⛺ The return of Portland’s camping ban

Camping Ban Returns

On the Friday news roundup, Mayor Keith Wilson put a halt to enforcing the city’s camping ban back in February. But now he says the police will begin issuing citations again — after the city has opened 630 shelter beds. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

• Related: The city’s homeless shelter budget has an $11 million shortfall. City officials revealed they were unable to secure state funding they were looking for, so many of the new shelter beds the mayor has pledged to create will only be open during part of the year. [Oregonian]

‘Dramatic’ TriMet Cuts

In 2026 and 2027, TriMet will need to make a roughly 10% cut to services as the agency faces growing costs and a decline in riders — down 70% from before the pandemic. That’s even with the Legislature’s transportation bill, which includes a payroll tax hike to fund public transportation. [KGW]

• Related: TriMet is asking for the public’s input on how to make the cuts. The survey stays open through Oct. 31.
• Related: Smaller service cuts begin at the end of November. [KGW]

Federal Law Enforcement Instigating Confrontations

A Portland Police Bureau assistant chief testified in court that federal law enforcement officers are “instigating” some of the confrontations between them and protesters outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in South Waterfront. “I’m saying that they’re not following best practice,” Assistant Chief Craig Dobson said in court testimony. [Oregonian]

“This mural, named ‘She Flies with Her Own Wings,’ was created by artist Sharyn Smith along with local kindergarten students and members of the community,” wrote reader Heidi F. “[It] pays homage to Oregon by incorporating images of the state’s flower, insect, bird, tree, and fruit,”

The state motto also lends the mural its name.

“I saw an article about a father & daughter who had the idea for it while walking to school at Alameda Elementary.” wrote reader Heidi R. “Then I think they got the help from an artist (maybe an art teacher at the school) to create it.”

It’s a location in the Alameda neighborhood (on Northeast Regents Drive near 26th and Ridgewood) that a bunch of readers know — particularly those who go by there on bike:

“The steepest part of my bike ride wherever I'm going,” wrote reader McKenzie K. “At least I have something nice to look at as I'm suffering 😂”

“It's at the bottom of a big climb that always wears me out when I bike home that way,” wrote reader Kate R.

“I watched this get completed bit by bit as I biked by every morning.” wrote reader PPf.

Shoutout to reader Cory S. (for digging out the link to the mural’s official public art listing) and the rest of the first 10 readers to identify the spot: Windy F., Muriel, Melissa, Kama, Mariah, Kate R., Bill, PPf, and Bruce.

This week’s scavenger hunt comes from reader Alexandra Roden.

Where have you seen this mural?

Please click here to send me the location — and, for unofficial bonus points, anything you know about it.

If you’re new to the newsletter, there’s a scavenger hunt (almost) every Friday. In next week’s newsletter, I’ll shout out the first 10 readers who respond correctly and reveal the answer.

📸 Want to submit a photo? Please email me a snapshot of somewhere in the Portland metro area, and we’ll consider it for an upcoming “Where Is It?” segment!

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

• Keys Lounge | Northeast Killingsworth Street | “Great vibe, staff, and fantastic happy hour.” — James J.-B.
• Johnson Creek Watershed Council | “Great creek cleanup coordination work. JC crosses many jurisdictions, so they stay busy — and effective!” — Riley G.
• Dahlia Wax Collective | Northeast Broadway | “The team there is warm, kind and inclusive focusing on self-care and esthetics for ALL bodies! The services are top notch and the vibes can’t be beat.” — MP H.

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