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Portland Dining Month delivers big restaurant deals

Score three- or five-course meals at top spots for a fraction of the usual cost.

Food and Drink

That <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new restaurant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/food-and-drink" data-vars-content-id="29962f4d-b39a-4b22-985d-b9149be0d3c3" data-vars-headline="Portland Dining Month delivers big restaurant deals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/food-and-drink" target="_self">new restaurant</a> you&#x27;ve been meaning to try? March may be the time to finally book a reservation.The big picture: More than 100 of the city&#x27;s top dining establishments are participating in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Portland Dining Month" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pdxdiningmonth.com/" data-vars-content-id="29962f4d-b39a-4b22-985d-b9149be0d3c3" data-vars-headline="Portland Dining Month delivers big restaurant deals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pdxdiningmonth.com/" target="_blank">Portland Dining Month</a>, where exclusive, limited-time prix-fixe meals — with either three or five courses — will be a fraction of the cost.

Oregon paid an estimated $670M in Trump's rejected tariffs

If or when that money is ever returned remains an open question.

News

Roughly $670 million is now potentially up for grabs in Oregon after the Supreme Court <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="struck down" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" data-vars-content-id="d4e96304-57e9-4bc4-820c-1d871c38c9a6" data-vars-headline="Oregon paid an estimated $670M in Trump&#x27;s rejected tariffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" target="_self">struck down</a> a swath of President Trump&#x27;s tariffs on Friday, according to the Trade Partnership Worldwide economic research firm.Why it matters: Those tariffs, reversed in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a case led by" data-vars-click-url="https://www.doj.state.or.us/oregon-department-of-justice/federal-oversight/federal-litigation-tracker/tariffs-oregon-v-trump-u-s-court-of-international-trade-125-cv-00077/&#x27;" data-vars-content-id="d4e96304-57e9-4bc4-820c-1d871c38c9a6" data-vars-headline="Oregon paid an estimated $670M in Trump&#x27;s rejected tariffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.doj.state.or.us/oregon-department-of-justice/federal-oversight/federal-litigation-tracker/tariffs-oregon-v-trump-u-s-court-of-international-trade-125-cv-00077/&#x27;" target="_blank">a case led by</a> Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, likely made <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="all kinds of stuff more expensive" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/03/trump-tariffs-mexico-canada-china-cost" data-vars-content-id="d4e96304-57e9-4bc4-820c-1d871c38c9a6" data-vars-headline="Oregon paid an estimated $670M in Trump&#x27;s rejected tariffs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/03/trump-tariffs-mexico-canada-china-cost" target="_self">all kinds of stuff more expensive</a> as businesses passed higher costs onto everyday Americans.

Portland homebuyers are scoring deals — but prices remain high

59% of homebuyers last year paid less than the original asking price, per Redfin.

Real Estate

The average discount for Portland <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/08/portland-home-values-drop" data-vars-content-id="1c354fad-c3b0-4b7e-9579-5c8cf7eb838a" data-vars-headline="Portland homebuyers are scoring deals — but prices remain high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/12/08/portland-home-values-drop" target="_self">homes</a> that sold below their original asking price last year was 6.6% — the largest such gap since 2012, according to a Redfin <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redfin.com/news/homebuyer-discounts-below-list-price-2025/" data-vars-content-id="1c354fad-c3b0-4b7e-9579-5c8cf7eb838a" data-vars-headline="Portland homebuyers are scoring deals — but prices remain high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redfin.com/news/homebuyer-discounts-below-list-price-2025/" target="_blank">report</a>.Why it matters: Still-high mortgage rates and home prices have <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sidelined" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" data-vars-content-id="1c354fad-c3b0-4b7e-9579-5c8cf7eb838a" data-vars-headline="Portland homebuyers are scoring deals — but prices remain high" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026" target="_self">sidelined</a> many shoppers. But those who remain in the market are scoring the biggest deals in years.

How Dawson Park's origins contrast with its legacy

The Albina park became a cornerstone of Black Portland and civil rights activism.

Dawson Park has long been considered <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a cultural landmark" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/02/27/historical-black-landmarks-portland" data-vars-content-id="5083da48-740d-4e64-8e0d-b7ba287e52f8" data-vars-headline="How Dawson Park&#x27;s origins contrast with its legacy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/02/27/historical-black-landmarks-portland" target="_self">a cultural landmark</a> for Black Portland — where civil rights rallies originated and prominent historical figures visited — but it was originally developed in the early 20th century to keep children segregated.The big picture: The park&#x27;s evolution reflects the Albina neighborhood&#x27;s transformation: Shaped by racial tension and molded by redlining and displacement, it became a symbolic home base for Black life in the city.

Portland weighs overhaul of committee system

Leaders say reducing committees could shorten meetings and improve focus.

Politics

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.

GOP budget plan could trigger sale of Oregon public lands

Popular Portland-area hiking and biking trails, as well as water recreation and camping spots, could be sold.

Nearly 22 million acres of federal public land in Oregon could be eligible for sale if Congress passes the Trump administration&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="budget bill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/11/trump-budget-bill-lisa-mcclain-senate" data-vars-content-id="b367bafb-16d1-4f70-a99b-311a0b422bec" data-vars-headline="GOP budget plan could trigger sale of Oregon public lands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/11/trump-budget-bill-lisa-mcclain-senate" target="_self">budget bill</a>, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a new analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wilderness.org/articles/media-resources/250-million-acres-public-lands-eligible-sale-senr-budget-reconciliation-package" data-vars-content-id="b367bafb-16d1-4f70-a99b-311a0b422bec" data-vars-headline="GOP budget plan could trigger sale of Oregon public lands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wilderness.org/articles/media-resources/250-million-acres-public-lands-eligible-sale-senr-budget-reconciliation-package" target="_blank">a new analysis</a> by a conservation nonprofit.Why it matters: This includes popular <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hiking" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/04/04/oregon-columbia-river-gorge-hike-wahclella-falls" data-vars-content-id="b367bafb-16d1-4f70-a99b-311a0b422bec" data-vars-headline="GOP budget plan could trigger sale of Oregon public lands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/04/04/oregon-columbia-river-gorge-hike-wahclella-falls" target="_self">hiking</a>, biking and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="camping areas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/06/04/oregon-camping-solo-trend-outdoor-recreation" data-vars-content-id="b367bafb-16d1-4f70-a99b-311a0b422bec" data-vars-headline="GOP budget plan could trigger sale of Oregon public lands" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/06/04/oregon-camping-solo-trend-outdoor-recreation" target="_self">camping areas</a> near Portland, including Larch Mountain, Eagle Creek and parts of Mount Hood&#x27;s Timothy Lake, The Wilderness Society found.

Portland mayor's budget boosts shelters, increases fees

Wilson's $8.5 billion budget cuts city services and staff but expands shelter beds and graffiti cleanup.

In his first-ever budget proposal as mayor, Keith Wilson is seeking millions of dollars in cuts to city services and layoffs of government staff, while investing in more <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shelter beds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/01/23/homelessness-crisis-shelters-mayor-city-council-funding" data-vars-content-id="844557e2-d50d-46fe-aeeb-3ee31f657213" data-vars-headline="Portland mayor&#x27;s budget boosts shelters, increases fees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/01/23/homelessness-crisis-shelters-mayor-city-council-funding" target="_self">shelter beds</a>, expanding Portland&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unarmed crisis response team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/03/07/portland-street-response-expands-911-calls" data-vars-content-id="844557e2-d50d-46fe-aeeb-3ee31f657213" data-vars-headline="Portland mayor&#x27;s budget boosts shelters, increases fees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/03/07/portland-street-response-expands-911-calls" target="_self">unarmed crisis response team</a> and boosting efforts to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="clean up graffiti" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/06/18/1-photo-to-go-graffiti-boomerang" data-vars-content-id="844557e2-d50d-46fe-aeeb-3ee31f657213" data-vars-headline="Portland mayor&#x27;s budget boosts shelters, increases fees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2024/06/18/1-photo-to-go-graffiti-boomerang" target="_self">clean up graffiti</a>.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$8.5 billion budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.portland.gov/budget/2025-2026-budget/development/proposed" data-vars-content-id="844557e2-d50d-46fe-aeeb-3ee31f657213" data-vars-headline="Portland mayor&#x27;s budget boosts shelters, increases fees" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.portland.gov/budget/2025-2026-budget/development/proposed" target="_blank">$8.5 billion budget</a> plan for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, marks a dramatic shift in how Portland&#x27;s top official wants to confront the city&#x27;s biggest challenges while dealing with deep financial strain.

School cellphone ban proceeds in Oregon Legislature

The proposal is now in the Senate and awaits a floor vote.

The Oregon House advanced a controversial bill this week that would mandate bell-to-bell restrictions on smartphones for students in public schools across the state.Why it matters: Supporters of the proposal — which passed the chamber on a bipartisan 36-21 vote Tuesday — say the ban aims to improve <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="educational outcomes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/01/30/learning-proficiency-worsens" data-vars-content-id="0e257b7a-3a16-4b99-bbf0-de47e9a96a2f" data-vars-headline="School cellphone ban proceeds in Oregon Legislature" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/portland/2025/01/30/learning-proficiency-worsens" target="_self">educational outcomes</a> in a state struggling with proficiency, as well as address <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="youth mental health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/22/screen-time-bad-unhealthy-kids-mental-health" data-vars-content-id="0e257b7a-3a16-4b99-bbf0-de47e9a96a2f" data-vars-headline="School cellphone ban proceeds in Oregon Legislature" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/22/screen-time-bad-unhealthy-kids-mental-health" target="_self">youth mental health</a> issues.

Politics 🇺🇸

Portland weighs overhaul of committee system

Oregon's short legislative session tackles budget, immigration, transportation

National Guard deployment in Chicago cost $21M

City Council elects Dunphy as president after bitter stalemate

Kotek scraps Oregon transportation funding plan