September 27, 2021

Hello Portlanders,

These are busy days for us all! Right now I find myself post-Council Workshop, rushing to get this email out so that you know that my next Monthly Zoom is this Wednesday - September 29th - from 4:00 - 4:45pm. To Join the Zoom Meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86442965882?pwd=ZzZEUUliRS9hOXc2dVZ5WFErbU95UT09

(For anyone new to my email list - I host a monthly “Mayor Zoom” meeting. This is a relaxed, drop-in meeting with no agenda. I’m interested in what’s on your mind. And, I’m happy to answer questions to the best of my ability. This has proven to be a good way to share information, ideas, and concerns. If you can’t make this meeting, please know there will be another next month - always during the last week of the month, but on different days of the week, and at different times of day - in hopes of reaching as many people as possible as the months go.)

In case you’re interested...tonight’s Workshop issues were: 1) City of Portland Wage and Labor Issues. Think: wage competition, and labor shortages - City government is not immune to the labor shortages and the need to pay competitively for important jobs like those in the Health and Human Services/Public Health realm, the City of Portland’s Before and After School Childcare programming at schools, and also within the Department of Public Works. And, 2) We had our third and final Workshop on the Racial Equity Steering Committee’s Final Report. From here we will take action to refer elements of the report to appropriate Council Committees.

Below are just a few issues that I’m getting questions about. Let’s discuss any of these issues, or anything else on your mind, on Wednesday! And/or, feel free to email me anytime. 

The Issue of a Mask Mandate: On September 8th the Council held a Workshop on the issue of a municipal mask mandate. One September 13th the Council held a Special Council Meeting to take up the issue, but postponed decision making to 9/20. On that date, the Council tied 4-4 on Order 48 (which can be found here) which means the issue will come back to the Council again at our next meeting on Monday, October 4th. (The agenda will be posted here, along with the Zoom info.) 

Early Voting for November Election: Information about in-person early voting, mailed ballots, and day of election voting can be found here. 

City Manager Departure: The City Council will take action to appoint an Interim City Manager in anticipation of the November 1st last day for our City Manager Jon Jennings. And, the Council will take up a full search for a permanent replacement. 

City of Portland “Bridge” Program for Senior Property Tax Relief: In addition to currently  available programming for tax relief (info: here) you can read more about a proposed “Bridge Program” for seniors for the current tax year that will be considered by the City Council on 10/4. Info about the Bridge program here, in the Finance Committee back up from 9/14. 

Lastly - Please vaccinate. Please wear a mask in indoor public spaces. Please wash your hands frequently. Let’s work together to slow and end the spread of Covid-19. 

Kate Merchant Snyder

General Information regarding access to City Updates, and City Council work:

City Council Meetings: 
The Portland City Council meets the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month. In the case of a Monday holiday, we typically meet the next Wednesday. In the case of school vacation weeks, we typically push the meeting by a week. Agendas and Info, go here.

The next City Council meeting is Monday, October 4th.

Council Workshops: Next up: this Wednesday, 9/29: Possible Amendment to the Downtown TIF policy. 
Please Check in here to see all upcoming meetings.

Council Committees: 
There are five Council Committees: Finance, Health & Human Services & Public Safety, Sustainability & Transportation, Housing & Economic Development, and Legislative & Nominating. For Committee Meeting Info, go here.

City News & Updates:
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If you’re generally curious about City updates and news - please click here to subscribe to the ‘City News’ group. You can also go to that page to click on the latest weekly update - and look back through news, too. The weekly compile has everything from Council decisions to construction updates to news about things happening around town. It’s a fantastic, concise, easy to read resource.