phone: 503-823-3589
Email: nick@portlandoregon.gov
1221 S.W. 4th, Room 240, Portland, OR 97204
City Boards and Commissions Work Session
Apr 3, 2017 at 3:36 PM
April 3, 2017
“Good citizens are the riches of a city.” - C.E.S. Wood
Community engagement is a key feature of Portland decision-making, and the City Council is committed to meaningful public involvement.
This morning, the Council held a Work Session to discuss proposed reforms to the City’s public involvement practices.
Commissioners Eudaly and Fish have partnered on a package of eight proposed changes and updates, summarized in a handout linked here.
Their recommendations include uniform application forms, disclosures and bylaws, a database of all the City’s boards and commissions, and training for members of all advisory bodies.
On May 3, Council will consider a Resolution directing bureaus and staff to compile information on the approximately 150 existing boards and commissions, including rosters, bylaws, and policies for recruiting and appointing members.
After further community consultation, the goal is to return to Council by Labor Day with an Ordinance containing final recommendations for review and approval.
Thanks to Commissioner Eudaly for her partnership, and to Judy Prosper of the City Attorney’s office for guiding this process and helping to develop the proposal.
Commissioner Fish Challenges Business Community to Expand Access to All-User Restrooms
Apr 4, 2017 at 3:23 PM
April 4, 2017
This Friday, Commissioner Nick Fish will challenge the Portland business community to convert 1,000 single-stall restrooms to all-user restrooms. He will be joined by members of Venture Portland, the Portland Business Alliance, the Main Street Alliance, the Portland Area Business Association, Yelp, and the Oregon Restaurant and Lodging Association.
When: Friday, April 7, 11:00 – 11:30 am
Where: The Station (2703 NE Alberta St. Portland, OR 97211)
The City of Portland is committed to treating all people with respect and dignity, and to removing artificial barriers. On September 23, 2016, Commissioners Nick Fish and Amanda Fritz celebrated the successful conversion of 600 of the City’s single-stall restrooms to all-user facilities. The policy was crafted with community partners including Elders in Action, Multnomah County, SMYRC, Basic Rights Oregon, PHLUSH, and Disability Rights Oregon. These restrooms are now accessible to everyone in our community– older adults, parents with young children, people with personal attendants, and transgender people.
On Friday, Commissioner Fish will challenge the business community to step up and go even further.
“The City of Portland successfully converted 600 single-stall restrooms to all-user restrooms. I am formally challenging the business community to meet us, and beat us,” said Commissioner Fish. “The goal is 1000 all-user restrooms in the next 150 days. The support so far from public spirited businesses has been overwhelming. I am confident the business community will exceed our expectations.”
“We applaud the City for making this a challenge rather than a mandate,” said Sandra McDonough, President and CEO of the Portland Business Alliance. “Portland businesses share the City’s value of making our community a welcoming place for everyone, and we look forward to working with Commissioner Fish and other members of Council to make progress on the goals being announced today.”
For more information, visit portlandoregon.gov/alluserchallenge
Background
On December 17, 2015, Commissioner Nick Fish introduced Resolution #37175, which affirmed the City’s commitment to “removing barriers to a safe and inclusive workplace for employees, to creating spaces which are welcoming to all visitors, and to treating all people with respect and dignity.” It was approved unanimously by City Council.
On June 1, 2016, Council adopted the new policy which applies to “City-controlled” buildings – those that are both owned and occupied by the City.
On September 23, 2016, Commissioners Nick Fish and Amanda Fritz celebrated the successful conversion of 600 single-stall restrooms in City facilities.
Media
Fish Challenges Businesses to Expand All-User Restrooms
Ted Perkins in The Hollywood Star News
Commissioner Fish challenges businesses to create all-user restrooms
Andy Giegerich in the Portland Business Journal
Portland Commissioner Nick Fish to Issue 'All-User Restroom Challenge' Friday
Travis Loose in the Portland Patch
City and advocacy groups issue all-access bathroom challenge
Jim Redden in the Portland Tribune
Portland Commissioner Challenges Restaurants, Bars to Provide ‘All-User’ Restrooms
Mattue John Bamman in Eater Portland
The Weekly Catch
Apr 7, 2017 at 3:28 PM
All-User Restroom Challenge
Nick on the Mark Mason Show
KEX Radio
Venture Portland Helps Neighborhood Businesses Meet All-user Restroom Conversion Challenge
Venture Portland
Morning Roundup (Commissioner Nick Fish issues all-access bathroom challenge to businesses)
Katy Sword in the Oregon Business
Commissioner Fish challenges businesses to create all-user restrooms
Andy Giegerich in the Portland Business Journal
Portland Commissioner Nick Fish to Issue 'All-User Restroom Challenge' Friday
Travis Loose in the Portland Patch
City and advocacy groups issue all-access bathroom challenge
Jim Redden in the Portland Tribune
Portland Commissioner Challenges Restaurants, Bars to Provide ‘All-User’ Restrooms
Mattue John Bamman in Eater Portland
Investment Policy
Portland Council Ends New Investment In Corporate Securities
Amelia Templeton in OPB
City Council stops investing in corporations
Jim Redden in the Portland Tribune
Portland to stop corporate investing despite Mayor Ted Wheeler's opposition
Jessica Floum in The Oregonian
Water Bureau
Bull Run water deemed safe to drink – mostly
Jim Redden in the Portland Tribune
In Other News
State donates $100,000 to develop Cully Park
Lyndsey Hewitt in the Portland Tribune
Disjecta Has a New Executive Director, the Art Gym's Blake Shell
Megan Burbank in the Portland Mercury
Protecting Legal Services for the Poor
Apr 12, 2017 at 1:10 PM
April 12, 2017
Every American deserves access to justice
In this week's edition of Street Roots, Nick makes the case for opposing President Trump's proposal to eliminate funding for the Legal Services Corporation.
He says, "It is my sincere hope that Congress rejects any cuts to the LSC, and that we continue the proud American tradition of bi-partisan support for equal justice under law."
You can read the op-ed in Street Roots here.