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Middle housing could help ease Portland housing crunch

Policy is just one piece as housing production overall slows.

Real Estate

Portland has been held up nationally as a model for building more affordable &quot;middle&quot; housing units, but recent data suggests a sharp slowdown in construction — a sign that policy is just one remedy for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="easing the city&#x27;s housing crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/28/portland-housing-unaffordable-middle-income" data-vars-content-id="eb89a1cb-fb61-4d2b-b89e-ca3bf5fea816" data-vars-headline="Middle housing could help ease Portland housing crunch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/28/portland-housing-unaffordable-middle-income" target="_self">easing the city&#x27;s housing crisis</a>.The big picture: A recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Washington Post report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2026/03/18/portland-housing-infill-ratio-duplexes/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJyZWFzb24iOiJnaWZ0IiwibmJmIjoxNzc0MzI0ODAwLCJpc3MiOiJzdWJzY3JpcHRpb25zIiwiZXhwIjoxNzc1NzA3MTk5LCJpYXQiOjE3NzQzMjQ4MDAsImp0aSI6ImYyOGEzOGExLTY1ZDUtNGMwNS1hNTE1LWQwYWQzOTUyNmZmNiIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndhc2hpbmd0b25wb3N0LmNvbS9idXNpbmVzcy8yMDI2LzAzLzE4L3BvcnRsYW5kLWhvdXNpbmctaW5maWxsLXJhdGlvLWR1cGxleGVzLyJ9.t6_eWGOgooL-IHqkzQK0VznNvYD9r3k6-0IFrlowZAc" data-vars-content-id="eb89a1cb-fb61-4d2b-b89e-ca3bf5fea816" data-vars-headline="Middle housing could help ease Portland housing crunch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2026/03/18/portland-housing-infill-ratio-duplexes/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJyZWFzb24iOiJnaWZ0IiwibmJmIjoxNzc0MzI0ODAwLCJpc3MiOiJzdWJzY3JpcHRpb25zIiwiZXhwIjoxNzc1NzA3MTk5LCJpYXQiOjE3NzQzMjQ4MDAsImp0aSI6ImYyOGEzOGExLTY1ZDUtNGMwNS1hNTE1LWQwYWQzOTUyNmZmNiIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndhc2hpbmd0b25wb3N0LmNvbS9idXNpbmVzcy8yMDI2LzAzLzE4L3BvcnRsYW5kLWhvdXNpbmctaW5maWxsLXJhdGlvLWR1cGxleGVzLyJ9.t6_eWGOgooL-IHqkzQK0VznNvYD9r3k6-0IFrlowZAc" target="_blank">Washington Post report</a> highlighted Portland&#x27;s success in spurring middle housing units (duplexes, fourplexes, accessory dwelling units and &quot;cottage clusters&quot;) through its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Residential Infill Project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.portland.gov/bps/planning/rip" data-vars-content-id="eb89a1cb-fb61-4d2b-b89e-ca3bf5fea816" data-vars-headline="Middle housing could help ease Portland housing crunch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.portland.gov/bps/planning/rip" target="_blank">Residential Infill Project</a> (RIP), which loosened local zoning laws to incentivize denser development on a single lot.

Thousands expected in Portland No Kings rallies

Organizers expect millions to join nationwide protests, with dozens planned locally.

News

Organizers across the U.S. are planning more than 3,000 local events Saturday for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="No Kings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/17/trump-no-kings-protest-safety-tips" data-vars-content-id="fbe76952-bedd-4b5c-852b-10d3e28673eb" data-vars-headline="Thousands expected in Portland No Kings rallies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/17/trump-no-kings-protest-safety-tips" target="_self">No Kings</a> Day of Nonviolent Action, including protests and rallies in and around Portland.The big picture: Progressive political groups, labor unions and human and civil rights organizations expect Saturday&#x27;s demonstrations to surpass last year&#x27;s No Kings rallies in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="June" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/14/photos-no-kings-protests-downtown-chicago-trump" data-vars-content-id="fbe76952-bedd-4b5c-852b-10d3e28673eb" data-vars-headline="Thousands expected in Portland No Kings rallies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/14/photos-no-kings-protests-downtown-chicago-trump" target="_self">June</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="October" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/18/no-kings-protests-october-18-turnout" data-vars-content-id="fbe76952-bedd-4b5c-852b-10d3e28673eb" data-vars-headline="Thousands expected in Portland No Kings rallies" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/18/no-kings-protests-october-18-turnout" target="_self">October</a>.

Portland bucks national immigration slump

New Census data shows immigration falling nationwide, but Portland saw slight growth.

Population growth is slowing in most counties nationwide amid a massive drop in immigration, new U.S. Census data shows. <ul><li>Portland, however, ever so slightly bucked the trend.</li></ul>Why it matters: The new data offers the best look yet at how tighter immigration enforcement is affecting America&#x27;s demographic makeup.

What Portland homeowners do for a living

Rising costs reshape who can buy homes in Portland, with educators leading.

Those in the education and social services sectors are most likely to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="own homes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" data-vars-content-id="424fc0ab-e71f-494b-88fe-e4aedea7cd6a" data-vars-headline="What Portland homeowners do for a living" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/19/affordable-homes-metro-income" target="_self">own homes</a> in Portland, according to a new analysis shared exclusively with Axios.Why it matters: Who can afford to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="own a home" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/27/home-down-payment-time-2025" data-vars-content-id="424fc0ab-e71f-494b-88fe-e4aedea7cd6a" data-vars-headline="What Portland homeowners do for a living" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/27/home-down-payment-time-2025" target="_self">own a home</a> is shifting — reflecting rising housing costs and changing job geography, per the National Association of Realtors analysis of census data.

Forest Service overhaul threatens Portland's role

Federal changes could move research and policy roles out of Portland.

A sweeping reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service is poised to reshape how millions of acres of Western <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="forests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/05/09/public-trails-hiking-research-forest-oregon-state" data-vars-content-id="8a111d47-cf98-4870-8cb9-0edcacfe3f83" data-vars-headline="Forest Service overhaul threatens Portland&#x27;s role" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/05/09/public-trails-hiking-research-forest-oregon-state" target="_self">forests</a> are managed, and will likely force the relocation of hundreds of researchers from Portland.Why it matters: Portland has long been a hub for wildfire planning, timber policy and scientific research across Oregon, Washington and Alaska.

Sound off: Portland's least favorite springtime bug

Share the pests you hate most and your wildest bug encounters.

Spring is here! The sun is finally shining in the Pacific Northwest, and as temperatures rise, so do uninvited houseguests — ants patrolling the countertops, spiders setting up shop in forgotten corners and mystery flies emerging from drains. We want to hear from you: Which springtime bug do you hate the most, and why?

Portland road conditions worsen as city weighs new fee

Plus: Northwest 23rd Avenue may be the most despised corridor by drivers.

<figure><img alt="Cars drive across an intersection that has cracked pavement and deep wheel ruts in Portland&#x27;s Northwest 23rd neighborhood." height="450" id="37c6efa8-1917-4c7b-9799-7eb770d044c4" src="https://images.axios.com/Ma9j9UWlrc1LBtVgWWX-PdTNu3U=/2026/03/31/1774989898549.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Portland&#x27;s Northwest 23rd Avenue corridor is one of the worst for drivers. Or as reader Joel S. calls it: &quot;Can you say &#x27;Oregon Trail&#x27;?!&quot; GIF: Meira Gebel/Axios</figcaption></figure>From deep wheel ruts to uneven pavement and even sinkholes, Axios Portland readers shared their frustration about our bumpiest streets and how little has been done to fix them.Why it matters: These recurring concerns come as city leaders weigh new ways to fund road maintenance, including a proposed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transportation utility fee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2026/03/portland-could-charge-you-a-monthly-fee-to-help-fix-its-deplorable-streets.html" data-vars-content-id="2f1d819c-13a9-4644-824c-1b7b76060228" data-vars-headline="Portland road conditions worsen as city weighs new fee" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2026/03/portland-could-charge-you-a-monthly-fee-to-help-fix-its-deplorable-streets.html" target="_blank">transportation utility fee</a> that would charge residents monthly.

Mt. Hood Meadows sets early closing date

Low snow forces Mt. Hood Meadows to wrap up its season by April 12.

The end of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ski season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/19/mt-hood-meadows-snow-drought-nears-record" data-vars-content-id="28f513ae-1fdd-4ee4-bf2a-8b0fe1e9bc01" data-vars-headline="Mt. Hood Meadows sets early closing date" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/19/mt-hood-meadows-snow-drought-nears-record" target="_self">ski season</a>, at least at Mt. Hood Meadows, is nigh.Why it matters: A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="warm and dry winter" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/17/oregon-snowpack-near-record-lows-warm-winter" data-vars-content-id="28f513ae-1fdd-4ee4-bf2a-8b0fe1e9bc01" data-vars-headline="Mt. Hood Meadows sets early closing date" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/17/oregon-snowpack-near-record-lows-warm-winter" target="_self">warm and dry winter</a> is forcing one of Oregon&#x27;s most popular ski areas to shut down earlier than typical with the last day scheduled for April 12.

Appeals court blocks limits on tear gas use in Portland

A federal appeals court paused limits on tear gas use before this weekend's planned protests.

A federal appeals court blocked two rulings <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="limiting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/02/02/judge-lawsuit-ice-tear-gas-protests" data-vars-content-id="567f973a-a993-4198-8948-309456103f00" data-vars-headline="Appeals court blocks limits on tear gas use in Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/02/02/judge-lawsuit-ice-tear-gas-protests" target="_self">limiting</a> when officers in Portland can use tear gas during protests.Why it matters: The 2-1 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="decision" data-vars-click-url="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/27911636-appealscourtorder/" data-vars-content-id="567f973a-a993-4198-8948-309456103f00" data-vars-headline="Appeals court blocks limits on tear gas use in Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/27911636-appealscourtorder/" target="_blank">decision</a> by a panel of judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit temporarily reverses restrictions on tear gas use ahead of a weekend where <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="large protests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/27/no-kings-day-protests-3000-events-nationwide" data-vars-content-id="567f973a-a993-4198-8948-309456103f00" data-vars-headline="Appeals court blocks limits on tear gas use in Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/27/no-kings-day-protests-3000-events-nationwide" target="_self">large protests</a> are planned.

Proposed project would tackle Willamette pollution and toxic lagoon

The proposed project would reuse contaminated soil to cut costs and reduce toxic algae.

The Willamette River faces two big problems in Portland: a long-polluted site and a lagoon that spawns <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="toxic algae blooms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/11/ross-island-toxic-algae-bloom" data-vars-content-id="0357c0a4-775b-4839-90e2-ddf93bab5cfc" data-vars-headline="Proposed project would tackle Willamette pollution and toxic lagoon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/11/ross-island-toxic-algae-bloom" target="_self">toxic algae blooms</a>. One new proposal aims to fix them both.Why it matters: The plan could cut cleanup costs and meet state requirements to reclaim the lagoon.

Timbers prep for MLS sprint season shift

The MLS will shift to a  new schedule next year to match the international calendar.

Sports

The Timbers will play a mini-season early next year as Major League Soccer makes a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="major calendar change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/17/mls-summer-spring-calendar" data-vars-content-id="278d8ac2-3f2b-482e-8cbd-1fe5d43fcee3" data-vars-headline="Timbers prep for MLS sprint season shift" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/columbus/2025/11/17/mls-summer-spring-calendar" target="_self">major calendar change</a> that will align it with much of the rest of the world.Why it matters: The long-awaited scheduling change will make the league more competitive during the summer transfer window, something Timbers owner Merritt Paulson said is long overdue.

🎭 1 fun thing: Bluebird Improv 

1 fun thing: Bluebird Improv

Axios What's Next

AA choropleth map of U.S. counties showing estimated population change from July 2024 to 2025. The U.S. overall grew by +0.5%. Kaufman County, Texas, grew the most of any county with a population over 100,000: +5.7%. Pinellas County, Florida shrank the most of any county with a population over 100,000: -1.2%. 

News 🗞

Forest Service overhaul threatens Portland's role

Sound off: Portland's least favorite springtime bug

1 fun thing: Bluebird Improv

Portland road conditions worsen as city weighs new fee

Portland bucks national immigration slump