💰 The argument for giving Oregonians $750

Oregon Forest Fires Are Nation’s Top Priority

The Pacific Northwest’s forest fires are the highest priority in the country right now. As of Wednesday afternoon, there were 838,908 acres burning in the region, with more than 90% of that area in Oregon. [KOIN]

• Related: No campfires are allowed at most state parks for the time being, because firefighters are stretched thin. [KGW]
• Related: Here’s a status update on Eagle Creek and Opal Creek, beloved wilderness destinations that are a few years into their recoveries after intense forest fires. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

Proposal To Give Oregonians $750 Each

Initiative Petition 17 proposes giving almost every Oregonian $750 a year by imposing a $7 billion tax on corporations. Backers say it would decrease child poverty by 26%, but the state estimates it would raise prices by 1.3%. The chief petitioner Antonio Gisbert answers some tough questions about the proposal. [Willamette Week]

Vacant Offices Aren’t Turning into Apartments

No Portland developers are opting to turn empty office buildings into apartment complexes right now. One key reason may be that there’s not enough money to be made; rents for downtown apartments have stayed flat for five years — and fallen when adjusted for inflation. [Oregonian 🔒]