February 1, 2016

It’s budget season!

Today I submitted Requested Budgets for the  City’s public utilities – the Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) and the Portland Water Bureau (PWB).

Together, these two bureaus manage over $20 billion in infrastructure, employ more than a thousand people, and protect six watersheds.

The requested budgets reflect our priorities for each bureau: clean water in our rivers and our taps, maintaining our aging infrastructure, and ensuring that we are ready for “the Big One.”

For the third year in a row, I directed BES and PWB to keep their combined rate increase below five percent – and once again they have delivered.

Thanks to my two bureau directors, Mike Stuhr and Mike Jordan, the new Portland Utility Board (PUB), the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and many others for helping to shape the budget proposals.

Over the weekend, The Oregonian ran an op-ed I authored. It answers many questions we are asked during the budget season, and explains why I am so proud to lead these bureaus.

Your voice matters!

Over the next few months, you can attend a Budget Forum or Hearing – find one that is convenient for you. In the meantime, you can comment on the requested budgets, and I hope you do so.

When the BES and the PWB budgets are finalized, you’ll be able to find them on the City Budget Office website.

 February 3, 2016

City Council had special visitors this morning!

Fourth-graders from Boise-Eliot/Humboldt School and their art teacher spoke at Council about their experience inside the majestic Bull Run Watershed.

Last fall, students participated in a unique field trip to the Bull Run that focused on water and art. The Portland Water Bureau guides hundreds of students through the Bull Run every year, to study water science and engineering. The Boise-Eliot/Humboldt field trips added a special mission: visit Bull Run and share their experience with Portland through art.

The tour was designed for students to experience the watershed through their five senses - including taste! Students took a silent walk through the forest, recorded sounds from inside a dam, practiced photo yoga, and tasted an oxalis plant.

After their trip, they created the beautiful artwork currently on display in City Hall’s atrium, which runs through February 25^th.

Special thanks to Briggy Thomas and the Portland Water Bureau team!

Check out the Water Bureau’s website for more information.

Bull Run Art Exhibit

Portland City Hall atrium

Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 5:00 pm

1221 SW Fourth Ave.

Students create art project after field trip to Bull Run Watershed

Fox 12 Staff

Where to celebrate Valentine's Day with kids, and other February family events in Portland

Amy Wang in The Oregonian

Why Portland utility bills will raise a bit (OPINION)

Nick Fish in The Oregonian

Students create art project after field trip to Bull Run Watershed

Fox 12 Staff

Where to celebrate Valentine’s Day with kids, and other February family events in Portland

Amy Wang in The Oregonian

Oversight Committee Praises, Challenges Portland Housing Approaches

Rob Manning in OPB

Vote delayed on Right 2 Dream Too’s move

Brad Schmidt in The Oregonian

Homeless camp relocation hearing postponed

Jim Redden in the Portland Tribune

 February 5, 2016

Last night, Nick was honored to attend and speak at Celebrate Our City, Venture Portland’s 30^th Anniversary Party.

The diamond-anniversary celebrated Venture Portland and our wonderful neighborhood business districts.

And, on Wednesday, Nick was proud to present a proclamation at City Council, honoring their huge milestone.

Nick is Council liaison to Venture Portland. It is a local organization with a strong focus on investing in the smart, strategic growth of our neighborhood small business districts.

Neighborhood small businesses are the backbone of our community. They bring character and strength to our neighborhoods, create jobs, and encourage economic growth. For every dollar spent a local small business, nearly 70 cents stays in Portland’s local economy.

Check out Venture Portland’s website for more information.

 February 8, 2016

This weekend, Nick was honored to attend the TET Vietnamese New Year’s Celebration.

Today is the official beginning of the lunar year for many people around the world, and in our community too.

Ethic, racial, and religious diversity are some of our city’s great strengths. The immigrant and refugee families who choose to call Portland home enriches our community.  

And, we are grateful for the many contributions the Vietnamese-American community makes to our great city.

We wish you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!