How we keep water flowing even when the weather is dry 

After our mild winter and dry summer, you may be wondering about Portland's water supply and what to expect for the rest of the summer and into the fall. You'll be glad to learn that the Portland Water Bureau expects to have enough water to meet our community's needs this year and for decades to come. This didn't happen by accident—it's the result of decades of careful planning and investment in two high-quality water sources: the Bull Run Watershed and the Columbia South Shore Well Field. 

As stewards of Portland's drinking water system, we are committed to clean, safe, abundant water for every Portlander—all year round.  Each year, the Water Bureau develops a Seasonal Supply Plan. We carefully monitor reservoir levels, weather forecasts, and water use patterns and plan for a range of possible supply conditions. We'll continue to closely monitor our water supply and manage the drinking water system so we can meet our customers' needs whatever weather conditions we face. 

Read the full article. 

Centennial Mills building demolished, rail traffic set to resume 

The demolition of the burned-out Centennial Mills building is nearly complete. By 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, almost nothing remained of the disused flour mill but a pile of rubble. Workers took down the building's iconic water tower on Monday, and made swift progress in the following hours. Find more information. 

New affordable housing now open at 73Foster 

A new affordable housing development has opened on SE Foster Road. 73Foster, from REACH CDC, contains 64 units, from studios to 3-bedrooms. 29 units are family-sized and 22 offer Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) with wrap-around services for those exiting homelessness. The Portland Housing Bureau supported this project with funds from the Metro Affordable Housing Bond and the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF). 

Portland Parks & Recreation partners with USTA Pacific Northwest to preserve Portland Tennis Center and expand community tennis 

This long-term partnership keeps Portland Tennis Center publicly owned while bringing $2.3 million in facility improvements, expanded community programming, and operating savings 

ODOT to close I-5 southbound in the Rose Quarter in September for up to five weeks for structural repairs  

All southbound lanes of Interstate 5 in the Rose Quarter will close around-the-clock for up to five weeks starting Sept. 11 as construction crews work 24 hours a day to conduct critical repairs and improve safety. “We are asking everyone to plan ahead,” said David Kim, ODOT’s statewide project delivery manager. “Many drivers have no other options than to drive through this area. If you have flexibility to change your travel plans, whether that’s traveling during off-peak times, using public transit, or planning an alternate route, please do." 

Small Donor Elections program certifies 13 candidates for public matching funds in November election  

Thirteen Portland City Council candidates have qualified to receive public matching funds through the City’s Small Donor Elections program. Eligible contributions of up to $25 are matched 10-to-1 through Oct. 23. More than 25 candidates are running for seven seats on the November ballot. 

New job openings

Eligible arts organizations are invited to apply for Operating Support Grants 

Eligible organizations can apply now for two years of unrestricted operating support as part of the Operating Support Grants program. Grant awards will range from $25,000 to $145,000 annually, with award amounts determined by factors outlined in the grant guidelines. 

To be eligible, arts organizations must have a minimum budget of $150,000, three years of history providing arts experiences in Portland—including services for K-12 students and people in underserved communities—and meet other eligibility requirements described in the grant guidelines. Applications due Sept. 11, 2026

Give testimony on a recommendation to City Council to limit development activity and reduce fuel storage capacity at the Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub 

The Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub is a six-mile stretch of industrial land in northwest Portland along the Willamette River that stores 90% of Oregon’s liquid fuel supply. Studies show that this area is vulnerable to earthquakes and other natural disasters, posing human health and environmental risk.  

The City of Portland has released a recommendation to City Council to limit development activity and reduce fuel storage capacity at the CEI Hub.  

Let your voice be heard! City Council’s Committee of the Whole will consider this proposal at a hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 16. Learn more about these recommendations and how to provide testimony. 

Contractors: Give us your feedback by September 26 (deadline extended) 

The Waste and Sustainable Materials team at City of Portland is conducting a review of our commercial waste system, which includes construction and demolition waste. We want to hear from contractors to understand their experience and any pain points with our construction and demolition waste system – drop box companies, dump truck hauling companies, limited space on site for dumpsters, recycling requirements – just about anything involving waste, recycling, or reuse from jobsites.  

Multnomah County 2027 - 2028 Charter Review Committee  

The Charter Review Committee’s task is to conduct a close study of the charter with support from the Office of Community Involvement, to then make, if they choose, recommendations for amendments to the charter to go to public vote in 2028. All Multnomah County Residents who are eligible to vote are encouraged to apply for the committee. Apply Today! 

Comment on proposed Regulatory Program code changes 

Proposed updates would modernize rules for amusement devices, private parking lots, secondhand dealers, payday lenders, and social games. Submit comments online through August 31, 2026. 

New online tool offers earlier visibility into Council legislation and schedules 

The Council Documents webpage provides the community with easy access to current and upcoming legislation under consideration by City Council. Visitors can search and filter items by Councilor, Committee, City department, scheduled date, and more – making it simpler than ever to stay informed about City business. 

Not sure what district you’re in?  

Check our district map to find your district and your City Councilors. 

Exterior view of Centennial Mills from the Willamette. April 14, 1965