The first half of 2014 has been marked by big changes, new challenges, and many reasons to celebrate.

City employees and community partners stepped up during a big winter storm.

The Portland City Council approved a balanced budget that invests in strong neighborhoods and small businesses, protects our safety net services, supports older adults and youth, and builds strong partnerships.

And after Portland voters soundly defeated a ballot measure to create a new water district, we launched a Blue Ribbon Commission to consider reforms to the oversight of our public utilities.

As always, it is an honor to serve you on the City Council, to work with the talented professionals at the Water Bureau and the Bureau of Environmental Services, and to serve as Council liaison to Venture Portland, the Regional Arts & Culture Council, Portland'5, and Elders in Action.

Thanks for all you do to make Portland a great place to call home.

#pdxLOVESsmallbiz	PHAME Celebrates 30th Anniversary
City Launches Blue Ribbon Commission	Heroes During the Winter Storm
BES Reclaims St. Johns Brownfield	New Partnership with Citizens' Utility Board
A Decade of Northwest Dance Project	BES: Everyday Heroes
Celebrating Older Americans	City's First-Ever Utility Rate Review