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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.

What to do in Portland in April

Things to Do

April packs a little bit of everything in Portland — big crowds, colorful blooms and plenty of ways to get out and enjoy what the start of spring has to offer.Here are some of the things we&#x27;re most looking forward to.

Hockney exhibition explores decades-long career

The exhibition features more than 200 works spanning six decades.

Portlanders don&#x27;t have to fly to New York, London or Los Angeles to immerse themselves in David Hockney&#x27;s vibrant world of poolside turquoise blues, explosive fuchsia skies and electric green landscapes.The big picture: A sweeping, six-decade exhibition featuring more than 200 works by Hockney is on view at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the newly renovated Portland Art Museum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/11/14/art-museum-reopens-expansion-rothko-galleries" data-vars-content-id="edb981a4-cffb-45eb-8212-7665c2c7786e" data-vars-headline="Hockney exhibition explores decades-long career" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/11/14/art-museum-reopens-expansion-rothko-galleries" target="_self">the newly renovated Portland Art Museum</a> and explores how he embraced reinvention throughout his career.

Oregon summer plans start now as permits book fast

Camping and hiking permits for Oregon's most popular spots sell out months ahead.

It&#x27;s not summer yet, despite what the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="weather" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/20/oregon-warm-winter-snowpack-risk" data-vars-content-id="bff263a5-a2c9-4cac-abce-089b919e9d40" data-vars-headline="Oregon summer plans start now as permits book fast" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/20/oregon-warm-winter-snowpack-risk" target="_self">weather</a> tells you, but it&#x27;s never too early to start planning for the warmer months.Why it matters: Many of Oregon&#x27;s most sought-after campsites and trail permits book out months in advance.

Things to do in Portland this February

Festivals, comedy shows and big concerts fill the calendar this February.

It&#x27;s a short month, but the list of fun things to do around town is long.<ul><li>Here are a few we&#x27;re most looking forward to.</li></ul>

Jump straight into the Columbia from this new Portland sauna

Ebb and Ember offers a riverside sauna and plunge experience with Mount Hood views.

It&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="170 degrees inside" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/03/portland-winter-saunas-spas" data-vars-content-id="a02cd24e-96e9-4daf-b398-4417039b3171" data-vars-headline="Jump straight into the Columbia from this new Portland sauna" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/03/portland-winter-saunas-spas" target="_self">170 degrees inside</a>. Outside, it&#x27;s the Columbia River in January. <ul><li>Handling the heat isn&#x27;t the hard part, it&#x27;s deciding whether or not to jump in the bone-chilling water.</li></ul>The big picture: Portland&#x27;s first Norwegian-inspired floating sauna and cold plunge destination, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ebb and Ember" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ebbandember.com/" data-vars-content-id="a02cd24e-96e9-4daf-b398-4417039b3171" data-vars-headline="Jump straight into the Columbia from this new Portland sauna" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ebbandember.com/" target="_blank">Ebb and Ember</a>, opened earlier this month — offering panoramic views of Mount Hood and a deeply restorative self-care experience year round.

Inside the Slammer Tavern's chaotic holiday glow

The Slammer Tavern puts the pedal to the metal during the holiday season, though.

<figure><img alt="Corner view of a red and blue building with a large sign reading &quot;The Slammer Tavern Cocktails Food.&quot; Holiday decorations include a wreath and snowflake on upper windows." height="5712" id="cb955626-f573-43a7-90cc-64fcaad647ab" src="https://images.axios.com/VURKmQ3Opk2GohH5nP3G9DAGNF4=/2025/12/11/1765486863762.jpeg" width="3213"/><figcaption>The Slammer Tavern is festive year-round. Photo: Meira Gebel/Axios</figcaption></figure>It&#x27;s 8pm and standing-room only on a recent Saturday at Central Eastside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dive bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/04/11/portland-bars-chef-driven-menus" data-vars-content-id="20e2535d-3266-475a-b2b7-d01d51c126d9" data-vars-headline="Inside the Slammer Tavern&#x27;s chaotic holiday glow" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/04/11/portland-bars-chef-driven-menus" target="_self">dive bar</a> the Slammer Tavern.<ul><li>&quot;Cough Syrup&quot; by Young the Giant plays on the TouchTunes jukebox in the back, barely audible, while a group of Santa hat-clad twentysomethings walk in and immediately order Jell-O shots.</li></ul>

6 ways to warm up this winter in Portland

From mobile saunas to hot tubs under string lights, here's where to stay cozy this season.

It&#x27;s officially cold outside.<ul><li>This winter is sure to bring <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bone-chilling temperatures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/10/23/la-nina-forecast-winter-weather-oregon" data-vars-content-id="51d88a9b-2e25-493f-9ddb-287ab5105ce9" data-vars-headline="6 ways to warm up this winter 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/2025/10/23/la-nina-forecast-winter-weather-oregon" target="_self">bone-chilling temperatures</a> and wet weather, so if you&#x27;re looking for a place to warm up, Portland has plenty of spas, saunas and steam options for the ultimate self-care day.</li></ul>

Holiday movie favorites hit Portland theaters

Catch everything from "Elf" to "The Muppet Christmas Carol" on the big screen this month.

One of the easiest ways to get into the holiday spirit is to turn on a movie — whether it&#x27;s a kid outsmarting burglars, a cynic growing a heart after a ghostly encounter or Christmas love connecting strangers.Yes, but: Why stream your favorite film alone at home when you can enjoy it among fellow holiday-fevered viewers at a local theater?

Bright ways to spend a dark December in Portland

From lights to local markets, here's how to shop, sip and explore this holiday season.

The sun might set at what feels like 2pm, but there are plenty of ways to keep the darkest part of the year bright as we shop, sip and celebrate our way through the last of 2025.The big picture: Here are some of the things we&#x27;re looking forward to this month.

Where to get the best snow report for Mount Hood

Temira Lital delivers ultragranular ski forecasts for Mount Hood — all for free.

If you&#x27;re heading to the mountain for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="day on the snow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/12/23/oregon-hood-skiing-snowboarding-deals-cheap" data-vars-content-id="91c82b8c-a427-45a6-8e31-dc29d9c7bd1d" data-vars-headline="Where to get the best snow report for Mount Hood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/12/23/oregon-hood-skiing-snowboarding-deals-cheap" target="_self">day on the snow</a>, you could turn to a resort forecast or the National Weather Service, but there&#x27;s a better option.The big picture: For the last 15 years or so, Temira Lital has been running <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Gorge Is My Gym" data-vars-click-url="http://thegorgeismygym.com/" data-vars-content-id="91c82b8c-a427-45a6-8e31-dc29d9c7bd1d" data-vars-headline="Where to get the best snow report for Mount Hood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://thegorgeismygym.com/" target="_blank">The Gorge Is My Gym</a>, easily the best and most comprehensive Mount Hood ski forecast website.

Things to Do 🗓

What to do in Portland in April

St. Vincent kicks off Portland Jazz Festival

Hockney exhibition explores decades-long career

Oregon summer plans start now as permits book fast

Things to do in Portland this February