Portland finally cracks down on Airbnbs

$450 Million for Albina Vision Trust

The effort to rebuild a historically Black neighborhood is taking off. The nonprofit Albina Vision Trust has successfully helped the state win $450 million for the project to put a cap over I-5 at the Rose Quarter. The nonprofit already has a 94-unit housing development underway, and Albina Vision Trust last month won Portland Public Schools’ agreement to sell the headquarters. [OPB]

Airbnb Actions

The city of Portland has finally started to crack down on illegal Airbnbs. The city has issued 73 fines worth $169,000, since the Oregonian’s investigation last September. That’s more than six times the fines levied against illegal Airbnbs over the nearly three prior years. In a letter on Friday, the city also demanded that the company remove all the listings in Portland that lack an official permit. If the company fails to do so, the city could fine Airbnb up to $867,000 a day. [Oregonian 🔒]

Memorializing 2021’s Heat Wave Victims

Multnomah County memorialized the 72 victims of the 2021 heat wave, with volunteers planting trees. While people died throughout the county, many of the deaths were concentrated in East Portland, where there are fewer trees, resulting in heat islands where temperatures can spike during summer heat. [KOIN]

Mismanaged Historic Kenton Firehouse

On the midweek roundup, the city mismanaged the Historic Kenton Firehouse. The Portland Bureau of Transportation is on a campaign against potholes. And there’s an update on the PGE rate hikes. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

At this moment, my favorite thing about Portland is our cherry blossoms. How about you?

Cheap Rent for Lawmakers, PGE Rate Hike Pushback, and Hunting for Potholes

On the midweek roundup, the city mismanaged the Historic Kenton Firehouse. The Portland Bureau of Transportation is on a campaign against potholes. There’s an update on the PGE rate hikes. Plus, in the mailbag, there’s a discussion of the real meaning of NIMBY.