Local News

Multnomah County has extended the application deadline for its Preschool for All program to May 14, providing families additional time to apply for free preschool for the 2026-27 school year, which will offer more than 7,000 seats.

Multnomah County will host a free Information and Resource Fair for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, their families, and caregivers on May 21, providing access to local services and support providers.

U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum voted against a House resolution supporting federal tax policies promoted as relief for working families, arguing the measure primarily benefits wealthy Americans.

Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson has proposed a $3.9 billion balanced budget that reduces spending, eliminates positions and scales back some services while attempting to preserve housing, public safety and health programs for residents most in need.

The Portland City Council has approved the "Keep Portland Housed" package, which invests millions of dollars in emergency rent assistance, eviction defense, and the creation of permanently affordable, publicly owned housing.

The Portland City Council has approved a one-time allocation of $1.57 million to support 79 arts organizations in the city, providing near-term financial stability for those that have experienced significant financial losses in recent years.

The Portland Police Bureau arrested 29-year-old Joey A. Radford in connection with a road rage shooting that occurred in North Portland earlier this year, and recovered two firearms during the arrest.

Multnomah County's Preschool for All program is expected to remain financially sustainable as it expands to universal access, but a new advisory report warns that rising costs, shifting demographics and economic uncertainty could shape how equitably the program serves families in the future.

The Portland Street Response Aftercare program is expanding its reach to connect high-need individuals to housing, health care and recovery services, focusing on long-term stabilization rather than short-term crisis response.

Portland residents can pick up free compost during the Portland Bureau of Transportation's annual Free Compost Days event on April 18 and 19 at the Sunderland Maintenance Yard, with traffic control measures in place to manage congestion and ensure safety.