⚖️ Portland jails dangerously near capacity

Oregon Leaders Call for Peaceful Election

Following fires at local ballot boxes, dozens of Oregon officials signed an open letter in Portland urging a peaceful election. Published by the Portland Metro Chamber, the letter endorsed free expression but stressed the importance of distinguishing constructive protest from harmful actions. Signatories included Sens. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, Gov. Tina Kotek, and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler. [Portland Metro Chamber]

City, Mayor Offer Harsh 2025-26 Budget Forecast

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and city budget officials advised various city bureaus to start preparing for a 5% cut to their 2025-26 budgets, among other directives, due to a projected $60 million budget shortfall. The interim city administrator said he hasn’t seen a budget like this since 1997. [Oregonian 🔒]

Keith Wilson on His Single-Issue Pitch to Voters

Portland mayoral hopeful Keith Wilson has emerged as a dark horse candidate in the race, outpolling the more established candidates. In the final installment of our mayoral candidate interview series, we have the latest on Wilson’s chances in the race, and we’re revisiting our first conversation with him earlier this summer. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

Portland Jails Dangerously Close to Forced Releases

On Sunday night, Multnomah County’s two jails reached over 90% capacity, leading to concerns of forced releases of prisoners should the jails hit 95% capacity. State officials are considering options to prevent this. [Oregonian 🔒]