Oregon joins Washington travel ban lawsuit, Portland landlords allege relocation fee is illegal and Amazon is opening distribution center in Troutdale.
Oregon AG joins Washington immigration ban suit; temporary stay under review today
By filing a friend-of-the-court brief, Oregon joins 14 other states that signed on to Washington’s lawsuit against the government’s travel ban, Willamette Week reports. The travel ban was suspended last week by a Washington judge. The President filed an appeal asking to immediately lift the stay. The appeal was denied. The case is now before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Arguments begin today, OPB reports.
As expected, Portland landlords file suit against relocation fee ordinance
Two landlords, Phillip Owen and Michael Feves, filed a complaint with the Multnomah County Circuit Court alleging Portland’s ordinance is unlawful, the Portland Mercury reports. The Portland City Council approved the emergency ordinance last week in a six hour meeting. The ordinance requires landlords to pay tenants a fee for no-cause evictions or if rents are raised more than 10%. The complaint further alleges penalizing landlords for raising rent is a form of rent control, currently preempted by state law.
Meanwhile, the legislature is considering similar rules
HB 2004 would lift the rent control ban and implement a relocation fee for no-cause evictions statewide. Democratic legislators, however, are not sure if they could get enough votes to pass the bill, the Portland Tribune reports. The bill has the support of House Speaker Tina Kotek and Senate President Peter Courtney. Bill hearings begin March 2.
Amazon opening fulfillment center in Troutdale
Real estate investment firm Trammell Crow Company is purchasing 73 acres in the Reynolds Industrial Park for $20 million. Trammell will then lease the property to Amazon, the Gresham Outlook reports. The Port of Portland, which owns the property, will formally approve the deal Wednesday. The Industrial Park is also home to a FedEx shipping center.
Nike co-founder tops in philanthropic giving
Phil and Penny Knight donated an estimated $900 million to charity organizations last year, according to the Portland Business Journal. The Knights rank No. 1 on a recent list of America’s most generous donors. Northwest residents Paul Allen, ranked No. 4, and Bill Gates Melinda Gates, No. 9, on the list compiled by The Chronicle of Philanthropy.
Another top Intel exec quits
Kim Stevenson, Intel’s chief operating officer, announced her departure on Twitter, the Oregonian reports. Her Friday announcement simply said she’s “on to new adventures.” Stevenson served as COO for a mere six months.
OB Original Blog: Zapproved CEO joins immigration representation nonprofit
The CEO of the Portland-based legal software company joins a group of big firm lawyers and nonprofit attorneys that will represent immigrants nationwide at risk of deportation.
