City Cast Portland
Zero-emission vehicle research could get a big Portland tax break
August 30, 2023
Good morning, Portland! I’m excited to be back in town. I had a wonderful time away, but I missed all the happenings of city life. Today’s a brief newsletter.
What's CITY Talking About?
Daimler Tax Break
City Hall is looking to offer Daimler Truck North America a tax break for a $25 million expansion of its zero-emission vehicle research. Daimler is looking for a site, and officials hope the company will choose to expand in Portland.
The project would create 150 high-wage engineering jobs, but not meet the usual requirement to increase local hiring by 10% (Daimler already employs 3,000 people in Portland). City Council could waive the requirement for the property tax break. It’s legal under state law but has only been done once before in Portland. [Oregonian 🔒]
Wash. Teachers Strike
Camas teachers were on strike on what was scheduled to be the first day of school. It was the first strike ever for the district, and it may not be the only one in Southwest Washington this month: In both Evergreen and Battle Ground, teachers are also preparing to strike. [Columbian, KOIN]
United Permitting Proposal
In a notable reversal, City Commissioner Mingus Mapps has signed on to a proposal from his fellow commissioner Carmen Rubio to consolidate the city’s permitting into one office. Mapps previously called Rubio’s proposal “fundamentally incompatible” with his own plan to reform city codes, but labor and business groups backed Rubio’s approach to speeding development in Portland. [Willamette Week]
Oregon Needs Sea Otters
The species has been gone for a century, but they could return to Oregon. Learn what sea otters offer Oregon. [City Cast Portland 🎧]
What To Do
🎶 Music on Main | Wednesday | 5 p.m.
The singer-songwriter Freddy Trujillo performs for the final event of the summer series. [Free, Downtown]
🌲 ‘Forest Park: Exploring Portland’s Natural Sanctuary’ | Wednesday | 7 p.m.
Portland-based writer and wildlife biologist Marcy Cottrell Houle discusses her new book that highlights the delights of our urban forest. [Free, Pearl District]
🐈 Catio Tour | Sept. 9 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Plan ahead for this annual tour of the screened-in habitats for Portland’s feline friends. It’s a way to give cats a chance to be outside without threatening the lives of local fauna. [$20, Various]
Today on City Cast
The Best End-Of-Summer Sunset Date Spots
This week’s rain showers are a sign that the final weeks of summer are upon us. So what better way to mark the end of the season than to take in a few more glorious sunsets? Go grab those picnic blankets: Guest Eden Dawn is sharing the ultimate guide to Portland’s golden hour activities and hangouts.
Long before the ‘Barbie’ movie came out, there were Kens playing guitars at Barbies at the top of Tabor at sunset. I have even been one of the Barbies where a Ken played guitar at me.
I’ll see you tomorrow!
— Rachel Monahan
Edited by John Notarianni
Free · Daily