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Portland City Council

All articles tagged with #portland city council

politics1 year ago

Portland City Council Elections: 10 Winners Declared, 2 Races Undecided

Ten candidates have secured seats on the Portland City Council, with two races still too close to call. The winners include former council members and candidates endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America. The election, which used a ranked-choice voting system, saw a diverse group of winners, including six women and five people of color. The new council will operate under a reformed city government structure, with significant policy-making power. More than 15,000 votes are still being counted, potentially affecting the final outcomes of the close races.

social-issues2 years ago

Controversy Erupts as Portland Rejects Proposal for Homeless Encampments on Public Property

The Portland City Council rejected a proposal to allow homeless encampments on public property, with the majority citing health and safety concerns. The plan aimed to pause encampment sweeps and permit sites on all public property except certain locations. The Portland Fire Department estimated a cost of $150,000 over five months if the ordinance had passed, while other departments projected a total cost of $1.2 million. Despite arguments that sweeps don't help people find shelter, the majority deemed the health and safety issues too significant. The meeting sparked strong responses, and chaos erupted when a protester climbed onto the mayor's desk and was subsequently removed by officers.

politics2 years ago

"Portland City Council Implements Ban on Open-Use Drug Consumption"

The Portland City Council unanimously passed an open-use drug ban, which will add controlled substances to the existing ordinance that bans drinking alcohol in public. Violators could face a fine of up to $500 or six months in jail. Local business leaders expressed concerns about the impact of drug use on tourism and revenue, while emergency responders highlighted the high volume of overdose calls. Some critics argue that the ban may only hide addicts and call for additional resources to address addiction and provide long-term recovery support.