The Agenda: November 5th, 2024
Election Day 2024... Remembering Bob Sallinger... Joint Office of Homeless Services... CEI Hub... Willamette Cove... Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program... Native American Heritage Month
Dear Readers,
My thoughts are with you, our city, and our country on this Election Day. It was hard to function or focus, so I took a long walk in the woods with a friend, had some stomach-soothing congee, and now I’m home to face the incoming results. It’s hard to believe it’s been eight years since I shared a victory night with the worst President in modern history. It's harder still to comprehend that after everything that’s transpired since then, he still has a shot in hell of four more years in the White House.
Outside of the election, there’s not a lot going on in local politics this week, so I’m going to keep this week’s agenda brief. But first, I want to express my deep sadness about the recent passing of local environmental advocacy legend Bob Sallinger. I met Bob during my first run for City Council, and he became a top go-to on all things environmental for my office. He provided us with invaluable input on multiple items that came to Council, as well as policies we developed and introduced—most notably Portland’s green roof policy (now known as the Ecoroof Requirement). You knew things were about to get real (and get real interesting) when Bob Sallinger showed up to give testimony! His contribution to the wildlife of this city, whether of land, air, or water, is immeasurable. My heartfelt sympathy goes to his friends, colleagues, and especially his family.
Finally, I want to say good job and good luck to all the candidates running for City Council—especially the ones I endorsed!—just stepping up and running a campaign is quite an accomplishment! Win or lose, there are many ways for you to serve our city.
Be safe and take care,
Chloe
Portland City Council
Wednesday, November 6th, 9:30 AM & 2:00 PM
No session was scheduled due to a lack of quorum
Thursday, November 7th, 2:00 PM
Time Certain
953
This ordinance is sponsored by Commissioners Ryan, Gonzales, and Mapps, so it’s bound to be lacking. The Mayor, Commissioner Rubio, and members of the Multnomah County Commission do not support the move. With any luck, the three sponsors will be on their way out of City Hall come January and should not be meddling with such a complex issue in the final weeks of their lackluster terms, especially when the new, expanded Council will take their seats in a mere eight weeks. I hope there is an epic turnout for public testimony against this item.
Read more here: What to know about the Portland proposal to leave city-county homeless services partnership (OPB)
Multnomah County Board of Commissioners
Thursday, November 7th, 9:30 AM
Regular Agenda
R.4: Informational Briefing on Financial Responsibility Policy. Boy, they kind of buried the lead on this bland-sounding item. What it’s really about is establishing “financial responsibility for owners and operators of Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub tanks in the event of a worst-case scenario spill.” Our CEI Hub is the storage and transport facility for 90% of Oregon’s fuel and 100% of its jet fuel and is cited in Linnton on the Willamette River. This policy would expedite the mitigation of risk requirements established by Senate Bill 1567, Oregon’s Seismic Tank Stability Program, in the event of a moderate to severe earthquake or other catastrophe.
Metro Council
Thursday, November 7th, 10:30 AM
Presentations
Presentation 3.1: Willamette Cove Master Planning—Nature Park Concepts For a city that somewhat defines itself by its rivers and bridges, Portland sure doesn’t have great riverfront access. Take a peek at how planning is coming along for a stretch of riverfront in N Portland.
Resolutions
Resolution No. 24-5434: For The Purpose Of Amending, Canceling, Or Adding A Total Of Twelve Projects To The 2024-27 MTIP To Meet Federal Project Delivery Requirements Transportation nerds! Check out the proposed changes to the Metropolitan Transportation Improvement Program.
Resolution No. 24-5441: For The Purpose Of Proclaiming Every November As Native American Heritage Month In The Greater Portland Area “… Metro shall recognize every November as Native American Heritage Month to honor the legacy and ongoing contributions of Tribes and urban Indigenous community members throughout our vibrant community and region…”