Gov. Brown meets with Homeland Security, Homer Williams to propose second shelter and legislature could boost tiny home market.
Brown asks Trump to back off immigration raids
As the President prepares to unveil his second attempt to ban immigrants from seven predominantly-Muslim countries, Gov. Brown warns his administration about potential economic impacts. Brown met with Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly yesterday, the Oregonian reports. She reportedly told Kelly that she’s concerned about the H1-B program and an impact on Oregon’s migrant workforce. She also expressed concern about a culture of distrust at the White House.
Portland Mayor asks Homer Williams to plan new homeless shelter
Developer Homer Williams proposed a large-scale shelter at Terminal 1 last year, but the plan failed. Mayor Ted Wheeler has now asked Williams to try again on a smaller scale, Willamette Week reports. A location for the shelter has not been decided. But it’s likely the shelter could still use San Antonio’s Haven for Hope as a model. The shelter could include an open courtyard and on-site services.
Oregon legislature could provide boost to tiny house industry
Tiny home advocates want the legislature to make it easier to build these homes, which are viewed by many as a solution to homelessness and the tight rental market, the Statesman Journal reports. Two bills may address these issues. The first would establish a special construction code for homes less than 250 square feet. A second would allow homes not permanently sited or not intended for residential use to use recreational vehicle standards when building.
Lucy Activewear merges with North Face
Lucy was founded in Portland by former Nike execs in the 1990s. The activewear brand has 44 stores, most of which will close by the end of the year, the Portland Business Journal reports. It’s unknown if the Lucy brand will exist under the North Face umbrella once the merger is complete.
Kate Brown’s former chief of staff returns to Port
Kristen Leonard left the Governor’s office after it was revealed she had conflicts of interest. Leonard will return to the Port of Portland today as its chief public affairs officer, the Portland Business Journal reports. Leonard worked as the Port’s public affairs director before serving the governor’s office.
Deschutes County evaluates landfill options
The county’s landfill will reach capacity by 2029, just 57 years after it opened. While the fill date is still 12 years away, officials say it takes at least seven years to locate a new space, the Bend Bulletin reports. That closure date could come even sooner if the population grows faster at a faster rate than projected. A new landfill could cost residents up to $25 million.
OB Guest Blog: Market watch — Is the runaway bull dead?
Today’s economic uncertainty has not translated into stock market volatility. But we may be witnessing a runaway bull market.
