Axios Portland

May 28, 2026
🫨 Thursday is here already. Woah.
🌧️ Today's weather: Partly sunny with chance of showers and thunderstorms, high 84, low 54.
Today's newsletter is 901 words — a 3.5-minute read.
1 big thing: 🖼️ Arts tax, reformed
Fewer people will pay the arts tax, but those who do will pay more after city council approved an overhaul of the controversial charge yesterday.
Why it matters: The 7-5 vote marks the first major overhaul of one of Portland's most unpopular taxes since voters first approved it in 2012, and the increase was met with opposition by some.
State of play: The tax will now cost $50 per person annually for single filers making more than $20,000, or joint filers making more than $40,000.
- The tax previously stood at $35 annually for those earning more than $1,000 a year.
- The changes will exempt nearly half of Portlanders who previously paid the tax, while keeping the revenue it brought in steady, according to the city.
- It has raised roughly $12 million annually toward funding the arts since 2012.
Yes, but: The overhaul won't do anything about the cumbersome process of actually paying the tax, a longtime frustration for many residents.
The other side: The councilors who voted against the ordinance raised concerns that it still imposes a regressive tax on people who don't make a lot of money.
- And the Portland Metro Chamber threatened to sue the council over the changes, claiming the city doesn't have the authority to change taxes without voter approval, per the Oregonian.
In other council news: Councilors voted 10-2 to pass a new transportation utility fee — $12 a month per household — to fund road maintenance.
- An ordinance that bans law enforcement officers from wearing masks passed 8-4, though Councilor Steve Novick, who voted in favor, noted "there's a high likelihood that this will get struck down in court."
What we're watching: The council also considered a ban on foie gras, aka "certain force-fed poultry products."
- A number of restaurateurs have argued against the measure, but animal rights advocates pushed for passage, saying force-feeding poultry is akin to animal abuse.
- The ordinance will come up for a vote at the next council meeting.
2. 🎈 Happy birthday, old timer
The Burnside Bridge turns 100 today, and to celebrate, the city is closing the iconic span to all vehicle traffic Saturday for an afternoon of free fun.
- There'll be musical performances — including local jazz artists and the Oregon Symphony Brass Quintet — historical walking tours, old '20s-era cars on display, a vintage tweed bike ride and appearances from former Fire players.
Flashback: The bridge opened to the public in 1926 and was part of the 20th century "City Beautiful Movement," which is why we have those Italian Renaissance operator towers and ornate spindle-type balustrade railings.
- Overall, it cost $4.5 million to build, but a corrupt bidding war over its construction led to the ousting of three county commissioners that rocked local politics.

While we're celebrating the bridge's existence today, there's plans to knock it down — hopefully before the Big One does.
- Yes, but: The timeline is in limbo. Construction of the $1.8 billion earthquake-ready inverted Y-shaped replacement has been paused indefinitely due to federal funding uncertainty.
- Until then, the current bridge will continue to serve as one of the busiest transportation arteries connecting the east and west sides of the city.
😅 Like any centenarian, we're proud of this epic milestone, but can't help but be anxious about the possibility of a hip break or catastrophic fall.
If you go: Burnside Bridge Centennial Party is Saturday from noon to 5pm.
3. Rose City Rundown
The death toll at a paper mill in Longview, Washington, rose to two with another nine people presumed dead after a 900,000 gallon chemical tank ruptured Tuesday. (OPB)
🗳️ A record 41% of voters took part in Oregon's May primary election, exceeding each of the last three non-presidential primaries, mostly due to opposition to Measure 120, which would have raised the state's gas tax. (The Oregonian)
🎾 The Portland parks bureau is considering a plan to let the US Tennis Association take over the Portland Tennis Center and other city courts as the agency looks to the private sector to help solve its budget woes. (Portland Mercury)
🦟 Researchers at Portland State are studying a new drug that has shown promise in treating malaria, one of the deadliest diseases in the world, though it has not yet been tested on humans. (KOIN)
4. 🍦 Prestigious pints
The flavor wizards at Salt & Straw are teaming up with celebrity chefs — including Portland's very own Gregory Gourdet — for a limited-time series launching tomorrow.
- Gourdet's pint leans into his Haitian heritage, with a caramelized plantain base and chunks of almond cake and habanero pecan brittle sprinkled throughout — notes Kann diners will immediately recognize.
- Other flavors include "Top Chef" winner Mei Lin's Hong Kong-inspired milk tea scoop with crepe crumbles, and a riff on chocolate caramel budino from Miami chefs Alex Meyer and Luciana Giangrandi.
Plus: Salted yuzu cheesecake from James Beard winner Brady Ishiwata Williams of Seattle's Tomo is swirled into Salt & Straw's signature vanilla and studded with white chocolate stracciatella.
😋 We're taking out a small loan so we can stock up on all of 'em.
😵💫 Meira is consuming "Summer House" reunion content at a rabid pace despite never having watched the actual show.
🤫 Kale was just told "can't talk now, maybe later" by his wife who is also consuming "Summer House" reunion content at a rabid pace.
This newsletter was edited by Geoff Ziezulewicz.
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