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New plant hardiness map shows only subtle shifts in Oregon

Warming winters impact which plants thrive.

News

Policies guiding Portland police's use of body cameras

The city is one of the last of its size to implement the devices across its police agency.

Portland holiday lights guide

Don't miss the sing-a-long at Pioneer Courthouse Square.

Things to Do

Who picks up Portland's trash?

You might have to first pick up the phone.

How Klamath River dam removals affect salmon populations

It still may take years before salmon populations are able to grow.

Development

The largest dam removal project in the country is currently underway near the southern Oregon border in a historic attempt to revive dwindling <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="salmon" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/08/09/columbia-river-hatcheries-fail-native-fish" data-vars-content-id="5679655c-5d46-43f6-9cb5-1d3319b7769a" data-vars-headline="How Klamath River dam removals affect salmon populations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/08/09/columbia-river-hatcheries-fail-native-fish" target="_self">salmon</a> populations by lowering disease and improving the water quality of the Klamath River.Why it matters: Because salmon is not only an essential resource and commodity in the Pacific Northwest but a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lifeline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fws.gov/story/2023-05/people-salmon" data-vars-content-id="5679655c-5d46-43f6-9cb5-1d3319b7769a" data-vars-headline="How Klamath River dam removals affect salmon populations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fws.gov/story/2023-05/people-salmon" target="_blank">lifeline</a> to native tribes, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dozens of efforts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.webapps.nwfsc.noaa.gov/apex/f?p=409:13::::::" data-vars-content-id="5679655c-5d46-43f6-9cb5-1d3319b7769a" data-vars-headline="How Klamath River dam removals affect salmon populations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.webapps.nwfsc.noaa.gov/apex/f?p=409:13::::::" target="_blank">dozens of efforts</a> are underway across the region to restore habitats to ensure the species&#x27; longevity.

Portland can expect higher rents starting next year

The city's pipeline of new apartment construction is drying up.

Portland&#x27;s affordability crisis has the potential to worsen in the coming months, thanks to a combination of record-high <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="interest rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/26/fed-interest-rates-up-today-2023" data-vars-content-id="fecfc3b8-46d3-4aca-a88e-30b069e4ed6e" data-vars-headline="Portland can expect higher rents starting next year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/07/26/fed-interest-rates-up-today-2023" target="_self">interest rates</a> and a decline in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new apartment construction" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/08/23/new-apartment-construction-declines-portland" data-vars-content-id="fecfc3b8-46d3-4aca-a88e-30b069e4ed6e" data-vars-headline="Portland can expect higher rents starting next year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/08/23/new-apartment-construction-declines-portland" target="_self">new apartment construction</a>.Why it matters: Despite <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a swell in out-migration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/08/16/portland-migration-leaving-cost-multnomah-county-1-billion" data-vars-content-id="fecfc3b8-46d3-4aca-a88e-30b069e4ed6e" data-vars-headline="Portland can expect higher rents starting next year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/08/16/portland-migration-leaving-cost-multnomah-county-1-billion" target="_self">a swell in out-migration</a>, there isn&#x27;t enough housing supply to keep up with demand, and state economists predict <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/10/23/gen-z-rent-housing-costs" data-vars-content-id="fecfc3b8-46d3-4aca-a88e-30b069e4ed6e" data-vars-headline="Portland can expect higher rents starting next year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/10/23/gen-z-rent-housing-costs" target="_self">rents</a> will soar because of it.

Illustration of a house key shape extended and sloping upward like a trend line with the groove of the key bright red with an arrow point at the top.

Inside Bellpine, the new restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Portland

Axios Portland toured Bellpine for an inside look at its accommodations.

The Ritz-Carlton Portland opened its 20th-floor restaurant, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bellpine" data-vars-click-url="https://www.rcrportland.com/dining" data-vars-content-id="78e2a106-ef74-4952-ad09-0385e9daa28d" data-vars-headline="Inside Bellpine, the new restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.rcrportland.com/dining" target="_blank">Bellpine</a>, last week — the first culinary offering from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the ultra-luxe hotel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/06/29/portland-mixed-feelings-ritz-carlton-hotel" data-vars-content-id="78e2a106-ef74-4952-ad09-0385e9daa28d" data-vars-headline="Inside Bellpine, the new restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/06/29/portland-mixed-feelings-ritz-carlton-hotel" target="_self">the ultra-luxe hotel</a>.What&#x27;s happening: Helmed by Michelin star executive chef Pedro Almeida and Portland-based chef <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lauro Romero" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2023/05/portland-ritz-carlton-restaurant-bellpine-lauro-romero-clandestino" data-vars-content-id="78e2a106-ef74-4952-ad09-0385e9daa28d" data-vars-headline="Inside Bellpine, the new restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pdxmonthly.com/eat-and-drink/2023/05/portland-ritz-carlton-restaurant-bellpine-lauro-romero-clandestino" target="_blank">Lauro Romero</a>, of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Clandestino" data-vars-click-url="https://www.clandestinopdx.com/" data-vars-content-id="78e2a106-ef74-4952-ad09-0385e9daa28d" data-vars-headline="Inside Bellpine, the new restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.clandestinopdx.com/" target="_blank">Clandestino</a> and formerly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="República" data-vars-click-url="https://www.republicahospitality.com/our-establishments" data-vars-content-id="78e2a106-ef74-4952-ad09-0385e9daa28d" data-vars-headline="Inside Bellpine, the new restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.republicahospitality.com/our-establishments" target="_blank">República</a>, the restaurant&#x27;s menu focuses on Pacific Northwest cuisine with revolving seasonal ingredients sourced locally.

A photo of the entrance logo of the Bellpine

What's next for Lloyd Center, Portland's oldest mall

Over the next decade, it will be torn down piece by piece and redeveloped.

Over the next decade, Lloyd Center will be torn down piece by piece and redeveloped into a multibillion-dollar, mixed-use neighborhood with housing, retail, restaurants and, maybe, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Major League Baseball stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/08/02/portland-major-league-baseball-expansion" data-vars-content-id="259fcbe4-be4f-42b7-b9d1-6811997024f4" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for Lloyd Center, Portland&#x27;s oldest mall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/08/02/portland-major-league-baseball-expansion" target="_self">Major League Baseball stadium</a>.Why it matters: Hobbled by the pandemic and a swift rise in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="e-commerce" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/02/retail-shopping-in-store-closing-theft" data-vars-content-id="259fcbe4-be4f-42b7-b9d1-6811997024f4" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for Lloyd Center, Portland&#x27;s oldest mall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/10/02/retail-shopping-in-store-closing-theft" target="_self">e-commerce</a>, Portland&#x27;s oldest mall has struggled to rebound after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="retailers left" data-vars-click-url="https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2021/01/lloyd-center-on-the-brink-as-businesses-depart-en-masse-this-mall-is-going-down.html" data-vars-content-id="259fcbe4-be4f-42b7-b9d1-6811997024f4" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for Lloyd Center, Portland&#x27;s oldest mall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.oregonlive.com/business/2021/01/lloyd-center-on-the-brink-as-businesses-depart-en-masse-this-mall-is-going-down.html" target="_blank">retailers left</a> and it faced <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="foreclosure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/foreclosure-looms-for-lloyd-center-mall/" data-vars-content-id="259fcbe4-be4f-42b7-b9d1-6811997024f4" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for Lloyd Center, Portland&#x27;s oldest mall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/foreclosure-looms-for-lloyd-center-mall/" target="_blank">foreclosure</a>.

An artist's rendering of a redeveloped Lloyd Center, with pedestrian-friendly streets, green space and mixed-use buildings for high-rise housing.

What to do with Portland's empty office space

Converting unused commercial real estate into housing isn't that simple.

While the demand for office space in the Rose City remains weak even after thousands of square feet recently came on the market, a plan to convert the unused commercial real estate into housing isn&#x27;t as simple as it seems.Why it matters: Affordable housing advocates say that converting unused office space into residential units could boost the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="low inventory" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/08/23/new-apartment-construction-declines-portland" data-vars-content-id="ca3c545a-ebbe-4c10-8af9-64fe216de667" data-vars-headline="What to do with Portland&#x27;s empty office space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/08/23/new-apartment-construction-declines-portland" target="_self">low inventory</a> and curb <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rising rents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.portland.gov/phb/news/2023/3/22/new-housing-report-shows-unprecedented-affordable-housing-production-rising" data-vars-content-id="ca3c545a-ebbe-4c10-8af9-64fe216de667" data-vars-headline="What to do with Portland&#x27;s empty office space" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.portland.gov/phb/news/2023/3/22/new-housing-report-shows-unprecedented-affordable-housing-production-rising" target="_blank">rising rents</a>.

Illustration of office chair on a “welcome” home mat

Apartment construction in Portland area slows

The amount of new units is well short of pre-COVID numbers.

While multiplex housing starts across the Portland area are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="falling overall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2023/08/23/new-apartment-construction-declines-california-oregon-washington" data-vars-content-id="bb52f30b-5ba9-43fb-9ce8-0815814b7018" data-vars-headline="Apartment construction in Portland area slows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-diego/2023/08/23/new-apartment-construction-declines-california-oregon-washington" target="_self">falling overall</a>, as with many real estate trends, the details depend on one thing: location.<ul><li>CoStar data shows construction starts within Portland&#x27;s city limits of buildings with five units or more are almost exactly on par with the first half of last year.</li></ul>

A building under construction, wrapped in white Tyvek.

Portland's O’Bryant Square is getting renamed and rebuilt

The square is set to be demolished later this year.

O&#x27;Bryant Square has a new name — Darcelle XV Plaza.<ul><li>Built on top of land that once was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Portland&#x27;s first park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.portland.gov/parks/darcelle-xv-plaza" data-vars-content-id="9e44cfef-23cf-4e67-a9de-e3b61d496882" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s O’Bryant Square is getting renamed and rebuilt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.portland.gov/parks/darcelle-xv-plaza" target="_blank">Portland&#x27;s first park</a>, the square is set to be demolished later this year, then restored as part of the city&#x27;s efforts to revive downtown after years of compounding issues.</li></ul>

An archival image of O'Bryant Square park in Portland with the rose-shaped fountain in the background.

Portland's mixed feelings on the new Ritz-Carlton

The luxe brand name is a deterrent for some.

While <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city officials" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pdxmonthly.com/news-and-city-life/2023/01/ritz-carlton-portland-downtown-hotel-preview" data-vars-content-id="37a8ab51-0bad-4f63-8171-57af0795ab2b" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s mixed feelings on the new Ritz-Carlton" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pdxmonthly.com/news-and-city-life/2023/01/ritz-carlton-portland-downtown-hotel-preview" target="_blank">city officials</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="business" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wweek.com/news/business/2023/06/14/closely-watched-ritz-carlton-tower-gets-anchor-tenant-for-office-floors/" data-vars-content-id="37a8ab51-0bad-4f63-8171-57af0795ab2b" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s mixed feelings on the new Ritz-Carlton" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wweek.com/news/business/2023/06/14/closely-watched-ritz-carlton-tower-gets-anchor-tenant-for-office-floors/" target="_blank">business</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="owners" data-vars-click-url="https://www.koin.com/news/special-reports/can-downtown-portland-be-saved-4-portland-developers-have-plans/" data-vars-content-id="37a8ab51-0bad-4f63-8171-57af0795ab2b" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s mixed feelings on the new Ritz-Carlton" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.koin.com/news/special-reports/can-downtown-portland-be-saved-4-portland-developers-have-plans/" target="_blank">owners</a> are anticipating the grand opening of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ritz-Carlton" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/31/portland-ritz-carlton-summer-2023" data-vars-content-id="37a8ab51-0bad-4f63-8171-57af0795ab2b" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s mixed feelings on the new Ritz-Carlton" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/31/portland-ritz-carlton-summer-2023" target="_self">Ritz-Carlton</a>, pointing to the development as a key part of downtown&#x27;s revival, many Portlanders are not.Driving the news: The majority of readers who responded to last week&#x27;s Axios survey reported that they are considering visiting the Ritz-Carlton once it opens to the public later this summer.

A pie chart showing Axios Portland reader responses to two questions. 42% say they aren’t planning to visit the Ritz Carlton after it opens, compared to 28% who say they will. 64% say they will miss the 60 small businesses from the longstanding Alder Street food cart pod.

Downtown Portland awaits Ritz-Carlton's summer opening

At 460 feet and 35 stories, the building is one of the tallest in the city.

The $600 million Ritz-Carlton Residences, Portland, at 900 SW Washington St. was slated to be partly open this month, and though that has not happened, the developers are sticking with their late-summer schedule for completion.Why it matters: Developer Walt Bowen is betting big on the return of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="our once-bustling downtown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/19/downtown-portland-struggles-rebound-pandemic" data-vars-content-id="89bdd47a-0a90-43f7-a1f0-1b7c1e8bf379" data-vars-headline="Downtown Portland awaits Ritz-Carlton&#x27;s summer opening" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/19/downtown-portland-struggles-rebound-pandemic" target="_self">our once-bustling downtown</a>, while city officials are hoping to use the new luxury landmark to lure Portlanders of all kinds — not just the top 1% — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="back to the city&#x27;s center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pdxmonthly.com/news-and-city-life/2023/01/ritz-carlton-portland-downtown-hotel-preview" data-vars-content-id="89bdd47a-0a90-43f7-a1f0-1b7c1e8bf379" data-vars-headline="Downtown Portland awaits Ritz-Carlton&#x27;s summer opening" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pdxmonthly.com/news-and-city-life/2023/01/ritz-carlton-portland-downtown-hotel-preview" target="_blank">back to the city&#x27;s center</a>.

An image of the Ritz Carlton skyscraper in downtown Portland.

Portland's fifth tiny home shelter site opens

The St. Johns site can house up to 65 in the 8-by-8-foot homes.

On Wednesday, Axios toured the newest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Safe Rest Villages" data-vars-click-url="https://www.portland.gov/safe-rest-villages/safe-rest-villages-program-overview" data-vars-content-id="b710c915-cfe1-4d1a-83c6-3c12499ac0cf" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s fifth tiny home shelter site opens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.portland.gov/safe-rest-villages/safe-rest-villages-program-overview" target="_blank">Safe Rest Villages</a> site — Peninsula Crossing in St. Johns, right off North Macrum Avenue.Why it matters: This is the fifth tiny home shelter site to open in Portland, and based on Multnomah County data, the program has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shown early success" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/17/safe-rest-village-portland-oregon-success-homelessness" data-vars-content-id="b710c915-cfe1-4d1a-83c6-3c12499ac0cf" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s fifth tiny home shelter site opens" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/05/17/safe-rest-village-portland-oregon-success-homelessness" target="_self">shown early success</a> in moving people experiencing homelessness into permanent housing.

A photo of seven tiny homes part of Portland's Safe Rest Villages program.

Development 🏗️