Agenda Tracker: Week of January 26th, 2025
Apologies and Corrections... Housing and Homelessness... Community and Economic Development... Human Trafficking... Trauma-Informed Care... Volunteer Opportunities... Wonk Out Resources!
Dear Readers,
First, I hope you don’t mind receiving two posts in 24 hours! I started work on the special Inauguration Day issue last week, but I needed to take a brain break and regain my composure after witnessing the dystopian clown show that unfolded that day. The good news is that this issue is a light read because there are no regular sessions at City Hall or Metro, and the County has a scant agenda.
Second, I must apologize for the many grammatical errors in last week’s issue. I usually carefully proofread every issue, but I was pressed for time. I could have sent it out as-is or a day late, but I regrettably chose the former. I’ve corrected the online version.
Third, due to a calculation error, I need to retract an item from the list of homeless and housing stats I compiled in the last issue of the Agenda Tracker. In addition, an updated number of emergency shelter beds in Multnomah County came out last week. Here’s a revised version:
Estimated number of people experiencing homelessness in Multnomah County, sheltered and unsheltered (based on 2024 point-in-time count): 11,153
Estimated number of people experiencing homelessness in Portland who are unsheltered (based on 2024 point-in-time count): 5,398
Estimated number of people experiencing homelessness in Portland who are sheltered in emergency shelters, transitional housing, or safe rest villages (based on 2024 point-in-time count): 5755
Number of emergency shelter beds currently available in Multnomah County (I could not find a breakdown of basic vs. comprehensive shelters):
30003875Deficit of emergency shelter beds, both overnight only and 24/7:2755
I’m unable to tabulate the deficit of emergency shelter beds as it’s difficult to determine how many total beds between emergency shelters, transitional housing, and safe rest villages exist. With at least 11,153 individuals experiencing homelessness, and roughly 50% of them unsheltered (approximately 5,398), even with the increase in shelter beds it is likely to be much higher than my original estimate.Portland State University released its 2024 Oregon Statewide Homelessness Estimates last week, providing updated numbers and information. In a nutshell, the crisis continues, and it’s getting worse. Shelter capacity is rising in Multnomah County but does not meet the current need or growing demand.
Finally, welcome and thank you to our 12 new free and paid subscribers who’ve joined us in the past week! Every subscriber strengthens our ability to build local power, and every paid subscriber moves this project closer to being financially sustainable for me. Please keep liking, commenting, and sharing! The only way through this is together!
With Love & Solidarity,
Chloe
City of Portland Advisory Bodies
If you’ve ever considered serving on a City advisory body, this is a great time to explore opportunities to shape Portland’s future. You can dive into the full array of advisory bodies in the report below. You can also check out the current openings here.
Advisory Bodies Program: Current State Analysis, December 2024: In 2024, the City of Portland's Advisory Bodies Program surveyed its 77 active advisory bodies to analyze their current state and support decision-making for the city council and engagement officers. The inventory included details on advisory body websites, staffing, meeting frequency, appointment processes, and foundational documents such as bylaws and charters. The program also assessed each body's purpose and authority by examining its governing documents. This analysis aims to clarify the advisory bodies' roles and streamline their operations.
Portland City Council
Council holds regular meetings at 9:30 a.m. on the first Wednesday and 6:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month. If there is sufficient business, additional meetings are held the following Wednesday or Thursday at 2:00 p.m.Thursday, January 30, 2025 9:30 am-12:00 pm
City Council Work Session: Community and Economic Development
“Work sessions are public meetings about a specific topic where information is presented to the Council. City Council does not vote or take any action, and public testimony is not taken. The public and press may attend work sessions when held in person or watch the live broadcast online or on cable TV.”
Council Chamber doors open to the public 15 minutes before the meeting starts. Learn more about visiting City Hall to attend a Council meeting. Watch the live broadcast on YouTube.
Community and Economic Development
Portland's Community and Economic Development service area centers on creating equitable opportunities that benefit all residents. The focus is on fostering inclusive growth, supporting small businesses, and developing sustainable, resilient solutions for Portland’s built environment. These efforts aim to ensure all communities can thrive economically and socially by prioritizing transparency and equity. Click here for a complete list of programs, projects, and advisory groups.
Bureaus, Offices, and Notable Programs and Projects
Portland Housing Bureau:
The Portland Housing Bureau develops and implements policies and programs to provide affordable housing and prevent displacement. Its work prioritizes equity and supports vulnerable communities through initiatives like rent assistance, affordable housing development, and supportive housing programs.
Programs include:
Permitting & Development:
This bureau oversees permitting, inspections, and code compliance for new construction, renovations, and development projects in Portland. It ensures safety, sustainability, and adherence to city regulations, making the process more transparent and efficient for developers and residents.
Programs include:
Planning and Sustainability (BPS):
The Bureau of Planning and Sustainability shapes Portland’s growth through long-term planning and climate action strategies. BPS focuses on sustainable development, zoning, environmental protection, and community engagement to create a livable, equitable city for all.
Programs include:
Projects include:
Prosper Portland:
Formerly the Portland Development Commission, Prosper Portland drives economic development and community prosperity in the city. It works to support small businesses, create jobs, and invest in projects that uplift historically underserved communities, fostering inclusive and equitable growth.
Programs include:
Projects include:
Multnomah County Board of Commissioners
Thursday, January 30th, 9:30 AM
Multnomah County has a light agenda this week and little of note to Street Wonk.Regular Agenda
The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners will proclaim January 2025 as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month. The proclamation acknowledges human trafficking as a pervasive issue tied to systemic oppression and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, including children in foster care, Native American and Alaska Native women, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQI+ individuals.
The Board emphasizes a public health approach to address the mental and behavioral health impacts of trafficking, prioritizing survivor-led and trauma-informed strategies. It highlights the importance of community collaboration among government, law enforcement, service providers, and local organizations.
This month, Multnomah County will implement an awareness campaign focusing on education, prevention, and training to support immigrant and refugee survivors. Investments in education, prevention, and survivor-focused services remain a priority, addressing root causes such as poverty, systemic oppression, and criminalization.
Metro Council
The Metro Council Meeting was cancelled this week.
Wonk Out!
Community and Economic Development
Upstream Podcast: Focuses on systemic economic issues and community-driven solutions, including gentrification and cooperative economics.
Brookings Metro Newsletter: Covers regional economic trends and equity-focused development strategies.
Just Cities Institute: A progressive think tank focused on creating equitable and inclusive urban spaces through research, storytelling, and collaboration with community leaders.
Housing & Homelessness
Homelessness is a Housing Problem: authors Gregg Colburn and Clayton Page Aldern analyze the root causes of homelessness in the United States. Through detailed data analysis, they demonstrate that high rates of homelessness are primarily driven by a lack of affordable housing rather than individual factors like mental illness or substance abuse. The book challenges common misconceptions and emphasizes addressing housing market conditions to combat homelessness effectively.
The Invisible Class: A documentary examining the systemic causes of homelessness and dispelling myths about unhoused people.
Owned: A Tale of Two Americas: A documentary dissecting the US housing economy and its implications for economic equity.
Next City Housing Newsletter: Focuses on innovative housing solutions, urban planning, and equitable development.
Shelterforce Weekly: Covers housing justice, affordable housing policies, and tenant rights.
Street Roots: A Portland-based nonprofit tackling housing instability and homelessness through journalism and advocacy.
Human Trafficking
I Am Jane Doe: A powerful documentary that examines the legal battles against websites that facilitated sex trafficking and highlights the fight for justice and accountability.
The Ending Human Trafficking Podcast: A podcast dedicated to understanding the complexities of human trafficking and offering actionable steps for prevention, survivor support, and community engagement.
Polaris Project: A leading nonprofit focused on eradicating human trafficking through data-driven approaches, survivor advocacy, and innovative solutions to disrupt trafficking networks.
Trauma-Informed Care
Local Trauma-Informed Care Resources: This directory provides a comprehensive list of community-based services in Portland that offer trauma-informed care.
Cracked Up: The Darrell Hammond Story: A documentary exploring the long-term effects of childhood trauma and the importance of survivor-centered healing.
The Trauma Stewardship Institute
Offers training, workshops, and resources to support professionals in trauma-informed practices while emphasizing personal well-being and sustainability in care work.
Street Wonk Bookshop
For an ever-evolving selection of books highly recommended by Street Wonk, visit our shop on BookShop.Org to support our efforts and hundreds of independent bookshops nationwide!