September 25, 2013

As part of last year's budget, Council adopted a Budget Note directing the City's two utility bureaus - Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) and the Portland Water Bureau (PWB) - to "provide Council with a report and presentation of their five-year capital plans" prior to the FY 2014-15 budget process.

Yesterday, in a Council Work Session, BES and PWB presented Council and the public an overview of their budget, finances, and Capital Improvement Program, or CIP - a "Utility Bureau 101."

Together, these two bureaus manage assets with a replacement value of about $20 billion. As stewards of our stormwater, sewer, and water systems, it's important that Council understands how they budget, operate, and develop plans to keep their infrastructure healthy.

Their presentation materials are featured on each bureau's website - we encourage you to take a look.

BES CIP Presentation

PWB CIP Presentation

Nick Fish defends water, utility rate and promises a new day: Just in

Len Reed in The Oregonian

Novick, Fish Lead Council Pushback Against "Troubling" Gun Eclusion Reports

Denis C. Theriault in The Portland Mercury

Our Opinion: Stop-gap solutions don't help homeless

The Portland Tribune Editorial Board

Water bureau teams up with energy company on new reservoir

Joe Smith on KGW.com 

In Other News

Denis C. Theriault in The Portland Mercury

Southwest Portland residents peeved about sale of unused Water Bureau property

Andrew Theen in The Oregonian

There's somoething about the water: A Bull Run Watershed tour glimpse

Andy Giegerich in Sustainable Business Oregon

Portland Timbers: City Council to vote again on Delta Park soccer field project

Andrew Theen in The Oregonian

September 27, 2013

On October 2, veterans are invited to attend this year’s Stand Down and Job Fair at the Oregon Convention Center.

The all day event helps veterans get connected with potential employers, medical services, lunch, haircuts, and gives them a chance to relax and connect with fellow veterans. This year the event will be hosted by Transition Projects, with support from Central City Concern and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

To pre-register and find similar events outside of Portland, visit Central City Concern’s website.

Veterans job fair and Stand Down set for Oct. 2 at convention center

Mike Francis in The Oregonian

photo courtesy of Central City Concern

October 1, 2013

It’s time to put on your gloves and battle the ivy!

Join the No Ivy League this Saturday to help get rid of English and Irish ivy - two of the most invasive species in our area.

English ivy and Irish ivy were once widely used in landscaping design, but these resilient plants are taking over roadways and have entered our forests and parks. They must be stopped!

Invasive species cause a lot of damage to our forests, streams, rivers, and property. They can lead to the extinction of native plant and animal species, and cost approximately $120 billion each year nationally!

Don’t run, stand and fight! Volunteers can sign up at ivy “takeover” sites throughout the city.

It costs a lot less to prevent the spread of invasive plants before they gain a foothold. The No Ivy League and volunteers are helping keep Portland in its natural form.

To learn more about No Ivy Day, and to sign up to volunteer, visit No Ivy League’s website.

October 2, 2013

This morning, Nick was honored to present a Proclamation to the Oregon Cultural Trust, recognizing “Oregon Days of Culture.”

Oregon Days of Culture happens the first week in October each year. The week recognizes the vibrancy of the arts, heritage, and humanities in Oregon. Oregonians are encouraged to celebrate, participate, and give to Oregon culture.

Supporting Oregon's culture makes practical sense. As an investment, it creates vibrant communities by strengthening the economy, improving education, and improving our quality of life.

To learn more about the Oregon Cultural Trust, visit their website.

Oregon Days of Culture Proclamation

Oregon Days of Culture 2013

The Portland Tribune

photo courtesy of the Oregon Cultural Trust