How shelter closures will impact Portland

The Impact of Shelter Closures

Multnomah County and Portland are closing 11 shelters by the end of the year, eliminating roughly 1,000 beds. That represents a major change after the last few years, when the number of shelters vastly expanded. Oregonian reporter Lillian Mongeau Hughes talks about the closure’s likely impacts while homelessness continues to grow. [City Cast Portland 🎧]

• Related: “Portland area leaders are dismantling a third of the homeless shelter system they just built.” [Oregonian]
• More in the Oregonian series: Shelters have served a wide range of people — including a former New York City chef, a woman who has spent half her life on the streets, and woman struggling with addiction. [Oregonian]

EV Rebates Again Available

Electric vehicle rebates are again available through the state of Oregon for any EV purchased or leased between Aug. 25 and Nov. 4 after the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality reopened the program earlier this week. Rebates range from $1,500 to $7,500. The program has run out of money in the past, so if you’re looking for a new (or used) EV, the advice is to apply soon. [Oregon Capital Chronicle]

Fewer Minor-Party Candidates

For the first time since 2002, there are only three candidates for governor. The state has six minor parties, besides Republican and Democrats. But three — the Oregon Progressive Party, Independent Party of Oregon, and the No Labels Party — are sitting this year’s race out. The Working Family Party nominated Kotek last week, and the Libertarian Party nominated Drazan. Only the Pacific Green Party has nominated an alternative — Molalla resident Brett Smith — who has the potential to take votes from Kotek. [OPB]

Thanks to City Cast Portland contributor Bryan M. Vance, who wrote most of the questions in today's quiz.

Portland Fire, the city’s WNBA team, revealed their new mascot this week after much fanfare: Rose the Glitter-Breathing Dragon flew around Portland, sparking some intriguing speculation that Rose is a drag queen dragon.

In honor of the new mascot, we are testing your knowledge of local mascots.

The first question links to a longer quiz.

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

• “I volunteer at AMP (The Artist Mentorship Program) regularly, and they are amazing! They have built a safe space for empowering homeless youth through art and music. Show them some love!” — Scott H.
• “The Jeremy Wilson Foundation is a nonprofit that provides support to musicians and music industry workers in Oregon and Clark County, Wash., as they navigate health-related challenges. (Thank you!!)” — Julia S.
• “Portland City Club! Discussions and presentations about civic issues important to Portlanders — most are free and open to the public.” — Cory S.

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