January 3, 2017

Today we welcome two new members to the Portland City Council – Mayor Ted Wheeler and Commissioner Chloe Eudaly. They bring new energy and new priorities, and we’re excited to work with them. And last week we thanked Charlie Hales and Steve Novick for their many years of public service.

This morning, Mayor Wheeler announced his bureau assignments. We are grateful for his vote of confidence in the leadership teams at our public utilities, and excited to continue our work with Environmental Services and the Water Bureau in 2017. We are midstream on an ambitious agenda, and appreciate the opportunity to partner with Mayor Wheeler and the Council on the next pieces.

We have also been asked to continue as Council liaison to the Regional Arts & Culture Council, Venture Portland, and Elders in Action. And we have a new liaison responsibility: the Portland Rose Festival Foundation. These organizations represent the best of Portland, and we're honored to serve as their partners.

As we enter the new year, Portland faces many challenges. We look forward to working with the new Mayor and our Council colleagues to address those challenges and to make Portland a better place for all.

Here's Who Got Handed the Biggest Problems in Portland Government

Rachel Monahan in Willamette Week

Ted Wheeler announces City Council's bureau assignments

Jessica Floum in The Oregonian

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler Dishes Out Bureau Assignments

Amelia Templeton in OPB News

Wheeler keeps police, shuffles some other bureaus

Jim Redden in the Portland Tribune

Mayor Ted Wheeler Hands a Troubled Portland Office to Rookie Commissioner Chloe Eudaly

Rachel Monahan in Willamette Week

Ted Wheeler's First Act as Mayor: A Bureau Shakeup

Dirk VanderHart in the Portland Mercury

January 5, 2017

On New Year’s Eve, Nick was honored to speak at the Prayer Circle for Peace and Healing, hosted by the Native American Rehabilitation Association (NARA).

NARA is a local non-profit that provides social services and health care to our native communities. Founded in 1970, NARA has seven locations throughout Portland.

The Prayer for Peace and Healing event celebrated the diversity of traditions, faiths, and cultures in Portland.

Nick joined Rev. Hardy from the Highland Christian Center, County Commissioner Loretta Smith, our very own Asena Lawrence, and many others. He shared his perspectives on the City of Portland’s role in honoring and respecting all people in our community. Nick also gave a short prayer about supporting each other during these difficult and uncertain times.

Special thanks to NARA and its Executive Director, Jackie Mercer, for hosting an inspiring event!

For more information on the next Prayer Circle for Peace and Healing event, visit NARA’s website.

January 6, 2017

Yesterday, Nick was honored to serve as a judge for the Classroom Law Project’s annual “We the People” competition.

Founded in 1987, "We the People" engages students across the country in learning about the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the underpinnings of American democracy.

The competition is a simulated Congressional hearing where high school students test their knowledge before a panel of civic leaders, attorneys, and teachers. 

Nick judged a section of the competition where students debated the role of Congress and the limitations of the legislative branch.

Later in the evening, Nick gave the keynote. He talked about the importance of the Constitution and being an engaged citizen during these uncertain times. He shared examples from our country’s history, and reminded students and teachers that the Constitution is the first line of defense against government overreach and tyranny.

You can read his full speech here.

Special thanks to the Classroom Law Project for the event, Lake Oswego High School for hosting, the outstanding students, and their teachers, coaches and parents.

Is Portland City Hall A Safe Place To Work?

Amelia Templeton in OPB News

New Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler Faces Rising Incivility And Anger At City Hall

Amelia Templeton in OPB News

Mayor Ted Wheeler calls for inclusive Portland in inauguration ceremony

Jessica Floum in the Oregonian

Wheeler Calls on Portlanders to Hold Him Accountable

Jim Redden in the Portland Tribune

Superfund

Press Release: Joint Statement by Mayor Ted Wheeler and Commissioner Nick Fish on EPA Superfund

Office of Mayor Ted Wheeler

Press Release: City Prevails in Anderson Ratepayer Case

Office of Mayor Ted Wheeler

Judge Rules Portland's Utilities Were Justified in Using Ratepayer Funds for Portland Harbor Superfund Cleanup

Rachel Monahan in Willamette Week

Portland OK to spend millions of utility ratepayer money on Superfund cleanup

Jessica Floum in The Oregonian

Judge sides with City Council on Superfund spending

Jim Redden in the Portland Tribune

EPA calls for more aggressive, expensive Portland Harbor Superfund cleanup

Pete Danko in the Portland Business Journal

Bureau Assignments

Here's Who Got Handed the Biggest Problems in Portland Government

Rachel Monahan in Willamette Week

Ted Wheeler announces City Council's bureau assignments

Jessica Floum in The Oregonian

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler Dishes Out Bureau Assignments

Amelia Templeton in OPB News

Wheeler keeps police, shuffles some other bureaus

Jim Redden in the Portland Tribune

Mayor Ted Wheeler Hands a Troubled Portland Office to Rookie Commissioner Chloe Eudaly

Rachel Monahan in Willamette Week

Ted Wheeler's First Act as Mayor: A Bureau Shakeup

Dirk VanderHart in the Portland Mercury

Portland Weather

211 Information Center Slammed by Calls About Cold Weather

Tim Gordon, KGW

City will keep Portland Building open as a homeless shelter into the weekend

Jon Bell in the Portland Business Journal

Supplies, help needed for homeless people during severe weather

Molly Harbarger in The Oregonian

In Other News

For the first time, most Multnomah County Commissioners are people of color

Casey Parks in The Oregonian

Fire Contained at Hotel Alder in Downtown Portland

KGW Staff

The Five Gallery Shows We’re Most Excited To See This Month

Jennifer Rabin in Willamette Week

January 9, 2017

On Friday, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) issued its final cleanup plan – or “Record of Decision” – for the Portland Harbor Superfund site. Mayor Wheeler and Commissioned released the following joint statement:

 Joint Statement by Mayor Ted Wheeler and Commissioner Nick Fish on EPA Superfund

They emphasize: Time for action is now 

PORTLAND, OR – Mayor Ted Wheeler and Commissioner Nick Fish released the following joint statement on the EPA’s record of decision (ROD) announcement.

“We are pleased that the EPA has released its plan for the Portland Harbor cleanup. The City is committed to a clean river and is prepared to lead in building coalitions and partnerships to get this cleanup done right and done as soon as possible. This work is going to be done locally and it’s our priority to have it done by local workers. The time to act is now.

EPA calls for more aggressive, expensive Portland Harbor Superfund cleanup

Pete Danko in the Portland Business Journal

Final Portland Superfund plan: Faster, costlier

Tim Becker and KOIN 6 News Staff

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Orders $1 Billion Cleanup of Portland Harbor Superfund Site

Rachel Monahan in Willamette Week

Final Portland Superfund plan: $1.05 billion cleanup over 13 years

Andrew Theen in The Oregonian

Federal Orders For Cleaning Up the Willamette River Just Got Stronger—and More Expensive

Dirk VanderHart in the Portland Mercury

Final cleanup plan for Portland Harbor Superfund site released

Lincoln Graves in KATU News

EPA beefs up Portland Superfund plan after 5,000 public comments

Sara Roth in KGW News

Judge Rules Portland's Utilities Were Justified in Using Ratepayer Funds for Portland Harbor Superfund Cleanup

Rachel Monahan in Willamette Week

Portland OK to spend millions of utility ratepayer money on Superfund cleanup

Jessica Floum in The Oregonian

Judge sides with City Council on Superfund spending

Jim Redden in the Portland Tribune

Press Release: City Prevails in Anderson Ratepayer Case

Mayor Ted Wheeler