Morning Roundup


Photo credit: Oregonian

Legislators expect budget session to drag on, Airbnb limits Portland rentals and Portland considers charging landlords for no-cause evictions.

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Another day, another protest. It’s been five days since Donald Trump was sworn in as President, and yet another protest is scheduled today in Portland — but it’s not about the 45th chief executive per se. About 200 people are gathering to protest the use of police force during the inauguration protest last Friday. Details about the demonstration are limited. But commuters: you’ve been warned. 

1. State budget fight could require special session

Senate President Peter Courtney thinks the legislature won’t be able to agree on a balanced budget by the time the July 10 deadline hits, the Oregonian reports. The 2017 session hasn’t yet started, but without a firm supermajority in the House and Senate, it’s already clear a few Republicans will need to vote in favor of revenue increases if a budget is to be approved. At this point, leaders think their best shot is a corporate taxation, which is a tough sell in light of failed Measure 97.

2. Airbnb takes steps to limit housing rentals

The home rental company announced Portland users will only be able to list one home per host, the Oregonian reports. This new initiative aligns Airbnb’s policy with Portland’s rules, which state residents can only rent one piece of property. In the past year, the housing shortage has been exacerbated by people purchasing multiple homes and listing them as vacation rentals.

3. Portland proposes charging landlords for no-cause evictions

Mayor Ted Wheeler has partnered with freshman Commissioner Chloe Eudaly to develop an ordinance that could both reduce no-cause evictions and provide financial assistance to evicted tenants. The ordinance would require landlords to pay a relocation fee anywhere between $2.900 and $4,500, depending on the size of the housing, OPB reports. The council will vote on the ordinance Feb. 2.

4. Trump executive order against sanctuary cities likely 

The news that Trump intends to sign an order withholding federal funding from sanctuary cities — including Portland — isn’t surprising. That order is expected to come sometime today, Willamette Week reports. 

5. Crowdfunding poses risk to small-time investors

As start-ups continue to proliferate, so has the volume of crowdfunding campaigns. Some new businesses utilize sites like Kickstarter, in which the benefits are listed upfront. More often companies look to offer stock as a benefit for early investors. In Oregon 11 companies signed on for equity crowdfunding projects just months after the process was legalized last year. The problem is crowdfunding investments aren’t properly regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the New York Times reports. A study found companies in full compliance with the rules are few and far between. 

6. Medford could host first pot-friendly RV park

Grow Condos, a company that provides warehouse space for marijuana growers, is looking to build a RV park called Smoke on the Water. If the park moves forward, it could include tent camping and an on-site pot dispensary, the Bend Bulletin reports. 

7. OB Original Blog: Oregon businesses gear up for total eclipse of the sun

Hotels and campgrounds are booked solid for the August 21 eclipse, an event that is expected to draw up to one million visitors.