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Get to know Portland's bridges: Sellwood

It's the sole Willamette crossing designed to survive a major earthquake.

News

Portland&#x27;s Sellwood Bridge is the city&#x27;s southernmost Willamette crossing — and the only one <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="for several miles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/17/ross-island-bridge-100-rare-cantilever-design" data-vars-content-id="9ad23dab-ec6b-46a6-9c14-cbbbb6a17200" data-vars-headline="Get to know Portland&#x27;s bridges: Sellwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/17/ross-island-bridge-100-rare-cantilever-design" target="_self">for several miles</a> — making it a critical route for Southwest and Southeast residents and commuters alike. The big picture: Opened in 2016, the Sellwood is the newest of the bunch, replacing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an impressively high" data-vars-click-url="https://historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=oregon/sellwoodbridge/" data-vars-content-id="9ad23dab-ec6b-46a6-9c14-cbbbb6a17200" data-vars-headline="Get to know Portland&#x27;s bridges: Sellwood" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=oregon/sellwoodbridge/" target="_blank">an impressively high</a> continuous deck truss structure built in 1925.

Frog Ferry pitches public funding model

Residents can donate to help launch ferry service, with perks like naming rights.

Backers of Portland&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Frog Ferry project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/05/14/portland-frog-ferry-service-willamette" data-vars-content-id="8c92047f-9939-4d8a-ae77-cea0a4f6bfd3" data-vars-headline="Frog Ferry pitches public funding model" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/05/14/portland-frog-ferry-service-willamette" target="_self">Frog Ferry project</a> unveiled a new funding model Tuesday, allowing residents to donate toward launching ferry service.Why it matters: Project leaders are betting Rose City residents will help pay for ferry service to get a boat in the water.

Oregon diners leave higher tips than West Coast neighbors

Diners are still spilt on whether they prefer tipping or paying a service fee.

Food and Drink

When dining out, Oregonians tend to leave a 19% tip or higher on average, per Toast&#x27;s latest <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="restaurant trends report" data-vars-click-url="https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/data/toast-restaurant-trends-report-coffee-prices-2026" data-vars-content-id="6a955075-8a97-426f-aae5-163cda107995" data-vars-headline="Oregon diners leave higher tips than West Coast neighbors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pos.toasttab.com/blog/data/toast-restaurant-trends-report-coffee-prices-2026" target="_blank">restaurant trends report</a>.The big picture: That&#x27;s about the same as the nationwide average for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tips" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/01/no-tax-on-tips-jobs-trump-bill" data-vars-content-id="6a955075-8a97-426f-aae5-163cda107995" data-vars-headline="Oregon diners leave higher tips than West Coast neighbors" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/01/no-tax-on-tips-jobs-trump-bill" target="_self">tips</a> left at full-service restaurants in Q4 2025, but higher than both our West Coast neighbors.

Why these spring bugs annoy Portlanders most

Even in the nature-loving Pacific Northwest, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="some bugs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/05/28/oregon-spotted-lanternfly-invasive-species" data-vars-content-id="9b308f10-53df-491b-b8a1-3d1acbef07fb" data-vars-headline="Why these spring bugs annoy Portlanders most" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/05/28/oregon-spotted-lanternfly-invasive-species" target="_self">some bugs</a> are public enemy No. 1.Why it matters: As spring temperatures climb past about 55 degrees, cold-blooded insects emerge from winter hiding spots seemingly all at once, which is why it can suddenly feel like they&#x27;re everywhere.

PCC strike enters 2nd week, classes remain disrupted

Negotiations continue this week as students, staff and the school look ahead to a resolution.

Many <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Portland Community College" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/06/01/portland-community-college-enrollment-rebounds-2023" data-vars-content-id="2526b586-81f6-4927-936d-2a1c356b3e4d" data-vars-headline="PCC strike enters 2nd week, classes remain disrupted" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2023/06/01/portland-community-college-enrollment-rebounds-2023" target="_self">Portland Community College</a> classes remain remote as Oregon&#x27;s first-ever community college strike continues into its second week with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="no deal in sight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.opb.org/article/2026/03/16/portland-community-college-strike-continues-unions-mediation/" data-vars-content-id="2526b586-81f6-4927-936d-2a1c356b3e4d" data-vars-headline="PCC strike enters 2nd week, classes remain disrupted" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.opb.org/article/2026/03/16/portland-community-college-strike-continues-unions-mediation/" target="_blank">no deal in sight</a> between the school and its unions.The big picture: Roughly 30,000 PCC students face <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ongoing disruption" data-vars-click-url="https://katu.com/news/local/portland-community-college-pcc-students-limbo-first-ever-community-college-strike-oregon-enters-second-week-teachers-union-bargaining-education" data-vars-content-id="2526b586-81f6-4927-936d-2a1c356b3e4d" data-vars-headline="PCC strike enters 2nd week, classes remain disrupted" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://katu.com/news/local/portland-community-college-pcc-students-limbo-first-ever-community-college-strike-oregon-enters-second-week-teachers-union-bargaining-education" target="_blank">ongoing disruption</a> with no clear return to normal classes. The outcome of the strike, which began last Wednesday, could also set a precedent for how Oregon colleges handle pay, equity and union negotiations with staff and faculty in the future.

PSU considers cuts to 19 programs

Enrollment has fallen 23% since 2019 as leaders warn layoffs may be likely.

Portland State University is considering reducing or eliminating 19 academic programs as it works to close a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$35 million budget deficit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/10/17/portland-state-university-layoffs-budget-enrollment" data-vars-content-id="59984728-21b5-46e4-8ee7-d1846d15f259" data-vars-headline="PSU considers cuts to 19 programs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/10/17/portland-state-university-layoffs-budget-enrollment" target="_self">$35 million budget deficit</a>.Why it matters: Oregon&#x27;s third-largest university by enrollment is looking to close its deficit by the end of the 2026-27 school year.

Portland's share of college graduates rises

A rising share of population with higher education can give a region an economic boost.

Education

The share of Portlanders <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="25 and older with a bachelor&#x27;s degree" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/02/24/chart-du-jour-college-educated-movers" data-vars-content-id="ddd4d29b-a6b6-427f-9a62-e22ac1cd72ff" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s share of college graduates rises" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/02/24/chart-du-jour-college-educated-movers" target="_self">25 and older with a bachelor&#x27;s degree</a> or higher rose from about 40% to 43% between the 2015-2019 and 2020-2024 periods, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new census data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/acs-5-year-gains-educational-attainment.html" data-vars-content-id="ddd4d29b-a6b6-427f-9a62-e22ac1cd72ff" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s share of college graduates rises" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2026/acs-5-year-gains-educational-attainment.html" target="_blank">new census data</a>.Why it matters: A rising share of college-educated adults can help reshape a metro area&#x27;s economic trajectory, workforce and competitiveness — a much-needed boost the Portland area <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="could use right now" data-vars-click-url="https://portlandmetrochamber.com/resources/latest-report-shows-portland-economy-in-crisis-leaders-call-for-decisive-action/" data-vars-content-id="ddd4d29b-a6b6-427f-9a62-e22ac1cd72ff" data-vars-headline="Portland&#x27;s share of college graduates rises" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://portlandmetrochamber.com/resources/latest-report-shows-portland-economy-in-crisis-leaders-call-for-decisive-action/" target="_blank">could use right now</a>.

Jefferson High to absorb more students in PPS rezoning

The move ends a 15-year policy that allowed parents to choose where to send their kids.

Portland Public Schools board members approved a resolution this week to overhaul <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="high school attendance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/26/high-school-enrollment-surge-portland" data-vars-content-id="fd15613c-97f7-42e4-9969-ccc898fac63a" data-vars-headline="Jefferson High to absorb more students in PPS rezoning" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/26/high-school-enrollment-surge-portland" target="_self">high school attendance</a> boundaries in North and Northeast Portland, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a major shift" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wweek.com/news/schools/2026/01/13/school-board-approves-plan-to-fill-jefferson-high-school/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="fd15613c-97f7-42e4-9969-ccc898fac63a" data-vars-headline="Jefferson High to absorb more students in PPS rezoning" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wweek.com/news/schools/2026/01/13/school-board-approves-plan-to-fill-jefferson-high-school/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">a major shift</a> set to begin in fall 2027. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="policy" data-vars-click-url="https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/915?meeting=724654" data-vars-content-id="fd15613c-97f7-42e4-9969-ccc898fac63a" data-vars-headline="Jefferson High to absorb more students in PPS rezoning" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/915?meeting=724654" target="_blank">policy</a> effectively ends a 15-year &quot;dual assignment&quot; option that let many families decide whether to send their kids to Jefferson, Grant, Roosevelt or McDaniel high schools based on address.

International student enrollment dips in Oregon

International enrollment fell as visa issues and tuition hikes created new hurdles.

American universities enrolled fewer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international students" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/06/03/international-students-contribute-nearly-270-million-to-oregon-economy" data-vars-content-id="70feca41-3604-4e27-8bc0-6b3ef3ccb7a0" data-vars-headline="International student enrollment dips in Oregon" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/06/03/international-students-contribute-nearly-270-million-to-oregon-economy" target="_self">international students</a> this fall, the first full academic year to begin under President Trump&#x27;s second term.Why it matters: The Trump administration upended the spring semester for international students nationwide, raising questions about international student enrollment this autumn.

Why college is still worth it, monetarily

Fewer Americans say college is essential — but grads still outearn others by far.

The share of Americans who say <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="college" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/09/college-blue-collar-gen-z" data-vars-content-id="296469f3-d7a3-427d-845f-e842f71d9f17" data-vars-headline="Why college is still worth it, monetarily" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/09/college-blue-collar-gen-z" target="_self">college</a> is &quot;very important&quot; plummeted over the past decade, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Gallup" data-vars-click-url="https://news.gallup.com/poll/695003/perceived-importance-college-hits-new-low.aspx" data-vars-content-id="296469f3-d7a3-427d-845f-e842f71d9f17" data-vars-headline="Why college is still worth it, monetarily" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/695003/perceived-importance-college-hits-new-low.aspx" target="_blank">new Gallup</a> polling finds.Why it matters: College may not live up to the American Dream that it promised in the past, and there are other paths for success becoming more appealing for Gen Z, but in terms of lifetime earnings, a college degree is still incredibly important.

Student housing prices are rising in Portland

Students saw smaller rent hikes but still face big housing stress.

Student rents in Portland have risen more slowly than the region&#x27;s broader rental market over the past five years, but the gap still leaves many struggling with affordability, according to Moody&#x27;s data shared with Axios.Why it matters: Pricey student housing adds to the already-high <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cost of college" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/17/college-cost-survey" data-vars-content-id="b6337b60-554c-4260-bd40-55a657627f16" data-vars-headline="Student housing prices are rising in Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/17/college-cost-survey" target="_self">cost of college</a>, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has increased by nearly 30%" data-vars-click-url="https://www.opb.org/article/2025/04/28/undergrad-tuition-to-rise-again-at-all-oregons-public-universities-up-nearly-30-from-a-decade-ago/" data-vars-content-id="b6337b60-554c-4260-bd40-55a657627f16" data-vars-headline="Student housing prices are rising in Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.opb.org/article/2025/04/28/undergrad-tuition-to-rise-again-at-all-oregons-public-universities-up-nearly-30-from-a-decade-ago/" target="_blank">has increased by nearly 30%</a> in Oregon over the last decade.

Portland high schools scramble after enrollment surge

Several high schools are facing an unexpected enrollment surge.

Several Portland high schools are facing higher than projected enrollment numbers this academic year, potentially leading to hundreds of students being placed in study halls as officials scramble to fill out their schedules with necessary electives.Why it matters: The surprise bump in enrollment bucks an ongoing trend of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shrinking student numbers and potential school closures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/09/12/oregon-school-closures-low-enrollment-budget-cuts" data-vars-content-id="429f3c60-6855-478e-a1e3-a66d2ad44a0c" data-vars-headline="Portland high schools scramble after enrollment surge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/09/12/oregon-school-closures-low-enrollment-budget-cuts" target="_self">shrinking student numbers and potential school closures</a>.

Most Portland students attend school in urban heat zones

70% of students attend schools in areas that are up to 8° hotter due to the urban heat island effect.

Most K–12 public students in Portland attend schools in extreme <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="urban heat zones," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/11/heat-islands-us-record-temperatures" data-vars-content-id="bc46d55d-1e63-43c7-bce6-f44922cc7ca8" data-vars-headline="Most Portland students attend school in urban heat zones" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/11/heat-islands-us-record-temperatures" target="_self">urban heat zones,</a> a new analysis finds.Why it matters: The heat island effect can make some neighborhoods notably warmer than others, especially during heat waves like the one we&#x27;re in currently.

Multnomah County punts on Preschool for All changes

County commissioners sent a proposal back to an advisory group for further study.

Amid ongoing cost concerns surrounding Multnomah County&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Preschool for All" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/04/10/multnomah-county-preschool-for-all-expansion-teacher-shortage-funding" data-vars-content-id="32343b28-1df5-4646-be98-7d7429947ecd" data-vars-headline="Multnomah County punts on Preschool for All changes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/04/10/multnomah-county-preschool-for-all-expansion-teacher-shortage-funding" target="_self">Preschool for All</a> program, county commissioners opted last week to hold off on any moves that would change its funding structure.Why it matters: The program, passed by a sizable majority of voters in 2020, has come under criticism from Gov. Tina Kotek and others for imposing too high of a tax burden on Portland-area residents.

📚 Shorter school year

Portland avoids layoffs with four teacher furlough days

A chart showing the change in the share of population over 25 that has attained a bachelor's degree or higher by metro area from 2015-2019 to 2020-2024. Overall, there's been a 3.6% increase in degree holders. The largest increases have been in Durham, N.C. (8.1%), New Haven, Conn. (7%) and Austin (6.1%). In the Portland metro area, there's been an increase from 39.8% to 42.5%.

Education 📚

Portland avoids layoffs with four teacher furlough days

PCC strike enters 2nd week, classes remain disrupted

PSU considers cuts to 19 programs

Portland's share of college graduates rises

Jefferson High to absorb more students in PPS rezoning