Weekly roundup


Rukaiyah Adams shows up in Bon Appetit, the Oregon Treasury Department issues its first “sustainability bonds” and the Parks department closes in on an outdoor recreation director.

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Portland freelance writer (and occasional Oregon Business contributor) Hannah Wallace has a nice profile of Meyer Memorial Trust CIO Rukaiyah Adams — in Bon Appetit, of all places.  Read the story here.


One of the many projects Adams is working on is the Albina Vision, a reimagining of the Rose Quarter aimed at restoring displaced communities. The project interesects with an article OB reporter Caleb Diehl is writing about an iconic intersection in Seattle’s Central District that is being redeveloped as an affordable housing complex and public plaza, also designed to combat displacement.

The intersection will also house a New Seasons Market store. Check these pages next week for Caleb’s full story.


OB Research Editor Kim Moore returned this afternoon from the Aquila Group of Funds annual meeting, where she heard Tim Iltz, co-portfolio manager and credit analyst  talk about the next new thing in municipal bond issuance — “sustainability bonds.”

Apparently the Oregon State Treasury issued these sustainability bonds for the first time ever last week. The $40 million issuance will finance affordable housing projects. Kim will have a story on the sale next week.


As Nike’s forced executive exodus continues, it’s worth remembering that Phil Knight’s son, Travis Knight, is one of the few Nike board members to hold Class A shares, which give him more voting rights than the other board members.  In a recent article, Kim noted the problems associated with having family members dominate publicly held corporate boards.


TriMet ridership is down, and notably so on the WES commuter rail line, Oregon Live reports. The story implicates employer closures for part of the decline. But proliferating ride-sharing and car-sharing options likely play a role.

Coincidentally, I received a press release today from Reach Now touting the placement of cars on Intel’s four Portland campuses. Employees will be given a free membership and a ride credit. 


Caleb posted a story today about the state’s lengthy search for a outdoor recreation director. The year-long search may come to a close this week.  The job description is a doozy. 


Here’s a Q&A from our May print package on the new vegan economy:  Vacasa consumer insights researcher Natalie Padilla talks about vegan ethics, favorite restaurants and what’s in her refrigerator.


Gov. Kate Brown has nominated a census tract in eastern Astoria as one of Oregon’s 86 opportunity zones, reports the Daily Astorian. If confirmed by the Department of Treasury, the designation would open up the languishing area to investment. One possible beneficiary is Hyak, a boat bulding company that aims to grow the site into regional marine repair and ship building facility.


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