2014 was a year of wild contradictions, fast-paced growth and unexpected revelations.
2014 was a year of wild contradictions, fast-paced growth and unexpected revelations.
Click through the following pages to relive a few of the memorable moments.
1. The new oil age
Fueled by the energy boom, railcar manufacturer Greenbrier Companies rockets its way toward $2 billion in sales; CEO Bill Furman gets $1.4 million raise for a job well done. But the fossil fuel party may be coming to an end, as oil prices continue their free fall.
2. A sleeping giant awakes
Nike announces it will expand its world headquarters in Beaverton, making good on the company’s 2012 promise to trade jobs for tax certainty. Beaverton is thrilled but the decision grieves South Waterfront developers, who hoped to lure the global footwear maker to the inner city.
3. The mighty fall
Urban Airship CEO Scott Kveton resigns in wake of a sex scandal, prompting soul searching about executive (male) hubris in the tech sector.
4. The nation’s love affair with indie Portland continues
On the campaign trail for Sen. Jeff Merkley, Vice President Joe Biden drops by Salt & Straw for a scoop of Chocolate Woodblock and Double-Fold Vanilla. The locally grown ice cream shop opens its first store in Los Angeles.
5. End of a long drought?
After languishing for more than a decade, two landmark water rights accords inch forward. Led by Sen. Ron Wyden, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources in November passes an “historic” bill to implement the long-stalled Klamath Basin water agreements. The agreements would remove dams from the Klamath River to help salmon, give farmers and ranchers predictable water supplies, and restore fish habitat.
That same month Gov. Kitzhaber announces officials are close to a deal that would allow eastern Oregon farmers to pump more irrigation water from the Columbia River.
6. Intrigue at Mahonia Hall
Weeks before the November election, First Lady Cylvia Hayes confesses to various transgressions, including a green card marriage and interest in a marijuana growing operation back in the 80s. Her fiancee wins an unprecedented 4th term as governor.
7. Green rush
Along with Washington D.C. and Alaska, Oregon legalizes recreational pot, affirming the ballot measure and state government as drivers of social change.
8. Tech companies go wild
In one week in December, Tripwire sells for $710 million and New Relic goes public. More evidence Portland has made the big leagues.
9. Two steps forward …
November marks best month for Oregon jobs since 1990, even as wages continue to lag national averages.
David & Goliath
Uber launches a stealth invasion in Portland, scandalizing the city’s process-oriented leadership. Portland promptly sues the global ridesharing startup, leading some to question one-upsmanship as smart transportation policy.
