Voting on CEI Hub amendments

The CEI Hub with downtown Portland in the background. Photo courtesy of the City’s Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub Policy Project.

In my last newsletter, I detailed how two important CEI Hub-related topics were being conflated within City Hall and across Portland. As a quick recap: First, in alignment with what the City’s experts at the Bureau of Planning & Sustainability (BPS) found, City Council recently approved an energy transfer franchise agreement ordinance authorizing Zenith to sell its Portland terminal to ISQ Holdings.

The second piece is about how we can ensure safety and accountability at the CEI Hub. This part of the conversation is nuanced and deeply important. 90% of the fuel flowing from the CEI Hub is exported to other areas of the state—Oregon relies on it. At the same time, decades ago, the State of Oregon chose to situate the CEI Hub in a fragile natural area. Last week, City Council heard testimony from 60 or so Portlanders on this second piece and, this week, City Council discussed it for the first time together as a legislative body.

Ordinance 2026-311

The City received a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 2023 to “adopt additional zoning code restrictions on fossil fuel terminals so that energy infrastructure of Portland will be more seismically resilient, and to amend the natural hazard policies in the 2035 Comprehensive Plan to provide a stronger policy foundation for those actions.”

As part of this ordinance, BPS put forward a package of mostly land use-related City Code changes for Council’s evaluation. While we’ve been tapped to decide on policy adoption and direction, all we have to lean on is what BPS staff have spent years developing, socializing, and finalizing. I trust their work because it has involved meeting with constituents and organizations on all sides of the issue, including environmental organizations and the workforce lobby—as many family-wage jobs line our river. I don’t think either side is particularly happy with the outcome, which typically means a compromise has been struck.

With all respect to BPS’ work, the amendment package put forward by my colleagues was strong and rational—and all 12 Councilors voted to approve it. An amendment from Councilor Green failed, removing language that would have done away with the drawdown exemption for aviation fuel. Overall, this long-awaited package will initiate fuel reductions at CEI Hub, increase safety, and transparency. BPS will now reconcile the amendment package with the underlying ordinances before they return to Council for a final vote on November 5.

Ordinance 2026-312

This ordinance was about capacity reduction regulations at the CEI Hub’s terminals to the tune of 20% by December 1, 2036. I believe that the proposed regulations in this ordinance struck a balance between the need to reduce risk associated with storing fuel in a natural hazard area with the need to allow for the continued supply to fuel for Oregon.

My colleagues also introduced an amendment package that included the removal of the exemption of drawdown requirements for aviation fuel, but my concern about that was addressed when we voted down that narrow part of that package. I’m glad about that because demand for aviation fuel is projected to increase in the coming years, and fuel capacity and infrastructure determine the cost of aviation fuel at the Portland International Airport (PDX) and other airports in the region. Alaska Airlines submitted testimony detailing that reductions to aviation fuel storage and capacity at the CEI Hub would significantly impact their plans for expansion and growth in the market. I imagine it’d negatively impact current efforts to reestablish a route from PDX Airport to Asia, too.

I voted no on the larger amendment package alongside Councilor Zimmerman, though it was ultimately approved. Discussion of this item didn’t conclude, so it’s first reading will continue on October 7.

Initial thoughts on a new tax proposal

Photo courtesy of Portland Office of Small Business.

I recently learned via media reporting that several of my colleagues are proposing a tax increase that would apply to large businesses that in or operate in Portland. The “Fair Share Tax” will go before City Council’s Committee of the Whole on October 8.

Through their proposal, several Councilors are looking to dramatically raise Portland’s existing, first-in-the-nation tax on public companies that compensate their CEOs significantly more than they pay their average employees. They say their proposal would apply to 400+ corporations while also cutting taxes for small businesses that make up to $500,000 in sales each year. A few things came to mind when I read the initial coverage of this proposal, but I’ll keep this brief since the ordinance was just released publicly and I haven’t had an opportunity to read it in full yet.

While the City’s General Fund could get a short-term revenue boost from the passage of the Fair Share Tax, I worry that it would threaten Portland’s fragile economic recovery. If we want increased revenue to sustain and grow City services—permits, pipes, parks, public safety including police, and preserving our public right-of-way—we must encourage investment and attract new businesses to Rose City. Increasing our tax base, not tacking on new taxes, fees, and regulations, is the key to growing our General Fund balance.

Again, it’s worth noting that businesses already pay Business License Taxes (BLTs), including the previously mentioned surtax introduced by then-Commissioner Novick, which has been applied to companies whose CEOs make 100x or more than their average employee for nearly a decade. My immediate concern is that applying more tax pressure on companies doing business in Portland will increase the likelihood that they’ll leave town or simply never consider setting up shop here, exacerbating our General Fund woes and local job market challenges. It’s not that this tax alone would prevent a business from operating or starting in Portland, it’s that when you add this new tax on top of our already high tax burden, the simple math investment decision may go from a tentative yes to no. Simply put, we are becoming non-competitive with peer cities across the country.

Would small businesses appreciate a tax exemption? I’m sure some would. But in my conversations with small business owners, they’ve said they support a robust business environment that includes large, medium, and small businesses. In many cases, small businesses are clients of or vendors to medium- and large companies. They stand to be hurt, too, when businesses larger than they are can’t make Portland pencil out. I worry this legislation will create yet another division among businesses based on size when we need to come together, and thrive together, as one economic ecosystem.

More to come on this, as this moves from committee to full Council. I look forward to digging deeper into the ins and outs of this proposal, discussing it on the dais with my colleagues, and deciding together whether this would be in the best interest of Portlanders.

Moda watch: Preseason media day and the Joint Authority

Dewayne Hankins at a press conference during the Trail Blazers’ preseason media day on September 28, 2026. Photo courtesy of Eli Imadali/OPB.

At this week’s preseason media day, Trail Blazers’ President of Business Operations Dewayne Hankins emphasized a commitment to Portland, saying, “We’re committed to a deal that works for our ownership. We’re committed to a deal that works for our public partners. We’re doing everything we can to ensure that the Trail Blazers stay right here.” OPB reports that Hankins also cast doubt on Portland’s economy and the challenges of running a profitable business in the state (see the “Fair Share Tax” section above), but spoke highly of the Blazers’ fan base. “This summer, more than ever, people showed up for Rip City through a lot of noise and a lot of uncertainty. Our renewal rate finished at 94%. Ticket revenues are up 22% year over year.” That's the highest reported renewal rate of any NBA team headed into the 2026-27 season and proves, again, that our passionate fanbase is our strongest asset.

On the heels of the NBA Commissioner Adam Silver saying it would be a failure if the Trail Blazers left Portland and Blazers’ point guard Damian Lillard saying, “I don’t see a world where the Trail Blazers aren’t in Portland”, I’m looking at this as continued momentum in a positive direction. We are certainly not in the clear though—this is not yet a done deal.

As far as updates from City Hall, this week’s Moda Work Session was cancelled due to a lack of substantive updates from our negotiating team. In the coming weeks, we expect to hear the first reading of the Joint Authority Ordinance (terms) and Report (appointments). With that information in hand, I’ll do a deeper dive into the Joint Authority and its role in an upcoming newsletter. In the meantime, we continue to be persistent in our belief that the City’s negotiators are working diligently and skillfully on Portland’s behalf.

See you in the nosebleeds at the Trail Blazers’ regular season home opener against the Phoenix Suns on October 21!

Special announcements

Learn about and provide input on Inner Eastside Zoning Project—TODAY (10/2) at Grant Park 🗓️

Today, Friday, October 2 from 2-6 p.m., the City of Portland's Bureau of Planning & Sustainability (BPS) is hosting a "Planning in the Park" drop-in event where Northeast Portlanders can learn more about the Inner Eastside Zoning Project and provide their thoughts and priorities related to housing affordability, historic places, neighborhood retail and commercial locations, and where it makes sense to allow for more housing. 

I know this topics is top of mind for many community members in Grant Park and across NE Portland, and I hope some of you will be able to attend. If it doesn't work for your schedule, you can also join the BPS team for an online information session on the project on Wednesday, October 7 at 6 p.m. 

Ballot coming soon: November 3 General Election 🗳️

This year's General Election is right around the corner! Be sure you're registered to vote on or before October 13. The next day, October 14, ballots are being mailed out across town.

The City of Portland provides some helpful voter resources online, including how to register or update your registration, how to find your City Council District, and procedures for absentee voting. Be sure to check out the ranked choice voting toolkit, too!

A reminder, as well, that the official ballot drop boxes around town are a safe, secure, and accessible way for all Portlanders to cast their votes. A full list of official ballot drop sites is available via Multnomah County, including these District 2 locations: 

North Portland

• Rose Quarter: Official ballot drop box located on the south side of the Rose Quarter by the fountain & Rip City sign. Walk up only.
• North Portland Library (Library Book Drop) – 512 N Killingsworth St. 
• St. Johns Library – Closed for construction. Use James John Elementary School ballot drop box at 8315 N Lombard St.
• James John Elementary School – 8315 N Lombard St. – Located on the sidewalk at the NW corner of N Lombard St. and Charleston Ave. Walk up only.
• Kenton Library (Library Book Drop) – 8226 N Denver Ave. 
• North Lombard McDonald's – 3011 N Lombard St. – Official ballot drop box located on the sidewalk. Walk up only.
• McCoy Park – Official ballot drop box located on the SE corner of McCoy Park (near the intersection of N Trenton St. and Newman Ave.) Walk up only.

Northeast Portland

• Albina Library – 205 NE Russell St. – Official ballot drop box is next to the book returns slot on the south side of the building near the bicycle parking. 
• Hollywood Library (Library Book Drop) – 4040 NE Tillamook St. 
• McDonald's Restaurant – 2010 NE César Chávez Blvd. – Official ballot drop box located on the west side of NE 40th Ave. between NE Tillamook St. and Hancock St. and near Hollywood Library. 
• Gregory Heights Library (Library Book Drop) – 7921 NE Sandy Blvd.

Parkrose Neighborhood – 4390 NE 102nd Ave. – Official ballot drop box located in the east parking lot across the street from MHCC Maywood Park Center on NE 102nd Ave. and Prescott St.

I-5 southbound closure underway 🚧

As of September 11, 2026, all lanes of I-5 southbound traffic through the Rose Quarter—between I-405 and I-84—are closed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for up to 5 weeks. Oregon DOT urges drivers to plan ahead for significant delays.

ODOT will be working to repair and reinforce weak areas, replace bridge joints, resurface the concrete deck, and repaint lane lines.

Out and about: Community snapshots

Portland's two-day El Grito celebration in late-September honored the independence of Mexico and other Latin American nations and marked the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15). I was moved by the vibrancy of the live music, dancers, and all of the beautiful, colorful outfits. I was also thankful to see so many people, including families with small kids and my friend Victoria Lara of Lara Media (which is a sponsor and producer of this incredible event), out in the Lloyd District enjoying this free annual tradition in Rose City.

As part of the City of Portland’s Welcoming Week 2026, I was honored to be able to attend the Citizenship Day Celebration at the Portland Building on September 17. During the gathering, Portlanders could file for US citizenship with SOAR Immigration Legal Services, which was offering their services pro bono. Sharing a few precious moments with those who were waiting to connect with attorneys was a heartfelt experience—I heard and was moved by their stories. I’m thankful that Portland provides this tangible service for our community members.

Friday, September 18 proved to be the perfect type of late summer evening for Friday Night Lights, with Jefferson HS hosting Benson HS. Both teams played with a lot of heart, and it was wonderful to see a capacity crowd out supporting local student athletes—both the players and cheer teams. I think Jefferson HS Principal Drake Shelton was pretty happy to see me repping in my Demos gear! 🏈 📣💙

A big thanks to Lloyd Eco District and NE Broadway Business Association (NEBBA) for inviting me out to their Park(ing) Day Civic Porch event on September 18. Park(ing) Day reimagines how public street space can bring people together, support local businesses, and foster community connection. The hosts’ Civic Porch created space specifically for dialogue between a number of elected officials and current candidates and neighbors from across NE Portland.

Top of mind for businesses and neighbors from along the Broadway Corridor? Here’s what I heard: Public safety and livability issues, the Inner Eastside Zoning Project, the need for continued small business support, and the importance of getting the Moda Center deal done. Many thanks to the hosts of this event, as well as to the attendees who asked great questions and provided valuable feedback and insights.

Ok, Cully—that was FUN! 🍂☀️🎉 What a joy to check out all of the booths, crafts, bites, and tunes at this year’s CullyFest, hosted by the great folks at City Repair Project and with the help of sponsors at Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods (NECN), NAYA Family Center, Cully Association of Neighbors, and Prosper Portland. Engaging with Portlanders who were willing to share their points of view in this festive atmosphere reminded me of how grateful I am to be a public servant.

On Saturday, September 19, I stopped by the 30th Portland Polish Festival at St. Stanislaus Polish Catholic Church on N Interstate Avenue in District 2. Great to see so many folks out enjoying the live music, polka dancing, and other forms of Polish song and dance. I perused the vendor booths, purchased a raffle ticket, snapped a few pictures, and met some attendees and performers.

Note to self: Get there earlier to beat the rush next year, especially if your schedule is tight, so that you can get food tokens. I’m still thinking about the food I saw because it ALL looked so delicious, particularly the pierogi, kielbasa, and baked goods.

Already looking forward to next year! 🥟❣️🎵

I was pleased to attend the Royal Rosarians' Prime Minister’s Plaque Laying & Rose Planting Ceremony on Sunday, September 20—the official commencement of the new Prime Minister’s upcoming reign and legacy in Royal Rosarian history. This celebration of the group’s new Prime Minister, Kik Nielsen, included the unveiling and placement of a permanent inscribed plaque in the International Rose Test Garden. I was grateful to see the reigning Queen of Rosaria Anika Rigby, a Lincoln High School student who was crowned at the 2026 Rose Festival, as well. 🌹

On September 22, my spouse and I rooted for the home team, the incredible Portland Fire, at the last home game of their inaugural season. They beat the Golden State Valkyries 90-82, and they ended the season with a 17-27 record—a tie for the second-most wins ever by a WNBA expansion team in their debut season! A big thank you to the team, for bringing so much joy to our city. Thank you to the fans, too. Your enthusiastic support earned you an assist for this season’s success! See you next season. 🔥🏀🎉

Upcoming meetings and events

• 10/6: Community and Public Safety Committee Meeting
• 10/6: Housing and Permitting Committee Meeting
• 10/7: City Council Meeting
• 10/7: City Council Work Session: Fall TAO
• 10/8: Finance and Governance Committee of the Whole Meeting
• 10/8: City Council Executive Session
• 10/13: Public Works Committee Meeting
• 10/13: City Life Committee Meeting
• 10/14: City Council Meeting
• 10/15: Finance and Governance Committee of the Whole Meeting
• 10/15: City Council Meeting (tentative)
• 10/20: Community and Public Safety Committee Meeting
• 10/20: Housing and Permitting Committee Meeting

Grant opportunities to know about

Friends of IFCC's Artist Grant & Residency Program

• Funder: Friends of IFCC via Portland's Office of Arts & Culture
• Deadline: October 16, 2026
• Funding amount: $5,000 per grant for a total of $100,000
• Eligibility: Portland-based artists working at any level and in wide-ranging disciplines—including but not limited to visual arts, writing, multimedia, music (including bands), dance, theater, spoken word, and multidisciplinary performance.

Part of the Office of Arts & Culture's Small Grants Program, the Friends of IFCC Artist Grant & Residency Program supports projects and programming for artists working at any level and in various disciplines. This program is part of a larger effort to revitalize the IFCC, re-activating the current building to build excitement and attention for future expansion. 

Regional Arts & Culture Council's Portland Arts Project Grants

• Funder: Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC) via Portland's Office of Arts & Culture
• Deadline: October 28, 2026
• Funding amount: Up to $5,000 for individuals and up to $10,000 for organizations and schools for a total of $1.2 million
• Eligibility: Individual artists, arts groups, arts-focused businesses, nonprofits, and organizations in Portland

Also part of the Office of Arts & Culture's Small Grants Program, RACC's Arts Project Grants provide funding to Portland-based individual artists, arts businesses, schools, arts organizations, and other nonprofits for a wide range of artistic endeavors, emphasizing diversity and community impact.

Affordable Commercial Tenanting Grant

• Funder: Prosper Portland
• Deadline: Ongoing
• Funding amount: Up to $300,000
• Eligibility: Property owners and business owners in the Interstate Corridor TIF District and the Gateway Regional Center TIF District

Prosper Portland provides funding to property owners and small business owners who are in the process of negotiating a lease. Grant funds may be used for tenant improvements, space-related soft costs, and permitting support to ready space to open for business.

Building Energy Efficiency Grant

• Funder: Prosper Portland
• Deadline: September 1, 2026
• Funding amount: Up to $200,000
• Eligibility: Commercial building owners and small businesses  

Prosper Portland supports small businesses and small commercial building owners (less than 40k square feet) providing funding for energy efficient upgrades that reduce energy usage and cost, create health benefits, and increase business resilience.

Lloyd-Holladay Relocation Grant

• Funder: Prosper Portland
• Deadline: No deadline; applications will be considered as long as funding is available.
• Funding amount: Up to $25,000
• Eligibility: Businesses and nonprofits looking to locate or relocate in the Lloyd-Holladay TIF District.

The Lloyd-Holladay Relocation Grant is a limited-time grant program developed to support Lloyd Center Mall tenants, activate vacant store fronts, and drive foot traffic in the Lloyd-Holladay TIF District by providing funding for moving expenses and tenant improvements.

Local Small Business Expanded Repair/Restore Grant Program

• Funder: Prosper Portland
• Deadline: Ongoing
• Funding amount: Up to $25,000
• Eligibility: Small businesses and nonprofit organizations occupying a ground-floor storefront

Prosper Portland provides funding to small businesses located in the City of Portland that have sustained physical and economic damage due to break-ins and vandalism. Grants assist eligible businesses to remain open and operational and contribute to maintaining a healthy street environment. 

Prosperity Investment Program

• Funder: Prosper Portland
• Deadline: Ongoing
• Funding amount: Up to $75,000
• Eligibility: Businesses and property owners in the following TIF Districts: Central Eastside Corridor, Cully, Gateway Regional Center, Interstate Corridor, Lents Town Center, Old Town, and North Macadam

Prosper Portland offers matching, reimbursable grants that help businesses and property owners make tenant improvements and small and large-scale improvements to new and existing buildings.

Vacant Storefront Grants

• Funder: Prosper Portland
• Deadline: Awarded on a rolling, first come, first served basis until all available funds are expended
• Funding amount: Up to $100,000
• Eligibility: Owners of grocery stores, restaurants, or retail businesses located in the City of Portland, or property owners who lease to eligible businesses

The Vacant Storefront Grant Program from Prosper Portland fosters a vibrant central city and commercial districts by providing matching funds that reduce barriers to entry for eligible businesses seeking to occupy vacant storefronts within the City of Portland.

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