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The Stories That Defined Portland This Year

We’re closing out 2025 by looking back at some of the biggest stories of the year. Producers John Notarianni and Giulia Fiaoni, along with a few of our contributors, join host Claudia Meza to reflect on the biggest, wildest, and most surprising things that happened in Portland. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

Old Town Shoe Dream Stumbles

The Made in Old Town footwear manufacturing project has fallen into material default on its $7 million loan from Prosper Portland after it failed to raise an additional $5.7 million in private funds, as required by the loan terms. Prosper Portland is allowing the project to continue for the time being and has yet to set a deadline for the group to close the funding gap. [Willamette Week]

The Paradox of Affordable Housing

Thousands of income-restricted units around Portland are sitting vacant and waitlists keep growing because of administrative issues, leaving thousands of unsheltered residents in limbo. To make matters worse, affordable housing providers are struggling financially, further straining the viability of the city’s housing efforts. [Oregonian]

Relief Funds Shrinking for Wildfire Survivors

Congress failed to agree on an extension for the Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act before going home last week, meaning that, beginning in 2026, survivors will have to pay income taxes on wildfire settlements that have been awarded since 2020. A 2024 Oregon law eliminated state income tax for such settlements, though a state-sponsored bill requiring utility companies to cover federal taxes did not pass. [Oregon Capital Chronicle]