Multnomah County Libraries Uplift Black Voices

Discover Black history through newspapers with an informative post from Multnomah County Libraries, including links to the libraries where you can find these historic collections. "Newspapers are essentially the time capsules of society, and from them, you can learn a great deal about the everyday lives of Black people who lived in the past. I've learned so much about the history of Black people in Oregon that was never taught in school," says Lanel Jackson, Black Cultural Library Advocate (BCLA) library assistant.’  

See also a list of “Top 5 books about Black Resistance for kids and teens.” 

Updates and Opportunities in the Transition to a New City Government

Here’s how you can get involved as we approach Portland’s first election using ranked-choice voting to elect three city councilors to each of four geographic districts starting in November of 2024.

• Sunday, Feb 12: Deadline to apply to be one of 15 community members on the Government Transition Advisory Committee. Learn more and apply.
• Wednesday, Feb 15 at 4 pm: Auditor to Propose Transparancy Advocate Charter Amendment to City Council. City Council will consider a proposal to refer the charter amendment to voters for the May 2023 special election. Learn how to sign up and submit written testimony here.
• Wednesday, Feb 15 from 6-8 pm: Community members are invited to provide input to the Independent District Commission to establish geographic districts. Submit public comment here.

City Council Takes Steps to Prepare for New Form of Government

The City’s two dozen bureaus are now grouped in “service areas” that work together to serve the community. This month, the City Council passed a resolution establishing 90-day action plans for each service area and delegating leadership and responsibility for the transition to Chief Administrative Officer Michael Jordan. Bureau directors will work with CAO Jordan to develop an organizational structure that makes the most of Portland’s new form of government.  

Read the resolution or watch the City Council meeting.
 

Neighborhood Profiles Show Economic and Livability Data

With the government structure changing, the City of Portland needs data to help inform Portlanders, community advocates, and elected leaders seeking solutions and resources. Civic Life partnered with Portland State University’s Population Research Center to collect and package data from the 2020 Census and other sources in 94 data-rich neighborhood profiles and one citywide profile, and are now building a user-friendly, searchable database that will launch later this year. Read more.

Utility Art Box Project Featured Artist: Kristie Winther

Last month, we shared with you the second in our four-part series that showcases artists who collaborated with SE Uplift and the Bureau of Environmental Services on a pilot project to transform stormwater utility equipment boxes into educational, watershed themed works of art. Here’s the latest installment. Go see it! 

Artist:  Kristie Winther | SE 35th + Division | Richmond Neighborhood 

“The goal of this mural design is to bring an appreciation for native plants as an important resource, through their role in maintaining a healthy watershed. These plants help rainwater soak into the ground and help slow erosion, which is beneficial for wildlife and humans. The plants and animals in this design are all native to Oregon and include Camas, Penstemon, Fireweed, Oregon sunshine, Baldhip rose, Western starflower, Spleenwort maidenhair fern, and Western oak fern. The butterfly is a clouded sulphur, and the fish included are Chinook Salmon, Pacific eulachon, Coho Salmon, and Steelhead trout.” - Kristie Winther 

Report Trash or Graffiti 

• Email 311@portlandoregon.gov 

• Call 311 for the City's general information hotline 

• Call 503-823-4000, Mon – Fri, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.  (translation services available) 

Report broken, damaged or overflowing trash cans here. More info available here.  
 

Graffiti Removal 

Find all of the City of Portland's resources to help with graffiti removal in one convenient location. It takes less than 5 minutes to complete an online report or request. Report graffiti, request a free graffiti removal kit, or request help with graffiti removal.  
 

Get Help with Eviction Legal Defense 

The Eviction Legal Defense Program provides eviction legal defense services to low-income tenants facing eviction. This service is available to renters in Portland and managed by the Portland Housing Bureau. To apply, call 888-585-9638 or email evictiondefense@oregonlawcenter.org.  
 

Annual Report from Multnomah County Auditor’s Office 

The 2022 Annual Report from Multnomah County Auditor’s Office finds solid financial health at the county. Report highlights include worse conditions for adults in custody at the county jail who are Black and/or have mental health conditions, difficulty accessing isolation support services, and improved oversight of contracted services at the Joint Office of Homeless Services. The report emphasizes the importance of accountability and transparency in county government, with a 2023 audit schedule including a countywide equity audit. To invite County Auditor Jennifer McGuirk to attend or speak at a meeting, fill out this form.