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What fewer children means for Portland

The effects stretch from classrooms to the job market.

News

The West is home to fewer children than it was five years ago, according to new census data.Why it matters: Portland&#x27;s been grappling with this demographic shift for years — declining classroom enrollment, an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="aging population" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/07/16/aging-population-baby-boomers-oregon-economy" data-vars-content-id="57c3ea18-e52c-4870-b9e8-6ae5213b2813" data-vars-headline="What fewer children means for Portland" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/07/16/aging-population-baby-boomers-oregon-economy" target="_self">aging population</a>, slower population growth — and it could drastically reshape the local economy.

Everything to know about Portland Arts Week

Dozens of galleries, museums and bookstores are participating.

Things to Do

Portland&#x27;s first-ever Arts Week kicks off Thursday with dozens of free events designed to showcase the city&#x27;s robust arts ecosystem.Why it matters: The theme is sports, capitalizing on two of Portland&#x27;s biggest audiences and the excitement building around our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new WNBA team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/05/10/portland-fire-record-wnba-debut-crowd" data-vars-content-id="9422989a-0cad-48c4-816d-03a170b7ddf1" data-vars-headline="Everything to know about Portland Arts Week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/05/10/portland-fire-record-wnba-debut-crowd" target="_self">new WNBA team</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/06/09/world-cup-watch-parties-portland-bars-fans" data-vars-content-id="9422989a-0cad-48c4-816d-03a170b7ddf1" data-vars-headline="Everything to know about Portland Arts Week" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/06/09/world-cup-watch-parties-portland-bars-fans" target="_self">the World Cup</a>.

A Polish family recipe powers Portland's newest pop-up

Kuzyn's handmade pierogi are selling out.

Food and Drink

Three cousins have turned a century-old family recipe into one of Portland&#x27;s newest pop-ups this summer. <ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kuzyn" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/kuzynpdx/?hl=en" data-vars-content-id="5b3f0765-bf27-4613-8ae8-ded84161c18e" data-vars-headline="A Polish family recipe powers Portland&#x27;s newest pop-up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/kuzynpdx/?hl=en" target="_blank">Kuzyn</a> serves handmade Polish pierogi inspired by the meals they ate growing up together. </li></ul>The big picture: Kyle Broughton, Dan Skuret and Griffin Bariluk launched Kuzyn earlier this year after realizing Portland lacked options for the traditional Eastern European dish.

Oregon gas tax defeat leaves road funding crisis unresolved

State leaders still need a long-term plan to fund roads and highways.

Oregon lawmakers are expected to take yet another stab at tackling <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transportation funding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/05/20/oregon-voters-reject-gas-tax-vehicle-fees" data-vars-content-id="6334e8f0-d36d-40c9-ab49-14e408d0b7a2" data-vars-headline="Oregon gas tax defeat leaves road funding crisis unresolved" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/05/20/oregon-voters-reject-gas-tax-vehicle-fees" target="_self">transportation funding</a> next year after voters overwhelmingly rejected Measure 120.Why it matters: Most of the structural problems behind Oregon&#x27;s transportation funding shortfall remain unresolved.

Crowded GOP field targets Gov. Tina Kotek

The Oregon GOP hasn't occupied the governor's mansion since Victor G. Atiyeh's tenure ended in 1987.

Politics

Oregon&#x27;s gubernatorial primary next month features a crowded field of Republicans running for the opportunity to unseat incumbent Democratic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. Tina Kotek" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/07/transportation-funding-bill-kotek-repeal" data-vars-content-id="d7d12bc4-9194-4a9d-b49f-dcf6b2785fe3" data-vars-headline="Crowded GOP field targets Gov. Tina Kotek" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/07/transportation-funding-bill-kotek-repeal" target="_self">Gov. Tina Kotek</a>.The big picture: The Oregon GOP hasn&#x27;t occupied <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the governor&#x27;s mansion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nga.org/former-governors/oregon/" data-vars-content-id="d7d12bc4-9194-4a9d-b49f-dcf6b2785fe3" data-vars-headline="Crowded GOP field targets Gov. Tina Kotek" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nga.org/former-governors/oregon/" target="_blank">the governor&#x27;s mansion</a> since Victor G. Atiyeh&#x27;s tenure ended in 1987 and it doesn&#x27;t control a single statewide office.

Oregon legislature wraps with unresolved questions

Lawmakers closed a $650 million gap and passed immigration limits as a gas tax vote faces a lawsuit.

Oregon lawmakers called it a wrap on their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="short session" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/06/oregon-house-approves-365m-moda-center-renovation" data-vars-content-id="c2cc9c19-3eba-44c9-a5ec-8840351d1868" data-vars-headline="Oregon legislature wraps with unresolved questions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/03/06/oregon-house-approves-365m-moda-center-renovation" target="_self">short session</a> Friday, closing out a five-week sprint in Salem.Why it matters: Lawmakers moved to close a sizable budget gap and push back on federal immigration enforcement, though a major transportation funding vote remains unresolved.

Portland weighs overhaul of committee system

Leaders say reducing committees could shorten meetings and improve focus.

Portland City Council is considering cutting its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="committee structure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/17/city-council-year-two-portland" data-vars-content-id="632cc39d-b8ee-4028-a3c6-12f67e907a6f" data-vars-headline="Portland weighs overhaul of committee system" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/17/city-council-year-two-portland" target="_self">committee structure</a> from eight panels to five in an effort to streamline meetings and improve efficiency.Why it matters: The proposal from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Council President Jamie Dunphy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/14/city-council-dunphy-elected-president" data-vars-content-id="632cc39d-b8ee-4028-a3c6-12f67e907a6f" data-vars-headline="Portland weighs overhaul of committee system" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2026/01/14/city-council-dunphy-elected-president" target="_self">Council President Jamie Dunphy</a> aims to shorten lengthy meetings and sharpen the council&#x27;s focus as it continues to adapt to a new governing structure.

City Council elects Dunphy as president after bitter stalemate

Jamie Dunphy was chosen after the council sat at an impasse that spanned a week.

After more than a dozen rounds of deadlocked votes spanning the past week, the Portland City Council elected progressive Jamie Dunphy as its president Wednesday.Why it matters: The ideological split on the council — between the six-member progressive caucus, known as Peacock, and everyone else — had arguably never been more stark than during the electoral impasse. <ul><li>The division could be a harbinger for how the body decides on larger issues this year.</li></ul>

Kotek scraps Oregon transportation funding plan

She's proposing a new strategy to avoid ODOT layoffs and road maintenance delays.

In a stark reversal, Gov. Tina Kotek announced Wednesday that she intends to scrap the transportation funding bill <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="she fought to push through" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/28/oregon-special-session-transportation-funding" data-vars-content-id="16b97278-4c4f-45a4-b177-3c7aaf81f529" data-vars-headline="Kotek scraps Oregon transportation funding plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/08/28/oregon-special-session-transportation-funding" target="_self">she fought to push through</a> the Legislature in a special session last summer.The big picture: The move comes on the heels of a successful <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Republican-led effort" data-vars-click-url="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/12/12/oregon-tax-opponents-plan-to-turn-in-nearly-200000-signatures-friday/" data-vars-content-id="16b97278-4c4f-45a4-b177-3c7aaf81f529" data-vars-headline="Kotek scraps Oregon transportation funding plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2025/12/12/oregon-tax-opponents-plan-to-turn-in-nearly-200000-signatures-friday/" target="_blank">Republican-led effort</a> to bring the issue — which included a slew of unpopular gas tax and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fee hikes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/09/08/oregon-payroll-tax-for-transit-set-to-double" data-vars-content-id="16b97278-4c4f-45a4-b177-3c7aaf81f529" data-vars-headline="Kotek scraps Oregon transportation funding plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/09/08/oregon-payroll-tax-for-transit-set-to-double" target="_self">fee hikes</a> — to voters.

Oregon lawmakers gear up for budget fixes, federal fights

The short session starts in February with housing, health care and immigrant protections in focus.

Oregon lawmakers are weeks away from this year&#x27;s short, month-long legislative session, which will focus on fine-tuning the state budget and tackling perennial priorities like transportation.The big picture: Portland-area state legislators told Axios they expect to spend much of the session crafting policies in response to President Trump&#x27;s actions as well — like countering federal funding cuts for critical programs and increased immigration enforcement.

Portland City Council looks to "hit its stride" in year two

Councilors say they hope growing pains are behind them as they push for more impact in 2026.

It&#x27;s been a bit of a mixed bag for Portland&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new form of city council" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/07/07/portland-city-council-reforms-budget" data-vars-content-id="385cf253-30b1-49b6-9dc1-7506e727bd13" data-vars-headline="Portland City Council looks to &quot;hit its stride&quot; in year two" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/07/07/portland-city-council-reforms-budget" target="_self">new form of city council</a> in its first year, but, despite some outside criticism, members of the city&#x27;s legislative body have high hopes for year two.The big picture: Voter-approved reform of Portland&#x27;s governing charter — creating districts, expanding the council, and separating executive and legislative powers — promised a more responsive, representative and transparent council.

Oregon sues Trump over SNAP freeze

Oregon says the Trump administration is unlawfully withholding food assistance benefits during the shutdown.

Oregon, along with two dozen other Democratic-led states, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sued" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/trump-snap-food-stamps-lawsuit-democrats" data-vars-content-id="27b26510-dbcd-495d-adfc-457d91fb7eda" data-vars-headline="Oregon sues Trump over SNAP freeze" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/trump-snap-food-stamps-lawsuit-democrats" target="_self">sued</a> the Trump administration this week to force it to resume <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="food assistance payments" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/24/gov-shutdown-snap-payments-emergency-funds" data-vars-content-id="27b26510-dbcd-495d-adfc-457d91fb7eda" data-vars-headline="Oregon sues Trump over SNAP freeze" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/24/gov-shutdown-snap-payments-emergency-funds" target="_self">food assistance payments</a> as the federal government shutdown drags on.The big picture: More than 750,000 Oregonians rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Department of Agriculture has warned benefits will stop on Saturday.

Trump administration appeals Portland Guard deployment ruling

Local leaders celebrated the judge's decision as the Trump administration sought to have it overturned by a higher court.

The Trump administration has appealed a federal judge&#x27;s ruling that granted a temporary restraining order blocking the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deployment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/27/trump-troops-portland-full-force" data-vars-content-id="b40ebcd0-3eaa-4f31-a29e-cd029bdbcdb0" data-vars-headline="Trump administration appeals Portland Guard deployment ruling" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/27/trump-troops-portland-full-force" target="_self">deployment</a> of National Guard troops to Portland.Why it matters: The appeal indicates the White House will continue its efforts to deploy soldiers on Portland&#x27;s streets, despite the judge&#x27;s ruling Saturday.

Axios Seattle

How the I-5 bridge saga led to a $14B price tag

Seattle

🏥 Closing the care gap

Oregon eliminates surprise bills for cervical cancer care

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Politics 🇺🇸

Oregon gas tax defeat leaves road funding crisis unresolved

Crowded GOP field targets Gov. Tina Kotek

How the I-5 bridge saga led to a $14B price tag

Oregon legislature wraps with unresolved questions

Oregon eliminates surprise bills for cervical cancer care