Portland

A picture of the Portland skyline with the letters PDX

blue

Axios Portland Partners

Portland Alerts

Alert

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Portland with Kale Williams and Meira Gebel.

Axios Portland

Standard

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Portland.

Axios Portland Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Portland Members

Membership

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.

Oregon legislature wraps with unresolved questions

Lawmakers closed a $650 million gap and passed immigration limits as a gas tax vote faces a lawsuit.

Politics

Oregon lawmakers called it a wrap on their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="short session" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/06/oregon-house-approves-365m-moda-center-renovation" data-vars-content-id="c2cc9c19-3eba-44c9-a5ec-8840351d1868" data-vars-headline="Oregon legislature wraps with unresolved questions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/06/oregon-house-approves-365m-moda-center-renovation" target="_self">short session</a> Friday, closing out a five-week sprint in Salem.Why it matters: Lawmakers moved to close a sizable budget gap and push back on federal immigration enforcement, though a major transportation funding vote remains unresolved.

Portland weighs overhaul of committee system

Leaders say reducing committees could shorten meetings and improve focus.

Portland City Council is considering cutting its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="committee structure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/17/city-council-year-two-portland" data-vars-content-id="632cc39d-b8ee-4028-a3c6-12f67e907a6f" data-vars-headline="Portland weighs overhaul of committee system" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/17/city-council-year-two-portland" target="_self">committee structure</a> from eight panels to five in an effort to streamline meetings and improve efficiency.Why it matters: The proposal from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Council President Jamie Dunphy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/14/city-council-dunphy-elected-president" data-vars-content-id="632cc39d-b8ee-4028-a3c6-12f67e907a6f" data-vars-headline="Portland weighs overhaul of committee system" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/14/city-council-dunphy-elected-president" target="_self">Council President Jamie Dunphy</a> aims to shorten lengthy meetings and sharpen the council&#x27;s focus as it continues to adapt to a new governing structure.

City Council elects Dunphy as president after bitter stalemate

Jamie Dunphy was chosen after the council sat at an impasse that spanned a week.

After more than a dozen rounds of deadlocked votes spanning the past week, the Portland City Council elected progressive Jamie Dunphy as its president Wednesday.Why it matters: The ideological split on the council — between the six-member progressive caucus, known as Peacock, and everyone else — had arguably never been more stark than during the electoral impasse. <ul><li>The division could be a harbinger for how the body decides on larger issues this year.</li></ul>

Kotek scraps Oregon transportation funding plan

She's proposing a new strategy to avoid ODOT layoffs and road maintenance delays.

In a stark reversal, Gov. Tina Kotek announced Wednesday that she intends to scrap the transportation funding bill <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="she fought to push through" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/28/oregon-special-session-transportation-funding" data-vars-content-id="16b97278-4c4f-45a4-b177-3c7aaf81f529" data-vars-headline="Kotek scraps Oregon transportation funding plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/28/oregon-special-session-transportation-funding" target="_self">she fought to push through</a> the Legislature in a special session last summer.The big picture: The move comes on the heels of a successful <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Republican-led effort" data-vars-click-url="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/12/12/oregon-tax-opponents-plan-to-turn-in-nearly-200000-signatures-friday/" data-vars-content-id="16b97278-4c4f-45a4-b177-3c7aaf81f529" data-vars-headline="Kotek scraps Oregon transportation funding plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/12/12/oregon-tax-opponents-plan-to-turn-in-nearly-200000-signatures-friday/" target="_blank">Republican-led effort</a> to bring the issue — which included a slew of unpopular gas tax and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fee hikes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/09/08/oregon-payroll-tax-for-transit-set-to-double" data-vars-content-id="16b97278-4c4f-45a4-b177-3c7aaf81f529" data-vars-headline="Kotek scraps Oregon transportation funding plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/09/08/oregon-payroll-tax-for-transit-set-to-double" target="_self">fee hikes</a> — to voters.

Oregon lawmakers gear up for budget fixes, federal fights

The short session starts in February with housing, health care and immigrant protections in focus.

Oregon lawmakers are weeks away from this year&#x27;s short, month-long legislative session, which will focus on fine-tuning the state budget and tackling perennial priorities like transportation.The big picture: Portland-area state legislators told Axios they expect to spend much of the session crafting policies in response to President Trump&#x27;s actions as well — like countering federal funding cuts for critical programs and increased immigration enforcement.

Portland City Council looks to "hit its stride" in year two

Councilors say they hope growing pains are behind them as they push for more impact in 2026.

It&#x27;s been a bit of a mixed bag for Portland&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new form of city council" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/07/07/portland-city-council-reforms-budget" data-vars-content-id="385cf253-30b1-49b6-9dc1-7506e727bd13" data-vars-headline="Portland City Council looks to &quot;hit its stride&quot; in year two" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/07/07/portland-city-council-reforms-budget" target="_self">new form of city council</a> in its first year, but, despite some outside criticism, members of the city&#x27;s legislative body have high hopes for year two.The big picture: Voter-approved reform of Portland&#x27;s governing charter — creating districts, expanding the council, and separating executive and legislative powers — promised a more responsive, representative and transparent council.

Oregon sues Trump over SNAP freeze

Oregon says the Trump administration is unlawfully withholding food assistance benefits during the shutdown.

Oregon, along with two dozen other Democratic-led states, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sued" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/trump-snap-food-stamps-lawsuit-democrats" data-vars-content-id="27b26510-dbcd-495d-adfc-457d91fb7eda" data-vars-headline="Oregon sues Trump over SNAP freeze" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/trump-snap-food-stamps-lawsuit-democrats" target="_self">sued</a> the Trump administration this week to force it to resume <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="food assistance payments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/24/gov-shutdown-snap-payments-emergency-funds" data-vars-content-id="27b26510-dbcd-495d-adfc-457d91fb7eda" data-vars-headline="Oregon sues Trump over SNAP freeze" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/24/gov-shutdown-snap-payments-emergency-funds" target="_self">food assistance payments</a> as the federal government shutdown drags on.The big picture: More than 750,000 Oregonians rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Department of Agriculture has warned benefits will stop on Saturday.

Trump administration appeals Portland Guard deployment ruling

Local leaders celebrated the judge's decision as the Trump administration sought to have it overturned by a higher court.

The Trump administration has appealed a federal judge&#x27;s ruling that granted a temporary restraining order blocking the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deployment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/27/trump-troops-portland-full-force" data-vars-content-id="b40ebcd0-3eaa-4f31-a29e-cd029bdbcdb0" data-vars-headline="Trump administration appeals Portland Guard deployment ruling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/27/trump-troops-portland-full-force" target="_self">deployment</a> of National Guard troops to Portland.Why it matters: The appeal indicates the White House will continue its efforts to deploy soldiers on Portland&#x27;s streets, despite the judge&#x27;s ruling Saturday.

GOP budget plan could trigger sale of Oregon public lands

Popular Portland-area hiking and biking trails, as well as water recreation and camping spots, could be sold.

Nearly 22 million acres of federal public land in Oregon could be eligible for sale if Congress passes the Trump administration&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="budget bill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/11/trump-budget-bill-lisa-mcclain-senate" data-vars-content-id="b367bafb-16d1-4f70-a99b-311a0b422bec" data-vars-headline="GOP budget plan could trigger sale of Oregon public lands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/11/trump-budget-bill-lisa-mcclain-senate" target="_self">budget bill</a>, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wilderness.org/articles/media-resources/250-million-acres-public-lands-eligible-sale-senr-budget-reconciliation-package" data-vars-content-id="b367bafb-16d1-4f70-a99b-311a0b422bec" data-vars-headline="GOP budget plan could trigger sale of Oregon public lands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wilderness.org/articles/media-resources/250-million-acres-public-lands-eligible-sale-senr-budget-reconciliation-package" target="_blank">a new analysis</a> by a conservation nonprofit.Why it matters: This includes popular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hiking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/04/04/oregon-columbia-river-gorge-hike-wahclella-falls" data-vars-content-id="b367bafb-16d1-4f70-a99b-311a0b422bec" data-vars-headline="GOP budget plan could trigger sale of Oregon public lands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/04/04/oregon-columbia-river-gorge-hike-wahclella-falls" target="_self">hiking</a>, biking and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="camping areas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/06/04/oregon-camping-solo-trend-outdoor-recreation" data-vars-content-id="b367bafb-16d1-4f70-a99b-311a0b422bec" data-vars-headline="GOP budget plan could trigger sale of Oregon public lands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/06/04/oregon-camping-solo-trend-outdoor-recreation" target="_self">camping areas</a> near Portland, including Larch Mountain, Eagle Creek and parts of Mount Hood&#x27;s Timothy Lake, The Wilderness Society found.

Portland mayor's budget boosts shelters, increases fees

Wilson's $8.5 billion budget cuts city services and staff but expands shelter beds and graffiti cleanup.

In his first-ever budget proposal as mayor, Keith Wilson is seeking millions of dollars in cuts to city services and layoffs of government staff, while investing in more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shelter beds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/01/23/homelessness-crisis-shelters-mayor-city-council-funding" data-vars-content-id="844557e2-d50d-46fe-aeeb-3ee31f657213" data-vars-headline="Portland mayor&#x27;s budget boosts shelters, increases fees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/01/23/homelessness-crisis-shelters-mayor-city-council-funding" target="_self">shelter beds</a>, expanding Portland&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unarmed crisis response team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/03/07/portland-street-response-expands-911-calls" data-vars-content-id="844557e2-d50d-46fe-aeeb-3ee31f657213" data-vars-headline="Portland mayor&#x27;s budget boosts shelters, increases fees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/03/07/portland-street-response-expands-911-calls" target="_self">unarmed crisis response team</a> and boosting efforts to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="clean up graffiti" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/06/18/1-photo-to-go-graffiti-boomerang" data-vars-content-id="844557e2-d50d-46fe-aeeb-3ee31f657213" data-vars-headline="Portland mayor&#x27;s budget boosts shelters, increases fees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/06/18/1-photo-to-go-graffiti-boomerang" target="_self">clean up graffiti</a>.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$8.5 billion budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.portland.gov/budget/2025-2026-budget/development/proposed" data-vars-content-id="844557e2-d50d-46fe-aeeb-3ee31f657213" data-vars-headline="Portland mayor&#x27;s budget boosts shelters, increases fees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.portland.gov/budget/2025-2026-budget/development/proposed" target="_blank">$8.5 billion budget</a> plan for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, marks a dramatic shift in how Portland&#x27;s top official wants to confront the city&#x27;s biggest challenges while dealing with deep financial strain.

🏥 Closing the care gap

Oregon eliminates surprise bills for cervical cancer care

🏛️ Time starts now

Oregon's short legislative session tackles budget, immigration, transportation

Axios Chicago

National Guard deployment in Chicago cost $21M

Chicago

topics

politics-policy

epstein-files

donald-trump

2026-midterm-elections

immigration

behind-the-curtain

race-and-equity

technology

privacy-tech-regulation

automation-and-ai

tiktok-news

big-tech

social-media

cybersecurity

economy

social-security

inflation

tariffs

federal-reserve

jobs

transportation

business

stock-market-news

retail-news

crypto

media

elon-musk

dealmaking

health

rfk-jr

drug-prices

axios-explains-abortion

public-health

world

israel

axios-explains-ukraine

iran

russia

china

energy-climate

nuclear-energy

climate-energy-policy

climate-change

extreme-weather

alternative-energy

electric-vehicles

science

emerging-tech

biomedicine

newsletters

charlotte

boulder

detroit

kansas-city

columbus

austin

dallas

atlanta

washington-dc

nw-arkansas

chicago

indianapolis

nashville

richmond

colorado-springs

houston

san-francisco

seattle

boston

des-moines

salt-lake-city

philadelphia

denver

phoenix

new-orleans

miami

twin-cities

raleigh

san-antonio

portland

san-diego

tampa-bay

cleveland

huntsville

pittsburgh

axios-local

axios-pro

axios-live

the-axios-show

Politics 🇺🇸

Oregon legislature wraps with unresolved questions

Oregon eliminates surprise bills for cervical cancer care

Portland weighs overhaul of committee system

Oregon's short legislative session tackles budget, immigration, transportation

National Guard deployment in Chicago cost $21M