Portland approves inclusionary zoning, a sixth congressional seat is within reach and wave energy facility receives $40 million.
1. Portland approves inclusionary zoning
The new city policy requires developers to include affordable housing units in new projects. Developments with 20 or more units are now required to dedicate 20 percent of those units to households earning less than 80 percent of the median income. The Legislature lifted a ban on inclusionary zoning earlier this year, making Portland’s policy possible. The policy goes into effect in February, but projects in the approval process may also be subject to the new rules, the Oregonian reports.
2. Oregon could gain congressional seat in 2020
The U.S. Census released its population estimates this week — which showed Oregon grew 1.7 percent last year. This growth puts Oregon on track to gain a new congressional seat when the next Census is released in 2020, OPB reports. Congressional districts are evaluated every decade when the U.S. Census is conducted.
3. Newport wave energy facility receives $40 million in funding
The U.S. Department of Energy announced the award yesterday pending Congressional approval. The team responsible for constructing the facility says they aren’t worried about the project in the face of a Trump presidency, the Portland Business Journal reports. A spokesperson said Congressional support for wave energy is at an all-time high. The federal funding will cover 80% of the total project cost.
4. Bend sewer project to cost residents an additional $25 million
The city faces $100 million in sewer projects and septic system upgrades over the next 10 years — in addition to the $171 million in loans already owed by the city for sewer expansion projects. The city announced yesterday that number will grow by an additional $25 million, the Bend Bulletin reports. The additional cost is to hook up about 1,000 properties to city sewers.
5. Eugene hazelnut growers recovering from ice storm
While Portland was mired in snow and ice last week, Eugene experienced a flash freeze. The freeze snapped limbs, trunks and uprooted trees, OPB reports. Hazelnut growers are still cleaning up damaged trees a week later.
6. What grandmother wants
OB Research Editor Kim Moore reports the sector is already undergoing rapid change as seniors’ lifestyle choices evolve.
