💸 The impacts of Portland spending $1B on homelessness

Homeless Deaths Spike

Between 2021 and 2024, the city of Portland spent $200,000 per resident experiencing homelessness. Despite the investment, deaths among that same population still grew rapidly; the city now has a higher death rate among people experiencing homelessness than any other West Coast city. During the same period, the city also cut funding for permanent housing for homeless Portlanders while conducting more sweeps of camps. [ProPublica / Street Roots]

Cuts Planned for County Health Department

Nurses and others who work for Multnomah County’s health department are bracing for layoffs as the county looks to address a budget shortfall. STD clinics and care for new moms are among the services expected to be cut. [Oregonian 🔒]

Quiet Success of Infill Housing

Portland added more than 1,000 smaller units to traditionally single-family neighborhoods in the three years after approving a residential infill policy in 2021. Those middle housing and accessory-dwelling units tend to be less expensive units — selling for $250,000 to $300,000 less than other area homes. [Strong Towns]

With the Rose Festival this month, this week’s trivia is on origin stories. Where did the name of our city, state, and a local nickname come from? How well do you know the history?

(The first question links to an interactive quiz.)

1. The origin of the City of Roses nickname may trace its roots back to the time Portlanders planted 200 miles of roses along city streets in advance of what event?

• A. A World’s Fair
• B. The inaugural Rose Festival
• C. The celebration of 50 years of statehood
• D. The centennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition

Each week, we’re hearing about favorite local spots and organizations from City Cast Portland Neighbors. It’s a new member benefit, but it’s also a great way to get to know our city:

• Parkrose Coffee Shop | Parkrose neighborhood | “Newly opened, this place is a kid friendly coffee shop east of I-205!” — Kieran C.
• Mayfly | Kenton neighborhood | “Mayfly, a community taproom, is the heart and soul of our Kenton neighborhood. As they say - ‘Be Good. Have Fun!’” — Rebecca S.
• Frankie Sip Snacks | Woodlawn neighborhood | “On Rosa Parks — a non-alcoholic bottle shop with a chill space to hang out, chat, play games, etc!” — Erin C.

Become a City Cast Portland Neighbor today to share your own shoutout in this newsletter and on the podcast!