The Oregon legislature’s 2026 short session wrapped up with mixed results, as several bills proposed to address key community concerns in Portland made it through the legislative process, while many others stalled in committee or failed to gain traction. With a focus on public health, education, immigration, and community

Wildlife funding has become a central issue in Oregon as lawmakers approved a lodging tax increase designed to support conservation programs and natural resource management across the state. The legislation raises Oregon’s statewide transient lodging tax and directs new revenue toward wildlife related programs administered by the Oregon Department

Portland’s Big Pipe, a crucial piece of the city’s stormwater management infrastructure, faced one of its toughest tests this week as the region was hit by an intense storm. The Big Pipe, a 22-foot-wide tunnel completed in 2011, was designed to manage combined sewer overflows and prevent untreated stormwater

Oregon’s 2026 cost of living report highlights the continued financial strain from rising housing costs across the state. While rents in Portland have slightly decreased compared to previous years, affordability remains a key issue, especially when factoring in rising utility costs, taxes, and transportation expenses. Despite minor decreases in

Portland’s shelter policy has undergone a significant shift, prioritizing emergency shelter expansion in response to the city’s growing homelessness crisis. While the goal is to provide immediate relief, service providers have raised concerns about the long-term effectiveness of the policy, highlighting a gap between short-term solutions and permanent housing

 will close its Lloyd Center store in Portland on May 2, 2026, ending a 24 year run inside one of the city’s most recognized shopping centers.The location has served customers in Northeast Portland since the early 2000s and remains one of the mall’s most familiar tenants. Company representatives confirmed

Portland is currently addressing challenges in transportation funding, with city agencies experiencing ongoing financial pressures. The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has expressed concerns that its reliance on traditional revenue sources—such as parking fees and gas taxes—may no longer be enough to sustain the city’s transportation infrastructure. The growing

The craft beer industry in Oregon, once celebrated as a thriving hub of innovation, is now grappling with an increasing number of closures. Over the past year, dozens of breweries across Portland and the state have announced shutdowns, marking one of the most challenging periods for the region’s brewing

Portland’s Dear Portland exhibit, opening in early 2026, is providing a unique platform for residents to engage with the city’s housing challenges. Hosted in the downtown Stelo Arts Gallery, the exhibit invites Portlanders to share their personal housing experiences through letters—both handwritten and digital—addressing issues like affordability, neighborhood identity,