Carmen Makes Progress on Housing, Permitting, Climate, Business Relief
Even in the midst of our current challenges, Portland’s reputation remains intact as a hub of cultural ingenuity: as a culinary capital, a place where you can come as you are and be accepted, and a city that respects and nurtures Oregon’s natural beauty and the great outdoors.
We can’t do it alone — so we need to continue building and partnering with the private sector and our other government jurisdictions to really see the scale of change we want to have.
But there is one thing that gives me faith: Our fundamentals are strong. We have a young and talented workforce, we have an ethos of creativity when it comes to food and arts and culture, and the city’s long-term financial position continues to be resilient, even in these tough times.
At the end of the day, Portlanders deeply love this city and want this city to thrive — so I know we will all do what it takes to come out of the other side of this even stronger. Here is just a sampling of the monumental progress we are making together:
The Skanner: In Concordia Neighborhood, Dekum Court Expands Affordable Housing Opportunities
Bryan Guiney, director of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Oregon field office, praised Rubio’s efforts to increase the affordable housing supply in Portland. He said, “The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 provided 476 emergency housing vouchers directly to Home Forward, and an additional $14 million in home investment grants to the Portland Housing Bureau, under Commissioner Rubio’s leadership.”
KATU-TV: Portland prepares to overhaul ‘byzantine’ permitting process
“The city’s putting its money and its time where its mouth is, and I appreciate that for once we have a Council who is committed to really getting under the hood and fixing what everybody knows is a massive, byzantine problem in our city,” Portland Metro Chamber CEO Andrew Hoan said. “I’m optimistic because it’s the first time we’ve seen real progress on it.”
The Oregonian: Portland’s Massive Clean Energy Fund Makes Strides in Accountability, Management, Auditor Says
City Auditor Simone Rede … attributed much of the fund’s progress to a broader overhaul of the four-year-old program championed in October by Commissioner Carmen Rubio, whose Bureau of Planning and Sustainability oversees it. “Under my leadership, this council directed changes to how the fund is administered and what it funds — and those changes are being implemented right now,” Rubio said. “Those changes were based in my belief that the fund should function with unparalleled accountability, responsibility, and transparency — and that is my focus.”
Oregon Business: City of Portland Waives Filming Permit Fees Through End of Year
David Cress, producer of Oregon-made TV series “Shrill” and “Portlandia,” [says] Oregon’s film industry has been struggling for too long without enough work because of the summer’s strikes…. He says, “I am excited about this program, and I very much applaud Commissioner Rubio and her office for getting it done for us really quickly once we went to them.”
The Oregonian: ESCO Not Bailing on Portland, Has Leased New Space in Northwest Portland
Portland Business Journal: Portland Apparel Retailer Recommits to Downtown After Considering Move
KOIN-TV: Portland Apparel Brand Moves Flagship Store, Recommits to Downtown Core
It’s wonderful to see that prominent businesses like ESCO, UnderU4Men, and Portland Gear — as well as Revant Optics — have recommitted to Portland for its talent, potential, and natural assets. More businesses are likely to announce their decisions in the coming weeks.
Bureau of Development Services Seeks Advisory Board Applicants
Are you an experienced electrician who is passionate about ensuring the safety of electrical systems and installations in Portland’s buildings? If so, the Electrical Code Board of Appeal could benefit from your talents.
Do you have a passion for architecture, development, and public spaces? Please consider joining the Portland Design Commission.