August 15, 2013

Yesterday, City Council celebrated the completion of our 11 x 13 initiative.

In 2008, the Portland Housing Bureau launched the 11x13 campaign when we identified 11 buildings that were at risk of losing their federal subsidies by the end of 2013.

With our partners, we proudly report that 11 x 13 has been a success. We preserved the affordability of all 11 buildings -- home to more than 700 low-income older adults and people with disabilities.

Learn more about the 11 x 13 intiative, the buildings we preserved, and the people who call them home.

Listen to some of the residents share their stories on the Portland Housing Bureau YouTube channel.

It's a wrap: Subsidized housing campaign saves nearly 1,000 homes

Wendy Culverwell in The Portland Business Journal

City saves 11 affordable housing buildings

Jim Redden in the Portland Tribune

Getting It Done

U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development

Water House sale, a fine first step, needs to be followed by Portland Water Bureau accountability

The Oregonian Editorial Board

2013 Spirit of Portland awards nominations now being accepted

Dana Tims in The Oregonian

Gateway green shows power of partnerships

Nick Fish in the Portland Tribune

Our Opinion: Water House sale is smart move

Editorial in the Portland Tribune

Struggling to survive is not a criminal offense

Portland Human Rights Commission in the Portland Tribune

Hales Meets with Fish, Street Roots Director about Expanding Homeless Services

Aaron Mesh in Willamette Week

Fish, Salzman Staffer, Housing Bureau Meet With Hales on Homelessness - After Fish Goes Public With Complaints

Denis C.Theriault in The Portland Mercury

Yo, Charlie Hales! Politics are relational

Steve Duin in The Oregonian

The Empty Throne

Denis C. Theriault in The Portland Mercury

Nick Fish wants to restore CFO post that Portland Mayor Charle Hales cut, requiring $162,392 severance payment

Brad Schmidt in The Oregonian

Portland's "Water House" hits the market at a bargain price

Andy Giegerich in the Portland Business Journal

Portland Commissioner Nick Fish asks about anonymous comments. Here's what we say.

Susan Gage in The Oregonian

How Nick Fish Broke Rank with Charlie Hales' Plan for Sidewalk Sweeps and Food Carts

Aaron Mesh in Willamette Week

Summer concerts in downtown's Pettygrove Park continue Wednesdays in August

Sara Hottman in The Oregonian

City's 'Water House' $1M down the drain?

Ken Boddie on KOIN.com

City Plans to sell Water House, admits it will lose thousands in tax payer money

On KPTV.com

Portland to sell controversial 'Water House'

Anna Canzano on KATU.com

Sharing a smile

Alex Zielinski in Street Roots

Did the Port and Housing Agency get scammed

Murmurs in Willamette Week

Nick Fish to Charlie Hales: "Are We Still committed to Solving Homelessness? Or Just to Displacing It?

Denis C. Theriault in The Portland Mercury

Commissioner: 'Water House' was a mistake

On KGW.com

Nick Fish shorts Randy Leonard's infamous Water House

Wendy Culverwell in the Portland Business Journal

Nick Fish says Water House was a mistake. But didn't he vote for it?

Brad Schmidt in The Oregonian

Portland to sell controversial Water House

Jim Redden In the Portland Tribune

It's a wrap: Subsidized housing campaign saves nearly 1,000 homes

Wendy Culverwell in the Portland Business Journal

City saves 11 affordable housing buildings

Jim Redden in the Portland Tribune

Portland's infamous 'Water House' for sale at $475,000

Brad Schmidt in The Oregonian

August 16, 2013

There’s a hidden treasure in East Portland. 24 acres of unused, partially wooded land between I-84 and I-205 has a terrific opportunity to be transformed into a world-class recreational area for off-road bicycling, hiking and more in East Portland. Welcome to Gateway Green, a community-led vision to enhance this vibrant and exciting part of our city.

Gateway Green is a great example of a public-private partnership working together to help reclaim this land for the public. After years of strong grassroots support, and local, regional, and state government input, the project is starting to make headway.

Friends of Gateway Green will leverage public, private, and philanthropic funds to fully develop and construct the area. After its completion the City of Portland will operate the park.

But a major component of the project is still underway, and that’s where you come in.

Friends of Gateway Green wants to hear from you! What needs, wants, and dreams do you have for Gateway Green? Visit Oregon’s Kitchen Table by August 23 to let us know what design features you want to make the most of this treasured space.

To learn more about Gateway Green or to contribute to the project contact Sarah Giles at (503) 725-5248.

Gateway Green shows power of partnerships

Nick Fish in the Portland Tribune

photo courtesy of GatewayGreenpdx.org

August 19, 2013

Join Portland Water Bureau (PWB) staff tomorrow at the First United Methodist Church on SW Jefferson to voice your thoughts on the Washington Park Reservoir Improvement project.

The project will replace Reservoir 3 with a 15-million gallon underground reservoir and update Reservoir 4 as an overflow and storm water retention tank, including a de-chlorination facility. Now, PWB wants to hear what you want to do with Reservoir 3.

The meeting starts at 6 pm, August 20. If you can’t make it tomorrow night, there are other chances to tell us what you think. Check out the PWB website to see a complete list of opportunities to participate and provide feedback on the project.

To be notified on upcoming public meetings and other outreach opportunities, please contact Tim Hall at the Portland Water Bureau at (503) 823 – 6926.

First United Methodist Church

1838 SW Jefferson Room 202

August 20, 2013

Who do you know that embodies the spirit of Portland? It’s that time of year to nominate those who make the “City of Roses” a better place to live, work, pray, or play. It’s time for the 2013 Spirit of Portland Awards!

Each year since 1985, the City Council awards those who have made a difference in the greater community. Nominate a fellow Portlander who you think made a difference in:

• Assisting in the implementation of outstanding projects
• Enriching and revitalizing our community and neighborhoods
• Providing our community and neighborhoods with a special service
• Demonstrating responsiveness, creativity and civic values, raising cross-cultural awareness
• Acting as a good steward of the environment

To nominate an exemplary Portlander, complete the form for the individual or group, and attach a one-page narrative explaining why your nominee should be honored. Nominations are due by September 20.

Click here to print the nomination form.

Please send completed forms with narratives to:

Office of Neighborhood Involvement

1221 SW 4th Avenue, Room 110

Portland,Oregon 97204

Email: paul.leistner@portlandoregon.gov

Fax: 503-823-3050