Terminal 1 receives seven bids, pot industry slows amid heavy regulation and UO seeks property for Knight campus.
1. Seven developers vie for Terminal 1
Since the failed push by developer Homer Williams to transform Terminal 1 into a homeless shelter, the city has sought bids on the 14.5 acre site in Northwest Portland. The Bureau of Environmental Services, which owns the terminal, estimated site costs between $8 and $12 million. Instead it received seven bids between $10 and $10.5 million, the Portland Mercury reports. One of the bidders, Medford’s Lithia Motors, also proposed moving Portland’s Portlandia Statue to the site to welcome “seafarers and the world to our beautiful city.”
2. Rules a drag on pot industry, report says
A report by a state economist argues marijuana businesses could begin closing due to a strain on supplies. The strain is due to the Oregon Health Authority’s new testing regulations, which went into effect Oct. 1. The report says businesses are shifting back onto the black market as a result, the Statesman Journal reports.
3. UO using eminent domain to acquire land for Knight Campus
The UO Board of Trustees took its first step this week to obtain two pieces of property needed for its Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, the Register Guard reports. The University of Oregon is considered a government agency, so it can take needed property from owners in exchange for a fair value payment. The university intends to begin construction on the $1 billion campus by fall 2017.
4. PSU, regional universities test instant admissions
Recruiters are testing a new method to college enrollment. Portland State University, for example, is visiting high schools and after a quick transcript and entrance exam score analysis, offering students admission, OPB reports. The quick admissions process is intended to help first-generation students who might be overwhelmed by the complicated application process. Southern, Western and Eastern Oregon universities also offer instant admissions.
5. Oregon government agencies lack cyber security
Earlier this week, I wrote about Oregon’s new security breach database and cyber threats facing oregon businesses. Yesterday, a Secretary of State audit found significant lapses in government agencies’ cyber security plans. Some agencies don’t have a digital security plan to begin with, OPB reports. The issue will likely be addressed in the next legislative session.
6. Portland Superfund cleanup requires additional costs
Damage assessments ordered by the Portland Harbor Natural Resource Trustee Council are expected to add an additional cost to the estimated $746 million superfund cleanup plan. Cost estimates for these assessments and restoration efforts have not been released, the Portland Tribune reports, but the city, Port of Portland and harbor businesses will be on the hook for these additional expenses.
7. Adidas is relocating 150 jobs from Boston to Portland
The athletic company is looking to streamline its North American operations. Adidas announced it will eliminate 150 jobs and move another 150 from the East Coast to its Portland office, the Portland Business Journal reports. The jobs are in human resources, finance and operations.
8. Working to fill the skills gap
A conversation with Mark Mitsui, president of Portland Community College.
