🚰 Why Portland water bills will keep rising

$21M in Unspent Housing Funds Identified

Former Portland Housing Bureau director Helmi Hisserich says that Mayor Wilson's administration is trying to blame her for $21 million in unspent rental services fees — even though she identified the money. She says she was directed not to disclose the unspent funds because it would be “a big PR problem.” [Portland Mercury]

Oregon DA Will Pursue Federal Cases

Oregon District Attorney Dan Rayfield, with the reluctant agreement of Multnomah County DA Nathan Vasquez, plans to pursue cases against federal officers’ disproportionate use of force during ICE protests. Vasquez says he is open to any cases Rayfield refers to him, also adding, “I do not wish to set unreasonable expectations; criminal investigations of federal officers for on-duty conduct are unlikely to lead to probable cause that an identifiable individual committed a crime.” [Oregon Capital Chronicle]

Water Bills Will Keep Rising

Portlanders already pay among the highest water bills in the country, and they’re still rising. The Water Bureau’s new filtration plant project accounts for a third of the recent rate hikes. So why is that project necessary? [City Cast Portland 🎧]

Holiday Lights Scavenger Hunt Has Begun

The annual scavenger hunt is underway, with the Santa Clones out there waiting to be found. Each year, local artist Chris Willis picks a new location for his collection of hundreds of nearly identical vintage figurines. He offers clues throughout the month, but many of you should be able to find them based on these haikus (aka “hai-clues”). [Instagram]

What's Driving Up the Cost of Your Portland Water Bill?

Portland City Council approved a 6% increase to our water and sewer utility bills last summer, and they’re forecasting even higher rates in the next few years. Portland Water Bureau Interim Director Quisha Light explains why our water bills are now so expensive. She also shares details on an ongoing project that aims to protect our water supply, and offers tips on what we can do to get help with the costs in the meantime.