Last week, there were high-profile controversies over City Commissioner Rene Gonalez’s plans to amend the Portland charter change approved by voters last year. He has scrapped two and delayed the remaining proposal.
But here are some additional updates on policy and politics from the region:
How to Fund Portland Street Response
City Commissioner Carmen Rubio has asked city lawyers if the funding for a police oversight board can be put toward Portland Street Response, the program to respond to mental health crises on the streets. A 2020 ballot measure specified that 5% of the Portland Police Bureau budget (or what currently amounts to $12.8 million) would be set aside for police oversight. [Willamette Week]
Record Number of Traffic Deaths
As of Friday, there had been 11 traffic deaths this month, more than in any month since Bike Portland began tracking them (and still with 10 days left in the month). Portland Bureau of Transportation officials blamed budget woes (in part), but advocates aren’t having that. [Bike Portland]
$630K for 82nd Avenue Transit
The federal congressional delegation secured another $630,000 for the overhaul of 82nd Avenue. This grant is for upgrading TriMet’s Line 72 bus. [Bike Portland]
$84K for Pipes, Foil, and More
Before county leaders put the harm-reduction effort on hold, the Multnomah County Health Department spent $84,000 on drug paraphernalia for meth use, including 55,404 pipes of various kinds ($43,000), as well as a giant Amazon order ($9,498) for 31,000 boba-tea straws and 90,000 sheets of foil. [KATU]
