying and mitigating lead hazards in homes. This effort was spearheaded by my former Chief of Staff, Marshall Runkel, whose family was impacted by lead exposure in their vintage home.
The HUD grant provides essential funding to continue and expand those efforts, aligning directly with the policy we established. This funding will focus on:
Lead hazard abatement in housing, prioritizing low-income families.
Home health improvements, such as addressing mold, asbestos, and ventilation issues.
This grant is a win for Portland, reflecting the long-term impact of policies that prioritize public health and equity. Our lead abatement policy was designed to protect children and vulnerable families from the lifelong harms of lead exposure. It’s heartening to see this critical work continue with federal support.
Further Reading
Regular Agenda
1113: Accept report on the remodel of City Hall (Report)
City Council will accept a report detailing the completed remodel of City Hall, which outlines the project's scope, costs, and outcomes. The remodel aimed to modernize infrastructure, improve accessibility, and align the building with the needs of Portland’s government and public visitors.
City Hall is not just a government building but a symbol of Portland’s values and civic engagement. However, years of wear and outdated infrastructure had made parts of the building inefficient and inaccessible. The remodel addressed critical upgrades, including:
Improving ADA accessibility to align with modern standards.
Enhancing energy efficiency and reducing long-term operational costs.
Modernizing office and public spaces to better serve staff and the public.
Investing in City Hall ensures it remains a functional, welcoming, and inclusive space for Portlanders. While updates to government buildings can draw scrutiny, these improvements were necessary and long overdue. This project was an opportunity to further Portland’s commitment to inclusion, sustainability, and effective governance.
Further Reading
Wednesday, December 18th, 2:00 pm
Time Certain
1114: Authorize grants from the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund for a total amount not to exceed $300 million (Emergency Ordinance)
PCEF, approved by voters in 2018, is a groundbreaking initiative that generates funding through a surcharge on large retailers. It was created to invest in community-driven solutions addressing climate change and social justice. Projects funded under PCEF typically include:
Energy efficiency upgrades for homes and businesses.
Development of clean energy infrastructure like solar installations.
Workforce training for jobs in the clean energy sector.
Climate resilience projects that protect vulnerable communities from environmental impacts.
To date, PCEF has set a national example for how cities can leverage progressive policies to fund climate action while centering equity.
This $300 million allocation represents a monumental opportunity to advance Portland’s climate goals while addressing economic and racial inequities. Strong grant oversight is crucial to ensuring transparency, equity, and measurable impact. PCEF's success relies on projects that reduce carbon emissions, create jobs, improve housing, and empower frontline communities.
Further Reading
Portland Clean Energy Fund (City of Portland)
Portland Clean Energy Fund to invest $92 million in community-led grants (OPB)
Thursday, December 19th, 2:00 pm
Session Status
No session scheduled
Multnomah County Board of Commissioners
Thursday, December 19th, 9:30 AM
Consent Agenda
Multnomah County is set to commit $641,365 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for rent assistance. These funds provide immediate relief to households at risk of eviction or housing instability due to rising rents, utilities, and inflation.
The pandemic exacerbated Portland’s housing crisis, leaving many households struggling to stay housed. Since 2020, Multnomah County has distributed over $100 million in rent assistance, helping thousands avoid displacement. However, the need remains far greater than the available resources:
Low-income households (<$50K) Represent 34% of Portland families (~109,000), but only 2% of homes are priced within their reach.
Moderate-income households ($50K-$100K) Make up 31% (~98,500 families), yet only 18% of the housing market is affordable to them.
This market mismatch highlights a systemic crisis: ARPA funding is temporary—funding must be obligated by December 31, 2024, and spent within two years—but the need is ongoing and ever-increasing.
While $641,365 is a critical addition to the County’s rent assistance programs, it is insufficient to address the scale of the housing crisis. Temporary federal relief like ARPA buys time but does not address the root causes: rising rents, stagnant wages, and insufficient affordable housing.
Without long-term, structural solutions—such as increasing the supply of affordable housing, strengthening tenant protections, and identifying sustainable funding sources—rent assistance will remain a band-aid, not a cure. Portlanders deserve stability, not recurring crises.
Further Reading
Board receives update on emergency rent assistance: ‘one of the only programs we have to intervene and prevent childhood homelessness’ (Multnomah County)
The Board will adopt a resolution affirming its commitment to address the significant risks posed by fossil fuel infrastructure in the Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub. This resolution acknowledges the environmental, public health, and seismic risks posed by the concentration of aging fuel storage facilities along the Willamette River.
The CEI Hub in Northwest Portland houses over 90% of Oregon’s liquid fuel supply, including petroleum, diesel, and other fossil fuels. Built on seismically vulnerable soil near a major fault line, this infrastructure poses a catastrophic risk in the event of an earthquake, particularly a Cascadia Subduction Zone event.
Environmental Risks: A failure at the CEI Hub could release millions of gallons of fuel into the Willamette River, causing unprecedented environmental harm.
Public Health and Safety: Disruption or failure of this infrastructure threatens community health and safety, particularly for frontline communities disproportionately affected by industrial hazards.
Climate Commitments: Portland and Multnomah County have adopted climate goals that require reducing reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
This resolution is necessary to align the Board’s actions with its stated commitments to public safety, environmental justice, and climate leadership. While symbolic in nature, it will serve as a catalyst for tangible actions, including:
Accelerating seismic retrofitting and safety upgrades at the CEI Hub.
Reducing dependence on fossil fuels by incentivizing clean energy infrastructure.
Prioritizing frontline community engagement in planning and mitigation efforts.
Addressing CEI Hub's risks is both a public safety mandate and a moral imperative. Failure to act could result in irreparable harm to Portland’s communities, environment, and future.
Further Reading
Regular Agenda
The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to approve the plans to proceed with construction at the Harrison Community Village Project. This project is intended to provide affordable housing and supportive services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
Harrison Community Village is part of Multnomah County’s ongoing efforts to address the region’s housing crisis through the creation of permanent supportive housing. The project aims to:
Deliver stable, affordable housing paired with wraparound services to meet residents’ needs.
Provide long-term solutions for individuals facing chronic homelessness.
Align with the County’s broader commitments to equity and housing stability for frontline communities.
Harrison Community Village reflects a proven strategy: permanent supportive housing is one of the most effective tools to break the cycle of homelessness, especially when paired with on-site services. The resolution would allow the project to move into the construction phase—a significant milestone in expanding housing capacity for those most at risk.
Further Reading
Safe Rest Villages (City of Portland)
Portland’s Safe Rest Village in Southwest neighborhood on track to triple capacity (OPB)
Metro Council
Thursday, December 19th, 10:30 AM
Presentations
3.1: Regional Supportive Housing Services And Affordable Housing Funding: Proposed Ordinance Discussion
Metro is considering changes to the Supportive Housing Services Tax amid widespread concern. This week, they’ll discuss proposed changes to the Supportive Housing Services (SHS) tax, including:
Lowering the personal income tax rate on high earners.
Expanding allowable uses to include affordable housing construction.
Extending the tax’s duration by up to 20 years.
While expanding SHS funds to support housing development could address a critical need, advocates warn that reducing the tax rate would undermine the region’s progress in addressing homelessness. Welcome Home Coalition, supported by 65 organizations and 200 individuals, urges Metro to maintain the current tax rate, citing its role in funding services that achieve long-term housing stability.
The 1% SHS tax, approved by voters in 2020, applies to individuals earning over $125,000, couples earning over $200,000, and businesses with over $5 million in annual revenue. Since 2021, the tax has raised nearly $912 million, surpassing initial projections of $250 million annually.
SHS funds are dedicated to long-term housing stability and wraparound services, including:
Housing placement and case management to move individuals into permanent housing.
Rental assistance to keep people housed and prevent displacement.
Wraparound services like mental health care, addiction treatment, and employment support.
Temporary shelter expansion as part of broader housing strategies.
The measure has delivered real results, including:
Helping 6,000 households secure permanent housing.
Preventing over 15,000 evictions through targeted support.
Creating or maintaining 1,450 shelter beds to stabilize housing transitions.
Proposed tax reductions—such as lowering the rate to 0.9% or 0.75%—would cut $17.5 to $44 million annually. For a household earning $250,000, this translates to monthly savings of $4 to $10, an amount advocates argue is negligible compared to the collective impact of lost resources.
Reducing the SHS tax rate threatens to undo the progress made in addressing homelessness by shrinking funding for proven, life-saving services. While expanding the allowable use of funds to include affordable housing construction is a step forward, it must not come at the expense of housing placement, rental support, and critical services already in place.
Metro must prioritize:
Preserving existing funding to maintain progress on housing stability.
Expanding allowable uses without reducing resources for current services.
Improving oversight and governance to increase efficiency and trust in the program.
Portlanders overwhelmingly supported this tax to address homelessness, the region’s top concern—not to provide modest tax breaks for high-income earners. As Welcome Home Coalition highlights, “every dollar counts” in the fight to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring.
Further Reading
Future regional housing funding (Metro)
Affordable Housing Advocates Warn Slashing Supportive Housing Tax Could Be Catastrophic (Portland Mercury)
Welcome Home Coalition Letter (Welcome Home)
Wonk Out
Graffiti & Street Art
Street Art World By Alison Young. A thoughtful exploration of global street art cultures.
Beautiful Trouble: A Toolbox for Revolution Edited by Andrew Boyd. A practical and inspiring guide to creative activism.
Housing Affordability, Supportive Housing & Homelessness
Homelessness is a Housing Problem: How Structural Factors Explain U.S. Patterns By Gregg Colburn & Clayton Page Aldern A data-driven yet accessible analysis of why homelessness persists.
The Affordable City: Strategies for Putting Housing Within Reach By Shane Phillips Practical policy solutions to address housing affordability..
In Defense of Housing: The Politics of Crisis By David Madden & Peter Marcuse A powerful critique of the housing system and argument for supportive housing programs.
Lead Abatement, Public Health, and Environmental Justice
What the Eyes Don’t See: A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City By Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha. A gripping, personal account of the Flint water crisis.
Clean and White: A History of Environmental Racism in the United States By Carl Zimring. An exploration of how environmental hazards disproportionately impact communities of color.
Accountability in Governance
The Fifth Risk By Michael Lewis. A compelling look at how government systems manage (or fail to manage) essential services and risks.
Democracy in Chains: The Deep History of the Radical Right's Stealth Plan for America By Nancy MacLean. Examines how governance and financial priorities can shift away from public interest.
Climate Change and Fossil Fuel Infrastructure
This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate By Naomi Klein A bold, accessible book that connects climate action, justice, and systemic reform with relevance to fossil fuel infrastructure.
The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming By David Wallace-Wells. A sobering yet engaging look at the impacts of climate change and why urgent action on infrastructure and fossil fuels is critical.
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