May 20, 2016

Yesterday, Nick presented the proposed rate increases for Portland’s Public Utilities – the Portland Water Bureau and Bureau of Environmental Services.

For the 3^rd year in a row, Nick directed our two utilities to keep the combined rate increase under 5%, and once again they delivered. This year, they have proposed a combined rate increase of just under 4.5%, or roughly $4 per month for the typical customer.

Both the Citizens’ Utility Board of Oregon (CUB) and the Portland Utility Board (PUB) testified in support of the proposed budgets, for both utilities.

We remain committed to providing good value to Portland’s ratepayers, and to investing in basic services like replacing old pipes and preparing for the Big One.

For more information on our utility rate increases, visit the sites below:

Commissioner Fish’s Statement

Portland Water Bureau’s PowerPoint

Bureau of Environmental Services’ PowerPoint

Why Portland utility bills will rise a bit (OPINION)
The Oregonian Editorial Board

Portland utility bills set for 4.5 percent rate hike
Katherine Kisiel from KATU 2 News

A $100 monthly utility bill in Portland? Yes
Brad Schmidt in The Oregonian

May 23, 2016

May 23, 2016 

On Friday, Nick was honored to speak at the City Club of Portland’s Friday Forum.

He was accompanied by Kelly Roy, founder and owner of Art Design Portland and Senior VP at Colliers International, Marykay West.

Check out the video above, as they tackle the topic, “Are the Arts Getting Squeezed Out?”

Video courtesy of City Club of Portland

May 24, 2016

 May 24, 2016

On Saturday, Nick was honored to speak at Terwilliger Plaza.

Terwilliger Plaza is a senior independent living retirement community. Each Saturday, residents invite a guest to share and report a community issue.

Older adults are an important part of the Portland community. Nick is proud to serve on the Advisory Committee for Age-Friendly Portland and City Council liaison to Elders in Action, a local nonprofit dedicated to creating a vibrant community of elders to enhance in civic engagement.

At Terwilliger Plaza, Nick gave a speech on the State of Our Public Utilities. He spoke about what he’s learned as the Commissioner in charge of the Portland Water Bureau and the Bureau of Environmental Services, as well as current challenges and future goals.

For more information on our public utilities, check out Nick’s recent web story.

May 25, 2016

This morning, Council took a big step forward in preparing our water system for the “Big One”, approving the contract for the Washington Park Reservoir Improvements Project! 

The new reservoirs, which will serve Portland’s entire Westside, are designed to withstand a major earthquake, and deliver clean, safe and reliable drinking water in the event of the Big One.

The Water Bureau also presented a new Community Benefits Plan (CBP), which Council will vote on next week. The CBP, which was developed in partnership with community leaders, is designed to expand economic opportunities for Minority, Women, and Emerging Small Businesses on the reservoir project.

Nick is honored to serve as your City Commissioner, and to lead the dedicated and talented professionals at the Portland Water Bureau. We are committed to providing values to our ratepayers, and to focusing on basic services, like replacing old pipes and making the system more resilient.

To learn more about the Washington Park Reservoir Project, visit the Portland Water Bureau’s website.

Fed announce release date for Portland Harbor cleanup plan
Rob Davis in The Oregonian

Superfund cleanup plan coming out June 8
Steve Law in the Portland Tribune

Portland reservoir project increases (again) to $190 million
Brad Schmidt in The Oregonian

The Vanport Mosaic Festival Preserves the Past
Megan Burbank in the Portland Mercury

Tough transition: Can Portland’s mayor and mayor-elect get along?
Brad Schmidt in The Oregonian

Win, lose or draw: How results of the primary election stack up
The Portland Tribune Staff

Lead in school water: Portland officials didn't warn teachers, students of known contamination
Betsy Hammond in The Oregonian

Elevated Lead Levels Found in Water at Two Portland Public Schools
Rachel Monahan in Willamette Week

Portland Commissioner Amanda Fritz Proposes City Commission for Immigrants and Refugees
Jenna Mulligan in Willamette Week

Dan Saltzman Is Proposing A New Construction Tax to Fund Affordable Housing
Dirk VanderHart in the Portland Mercury

Portland envisions $63 million community center for Pearl-area
Brad Schmidt in The Oregonian

Portland Public Schools bans material that casts doubt on climate change
Eder Campuzano in The Oregonian

Sandy High School students may win $50,000 for arts, get their shoes designs printed by Vans
Eder Campuzano in The Oregonian