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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.

Portland Fire start roster build in expansion draft

Portland selects first as WNBA expansion draft shapes its inaugural roster.

Sports

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Portland Fire" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/07/15/wnba-fire-new-logo-launch-basketball" data-vars-content-id="0e8f353d-ba89-4c24-b234-e35d570c1e3c" data-vars-headline="Portland Fire start roster build in expansion draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/07/15/wnba-fire-new-logo-launch-basketball" target="_self">Portland Fire</a> will begin building its inaugural roster Friday in the WNBA&#x27;s expansion draft.Why it matters: After a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="labor dispute" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/18/wnba-labor-deal-fire-season-on-schedule" data-vars-content-id="0e8f353d-ba89-4c24-b234-e35d570c1e3c" data-vars-headline="Portland Fire start roster build in expansion draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/18/wnba-labor-deal-fire-season-on-schedule" target="_self">labor dispute</a> threatened to delay the season, Rip City will finally learn who we&#x27;ll be rooting for.

Timbers prep for MLS sprint season shift

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

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.

Thorns open home slate with new look, high hopes

Portland opens its home season after a win, with a new coach and key roster changes.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thorns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/11/10/thorns-advance-as-timbers-exit-playoffs" data-vars-content-id="c3be9b27-eb50-4b99-864e-a36579b69026" data-vars-headline="Thorns open home slate with new look, high hopes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/11/10/thorns-advance-as-timbers-exit-playoffs" target="_self">Thorns</a> return to Providence Park on Friday as they kick off their home opener with one less star, a returning favorite, a new coach and lofty expectations for the oncoming soccer season.Why it matters: Portland fell one match short of last year&#x27;s final and enters the new campaign aiming to take the next step.

WNBA deal keeps Portland Fire debut on track

A labor deal ensures the Fire's first season starts on time as league momentum grows.

The Portland Fire&#x27;s first season will start on time after the WNBA and the players&#x27; union came to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tentative labor agreement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/02/25/wnba-labor-dispute-looms-over-portland-fire-debut" data-vars-content-id="c853e38c-3506-4d53-9c79-7755a5957c19" data-vars-headline="WNBA deal keeps Portland Fire debut on track" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/02/25/wnba-labor-dispute-looms-over-portland-fire-debut" target="_self">tentative labor agreement</a> early Wednesday morning.Why it matters: A delay would have disrupted the Fire&#x27;s launch and slowed momentum as the WNBA builds on surging fan interest.

Some readers are skeptical of Moda Center funding

Our readers question whether public money for the arena is worth it.

The Oregon legislature recently approved <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hundreds of millions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/06/oregon-house-approves-365m-moda-center-renovation" data-vars-content-id="94f375af-a204-449d-8de5-4687bd85100b" data-vars-headline="Some readers are skeptical of Moda Center funding" 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">hundreds of millions</a> in public money to rehab the aging Moda Center, and our readers have some thoughts.Why it matters: The vote may have cleared the legislature, but the public funding plan faces skepticism from some Axios Portland readers who question its benefits and the state&#x27;s priorities.

Oregon House backs $365M for Moda Center renovations

The funding ties arena upgrades to a new 20-year Trail Blazers lease.

Oregon House representatives approved a major infusion of public money into <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Portland&#x27;s Moda Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/14/trail-blazers-moda-center-renovation-new-arena" data-vars-content-id="23f04aef-033c-4bd5-a1ec-bfa5bb33628a" data-vars-headline="Oregon House backs $365M for Moda Center renovations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/14/trail-blazers-moda-center-renovation-new-arena" target="_self">Portland&#x27;s Moda Center</a> on Friday.Why it matters: The money — roughly $365 million meant to remodel the aging arena — is conditioned on the Blazers signing a new 20-year lease amid murmurs that without a revamp, the team&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new owners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/13/trail-blazers-sale-tom-dundon" data-vars-content-id="23f04aef-033c-4bd5-a1ec-bfa5bb33628a" data-vars-headline="Oregon House backs $365M for Moda Center renovations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/13/trail-blazers-sale-tom-dundon" target="_self">new owners</a> could look to move elsewhere.

Two Oregon alpine skiers race for gold in the 2026 Paralympics

Anna Soens and Ravi Drugan represent Team USA in multiple alpine events in Italy.

Two athletes with deep Oregon roots — Anna Soens and Ravi Drugan — are representing Team USA at the Milano Cortina 2026 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Paralympic Winter Games" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/team-usa-paralympians-to-watch-milan-2026" data-vars-content-id="dc53dc87-27a7-4a0d-bdda-553cc15b26c9" data-vars-headline="Two Oregon alpine skiers race for gold in the 2026 Paralympics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/team-usa-paralympians-to-watch-milan-2026" target="_self">Paralympic Winter Games</a>.Why it matters: Both learned to ski through <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Oregon Adaptive Sports" data-vars-click-url="https://oregonadaptivesports.org/about/" data-vars-content-id="dc53dc87-27a7-4a0d-bdda-553cc15b26c9" data-vars-headline="Two Oregon alpine skiers race for gold in the 2026 Paralympics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://oregonadaptivesports.org/about/" target="_blank">Oregon Adaptive Sports</a> — which provides access and training for outdoor athletes with disabilities — and qualified for multiple alpine events beginning this weekend.

Blazers' future uncertain as arena funding questions mount

City, county and state leaders are questioning how to pay for costly Moda Center upgrades.

Assurances that the Blazers would <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="stay in Portland" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/14/trail-blazers-moda-center-renovation-new-arena" data-vars-content-id="6fc5b5d8-b043-4f8a-a419-31d9d3707502" data-vars-headline="Blazers&#x27; future uncertain as arena funding questions mount" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/14/trail-blazers-moda-center-renovation-new-arena" target="_self">stay in Portland</a> under new ownership are proving premature as questions mount over how to pay for a costly arena renovation.Why it matters: Without roughly $600 million in upgrades to the Moda Center, the new owners could begin exploring an exit for Portland&#x27;s only major professional sports team.

Hood River snowboarder brings Oregon style to Olympics

Sean FitzSimons carries Mount Hood roots into Olympic big air and slopestyle. Shoutout Oregon.

Born and raised in Hood River, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Olympic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/02/02/olympics-hunter-hess-halfpipe-skiing" data-vars-content-id="36db3285-3f00-41ec-b095-663d2c4867ef" data-vars-headline="Hood River snowboarder brings Oregon style to Olympics" 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/olympics-hunter-hess-halfpipe-skiing" target="_self">Olympic</a> snowboarder Sean FitzSimons was carving turns on Mount Hood almost as soon as he could walk.The big picture: Now he&#x27;ll bring the skills he learned on the rails and jumps at Timberline and Mt. Hood Meadows to the big air and slopestyle courses at Livigno Snow Park, outside Cortina, Italy.

Oregon's Hunter Hess heads to his first Olympics

After X Games medals and World Cup podiums, Hess finally made the Olympic team.

Before <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Olympic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/30/2026-winter-olympics-ski-mountaineering-womens-events" data-vars-content-id="05f55b53-bbf7-4d01-9c92-21c1f0222011" data-vars-headline="Oregon&#x27;s Hunter Hess heads to his first Olympics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/30/2026-winter-olympics-ski-mountaineering-womens-events" target="_self">Olympic</a> qualifiers, X Games podiums and a globe-spanning schedule, Hunter Hess built the foundation of his freestyle skiing career on Mount Bachelor.Why it matters: This month, Hess will for the first time take the skills he honed in Oregon to the Olympic halfpipe in northern Italy.

Sports 🏅

Portland Fire start roster build in expansion draft

Timbers prep for MLS sprint season shift

Thorns open home slate with new look, high hopes

WNBA deal keeps Portland Fire debut on track

Some readers are skeptical of Moda Center funding