In 2025, new elected leadership in Portland presented a change of course in the city’s approach to housing and homelessness. At times, the mayor’s vision clashed with that of city councilors, with the mayor focused on expanding shelters and the Council focused on reshaping housing policy. Portland’s City Council adopted new policies aimed at combating […]
Jeremiah Hayden
Jeremiah Hayden reports on housing, homelessness, and other issues affecting Portlanders. He's lived in Oregon nearly all his life, and in Portland since 2001. jhayden@portlandmercury.com
Posted inNews
372 Multnomah County Residents Died While Homeless in 2024
Multnomah County’s Domicile Unknown report shows 18% decline in homeless deaths from 2023 to 2024. Overdose, transportation, assault are main contributors.
At least 372 Multnomah County residents died while homeless in 2024, according to the county’s latest Domicile Unknown report. That’s down 18 percent from the 2023 high of 456. Multnomah County releases its Domicile Unknown report in December each year, compiling demographic data and cause of death for the prior year. The county published the […]
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News: ❄️ Help Name PBOT’s Snowplows 🚗 Who Killed the Electric Car Chargers? 🔪 Call it Trump Kennedy Center (or else) 🌳 Weed: Not Cool Anymore 📚 Epstein’s Book Club
The Mercury provides news and fun every single day—but your help is essential. If you believe Portland benefits from smart, local journalism and arts coverage, please consider making a small monthly contribution, because without you, there is no us. Thanks for your support! Good morning, Portland! Oh, my. I hope you like singing in the rain because it […]
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City Council Staff Form New Labor Union
Citing a desire for clear job descriptions, a cap on weekly hours worked, and greater stability for the city, Council office employees form new Council Alliance of Workers.
Jeremiah Hayden
Posted inNews
City Council May Investigate Administration Over Hidden Bureau Funds
Councilor Mitch Green files resolution calling for oversight hearings after city leaders learned of $21 million in unspent Housing Bureau revenue
Jeremiah Hayden
Posted inNews
Legacy Staff and Nurses Union Say Hospital Policies Harm Immigrants
Staff at Legacy Emanuel hospital say Legacy policies may violate patient privacy and the code of ethics they swore to uphold.
Jeremiah Hayden
Posted inNews
Raymond Lee Confirmed as Portland’s First Long-Term City Administrator
City leaders celebrate a “new chapter” for Portland government, seek to rebuild damaged trust
Jeremiah Hayden
Posted inNews
Local Homelessness Prevention Could See $21 Million Funding Bump
Housing Committee’s “Slow the Inflow” resolution to avert new homelessness heads to full Council
Jeremiah Hayden
Posted inGood Morning, News!
Good Morning, News: City Afraid of ‘Big PR Problem’ Over Unspent Funds, Attorney Caught Filing Fake Case Law in AI Briefs, Trump/Hegseth Doing More War Crimes (Spotify CEO Votes 👍 With His Dollar)
If you appreciate the Mercury‘s interesting and useful news & culture reporting, consider making a small monthly contribution to support our editorial team. Your donation is tax-deductible. You can also subscribe and have our papers delivered! Good Morning, Portland: Today I’m joined by the inimitable Suzette Smith for a few short cameos because, well, sometimes […]
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Former Housing Director Says She Was Told Not to Disclose Millions in Unspent Funds
A memo Helmi Hisserich sent to city councilors says city administration viewed unspent funds as “a big PR problem.”
This story has been updated to include comments from Deputy City Administrator Donnie Olivera’s office. The former director of the Portland Housing Bureau says she was ousted for trying to advance City Council’s social housing policy and was unfairly blamed for revenue that went unspent prior to her appointment to the bureau’s top position. Helmi […]
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City Council Puts Financial Crackdown On Detention Facilities
Portland City Council approved a new fee to recoup costs associated with detention facilities, both for impacted Portlanders and for the city’s coffers.
Amid increased police overtime costs and complaints about environmental contaminants related to a local immigration processing center, Portland City Council passed a new land use fee December 3, targeting the unique impacts posed by the presence of detention facilities in Portland. The ordinance was spurred by months of federal agents firing munitions, including tear gas, […]