07.03.2023

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Today’s Forecast

49º | Showers | 84% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:50 a.m. | Sunset 4:40 p.m.

🗺️ Mapping out Portland’s future

Making sense of Portland’s proposed city council districts

Portland's Pioneer Courthouse Square is painted with large multicolored circles. People lounge in the sun in chairs scattered across the area.

Districts will get rid of at-large city council elections, promoting more equitable representation. | Photo courtesy of City of Portland

Back in November 2022, Portland voters passed Ballot Measure 26-228 — a bill that would transform the city’s charter and how its government would function.

That transition process is well underway toward enacting its three major changes: the implementation of ranked-choice voting, electing a mayor with executive authority who delegates various tasks to a city administrator, and the formation of a 12-member, district-elected city council.

On the last topic, it’s confirmed that there will be four districts with three councilors elected from each, but the exact geographic boundaries are still undecided. That’s where the city wants your input — but the materials it sent out recently weren’t exactly the clearest.

Essentially, there are three options for how the final district map will look, named options “Alder,” “Cedar,” and “Maple.”

Alternating maps show possible district borders for Portland's future city councilor elections. — Thirteen community members are in charge of establishing the four districts.
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Photos courtesy of City of Portland

When you view each option, you can see that they are divided into four parts roughly equal in population and land area. However, slight variation does lead to larger impacts, which we break down below.

Alder

Based largely on established neighborhood boundaries, this option uses I-84 and the Willamette River to divide the central city in a way that will “promote broad engagement” and “distribute significant assets and institutions.”

Cedar

Transit corridors like Northeast Sandy Boulevard, Southeast 12th Avenue, 82nd Avenue, and MAX lines inform this layout, which prioritizes how the transportation influences “the use of public space and notions of neighborhood.”

Maple

This option emphasizes keeping most of the central city — including Albina and other inner eastside neighborhoods, together in one district to best align with the Central City 2035 plan.

What’s next?

Throughout July, there will be eight public hearings hosted by the Independent District Commission, providing opportunities for people to make their voices heard. The final decision is slated to take place by September.

Share your thoughts

Events

Monday, July 3

Portland Pickles vs. Portland Gherkins - Game 2 | Monday, July 3 | 6-11 p.m. | Walker Stadium, 4727 SE 92nd Ave., Portland | $12+ | The day’s doubleheader comes to a conclusion with the Keep Portland Weird night game.
2023 Portland’s Funniest - Preliminary Round | Monday, July 3 | 7 p.m. | Helium Comedy Club, 1510 SE Ninth Ave., Portland | $15-$20 | Watch the best local comedians wield all the tomfoolery, wisecracks, and wit at their disposal as they battle to be best.
Ankeny Alley Festival | Saturday, July 3 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Ankeny Alley, between Southwest Second and Third avenues, Portland | Free | Explore one of Portland’s most popular destinations and celebrate the season with music, live entertainment, art, and food.

Tuesday, July 4

Waterfront Blues Festival All Stars Vol. 2 | Tuesday, July 4 | 10:30 p.m. | Jack London Revue, 529 SW Fourth Ave., Portland | $20 | Check out this late-night special performance featuring Yates Mckendree, Tony Coleman, Kevin Mckendree, and Lloyd Jones.

Wednesday, July 5

Wellness Wednesdays with Pause Meditation | Wednesday, July 5 | 12:30-1 p.m. | Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW Sixth Ave., Portland | Free | Find inner peace in the city center with this guided meditation session.

Thursday, July 6

Opera a la Cart at The Square | Thursday, July 6 | 12-1 p.m. | Pioneer Courthouse Square, 701 SW Sixth Ave., Portland | Free | Zhuzh up your lunch hour with a bit of vibrato.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

State

The moment that was long prophesied has (perhaps) arrived. Pending the signature of Gov. Tina Kotek, it appears that Oregonians will soon be able to officially pump their own gas. In order to retain station attendant jobs, locations can designate up to half of their pumps as self-service. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

Try This

Enjoy a hard cider now and then? Oregon State University wants to pay you to sample the golden-hued beverage to help inform producers of consumer preferences. Receive $50 for an hour tasting session on Wednesday, July 19, and Thursday, July 20, at the Food Innovation Center. (KOIN)

Announced

How are we feeling after Dame’s trade request, Trail Blazers fans? Devastated? Relieved? Well, the team’s general manager Joe Cronin has made his stance clear — although Rip City will work to accommodate the seven-time All Star, it won’t be at the detriment to the team’s best interest. (ESPN + Blazer’s Edge)

Sports

The count is 3-2 and Portland Diamond Project is swinging. Its latest proposal to attract an MLB franchise has the mayor’s backing — proponents want to convert the Lloyd Center mall into a ballpark, bringing transportation upgrades and urban renewal to the area. RedTail Golf Course is also being considered. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

Outdoors

Swimply — it’s like Airbnb, but for swimming pools and hot tubs, and there are plenty of listings to dive into around Portland. From full-on party pads to a private jacuzzi, beating the heat and enjoying some relaxation this summer is only a couple clicks away. (Portland Monthly)

Number

$1.83 billion. According to officials, that’s how much Portland’s planned Bull Run water treatment facility will now cost thanks to rising construction rates and labor shortages. The figure marks an almost fourfold increase from the amount approved by elected leaders in 2017. Upgrades are needed to comply with federal regulations. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)

Travel

🌊 Cool off at the Oregon Coast

Hit the Road: an outdoor adventure down the Oregon Coast

A sunset with a cloud-filled sky as a wave crashes on the sand.

Hike up to Heceta Head Lighthouse from Devil’s Elbow State Park. | Photo by @kentenbrown

If you saw Portland’s temperature forecast and said “oh heck no,” our outdoor adventure-themed itinerary along the Oregon Coast is just the kind of “cool” you need.

Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area

The pounding waves are constantly changing the shape of this sandstone headland just north of Pacific City. Climb up the towering dune — but don’t go beyond the safety fence — for majestic views, then spend the evening back on the beach to watch the sun sink below Chief Kiwanda Rock.

Neskowin Ghost Forest

Storms in the late 1990s uncovered the remains of an ancient Sitka spruce forest on the beach, best seen at low tide. Look for small fish and crabs in the water that pools around the petrified stumps, and if the water is low enough, climb a short trail to the top of Proposal Rock.

Sand Master Park

Get to know the sand dunes that inspired Frank Herbert’s epic sci-fi fantasy by taking a lesson at the world’s first sandboard park.

More to eat, play + stay

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Ben

From the editor

With near-record heat bearing down on us, it’s tempting to head up to Trillium Lake and take the kayak out for a float. I’m sure I won’t be the only one with that idea. What are your plans for the Fourth of July holiday?

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