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BPS E-News
Issue #95 — May 2020

CC2035 heads to City Council for public hearing and re-adoption

Revised plan includes changes to address LUBA and Court of Appeals concerns.

Today, the Portland City Council will hold a public hearing on the re-adoption of the Central City 2035 Plan (CC2035). Council will deliberate and vote on July 2. If Council re-adopts the plan, it would go into effect in mid-August.

Community organizations receive Chromebooks in Digital Divide pilot

More than 50 local organizations requested 3,500+ devices for the community members they serve.

The Digital Divide Work Group, part of the Economic Impact and Intervention Task Force led by Mayor Ted Wheeler, Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty, and Prosper Portland, announced initial partnerships with 10 organizations working with Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC); individuals with disabilities; immigrants; women; individuals experiencing poverty; or other community members in isolation and at high risk of digital exclusion.

City Council to hold public hearing on potential amendments to RIP

Portlanders invited to testify during a virtual hearing, online via the Map App or by U.S. mail.

On Wednesday, June 3, Portland City Council will hold a public hearing on potential amendments to the Residential Infill Project. This hearing follows others in January and subsequent Council work sessions in February. Commissioners have proposed a few amendments to the proposals in the Planning and Sustainability Commission’s Recommended Draft. Sign up by June 2 at 4 p.m. to testify virtually.

Thank you garbage collectors!

Waste collection drivers are working hard to help our community through this crisis, and we’re grateful!

We’ve been thrilled to see Portlanders show their appreciation for the hard work garbage and recycling truck drivers do, especially during the pandemic. You can help protect their health and safety by bagging all garbage as tightly and securely as possible (do not bag recycling).

Architectural rendering of a modern apartment building on corner

PSC moves Expiration Date Extension Project forward to City Council

After hearing public testimony on proposals to streamline the land use review and development permitting process, Commissioners recommended the proposals with amendments to City Council.

The COVID-19 pandemic has slowed down the development review process for new construction in Portland, affecting development and construction markets. Consequently, land use review and permit applicants are concerned that development applications will expire due to a variety of factors. Applicants note difficulty moving projects forward because of economic uncertainty and slower timelines due to business closures and physical distancing guidelines.

3 workers on ladders installing siding on a home

Portland Clean Energy Benefits Fund to accept grant applications in August

This new program will award $6-8 million in its first cycle and $40-60 million annually in subsequent years.

The PCEF Committee and staff will start accepting their first round of grant applications from Aug. 3 to Oct. 2, 2020. Prior to that, the PCEF team will invite public comment on grant-scoring criteria and provide application assistance to help organizations apply. These grants will fund projects and programs that benefit communities living on the frontlines of climate change.

Illustration of home items - chair, lamp, books, sports equipment.

Spring cleaning tips during COVID-19

If spending more time at home is making you want to clean out your closet, kitchen, or entire house, we’ve got tips to help.

Portland is filled with terrific options to donate and recycle items. However, due to health and safety measures, some donation and disposal options are more limited than usual. We’ve put together tips to help, but you may need to hold onto items until donation or disposal options are available again.