For over 40 years, Oregon has outlawed the construction of nuclear power plants within its borders. The policy was first proposed to voters as Ballot Measure 7 in 1980, just one year after the partial meltdown at Three Mile Island. While the scare caused no deaths or injuries, many saw it as a reason to […]
Metro is the regional government of the greater Portland region. It is tasked with managing regional issues like transportation, land use, and public parks. Metro’s Regional Mobility Policy guides the region’s transportation investments toward its goals—directing investments in roads, bridges, bike lanes, light rail, and more. One of Metro’s proposed policies for 2023 is the […]
Two weeks ago, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler announced plans to give a 2.6% tax break to businesses threatening to leave Portland. This is a win for businesses and could encourage some to stay. But it may be too little, too late. Even after the worst of the pandemic, hundreds of businesses moved their headquarters out […]
Three states recently expanded education options for K-12 students through school choice laws. States that are empowering families to find the right fit for their children’s educational needs are opening doors of opportunity for generations of students. In May, Nebraska passed the Opportunity Scholarship Act. The tax credit-funded program provides opportunities for children to attend […]
“3000 SE Powell Boulevard” is the name of Home Forward’s 6-year-old low-income housing development with a massive expenditure: $87 million, $75 million of which came from government tax credits and bond monies. Burdened by building height and design constraints, soil contamination worries, and delayed materials delivery, the expected opening date has been pushed back to […]
Over the next four weeks, the Oregon legislature will decide whether to make a down payment of $1 billion to replace the I-5 Interstate Bridge connecting Portland with Vancouver. The total cost of the bridge is unknown, but is estimated to be around $6 billion. The legislature should reject this allocation, and shut down planning […]
In 2015, representatives from Portland Public Schools (PPS) gave a presentation to the Portland City Council on discipline issues at the state’s largest school district. The presentation provided data showing that minority students were suspended and expelled at higher rates than other students. Instead of examining why this gap existed, PPS simply pledged to reduce […]
If you’re a Multnomah County homeowner, business owner, or have a retirement account, watch out for the May election. There’s a measure on the ballot that’s coming after you. Measure 26-238 imposes a capital gains tax on Multnomah County residents. If you sell your home, you will pay the tax on the increased value since […]
Elected officials across the state are scrambling to do something to reduce homelessness in Oregon. In March, the Oregon Legislature fast-tracked $200 million in spending to address housing and homelessness. The City of Portland is fumbling around to find space for sanctioned homeless camp sites. Multnomah County is considering buying a 241-room hotel to house […]
Oregon’s economic engine is losing steam. For the second year in a row, Multnomah County lost population. The U.S. Census Bureau reports the county now has 21,000 fewer people than in 2020. In contrast, Clark County, Washington added more than 11,000 in population. It’s not an accident and it’s not a mystery. Over that time, […]