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Multnomah County
Posted inNews

Multnomah County Sued Fossil Fuel Companies for Billions. What Happens Next?

The county’s case is playing out amid national efforts to shield fossil fuel companies from climate-related lawsuits.
Avatar photo by Taylor Griggs

In 2023, Multnomah County filed a nearly $52 billion lawsuit against more than a dozen major oil and gas companies, hoping to hold them responsible for climate change and its local impacts. Now, as Oregonians grapple with a historically dire wildfire season and other worsening climate impacts, oil companies want to get the case dropped.  […]

Posted inClimate Issue 2026

Is Portland Ready for Another Extreme Heat Event?

Oregon’s deadly heat dome was a wake-up call. Have we adapted?
Avatar photo by Courtney Vaughn

This is one of many articles in the Mercury’s 2026 Climate Issue. Find a print copy here, subscribe to get a copy mailed to you here, and if you’re feeling generous and want to keep these types of articles coming, support us here.—eds. Five years ago, Multnomah County got a tragic wakeup call. A prolonged […]

Posted inNews

School Board Members Raise Concerns Over County Chair Candidate

Seven current and former Portland School Board members signed a letter saying Julia Brim-Edwards isn’t cut out for the job.
Avatar photo by Jeremiah Hayden

The race for Multnomah County Chair is just heating up, and one candidate’s current and former colleagues are adding fuel to the flame. Seven current and former elected Portland Public School (PPS) board members published an open letter to Multnomah County voters July 29, saying they have grave concerns about Julia Brim-Edwards readiness to serve […]

Posted inNews

A Dangerous Heat Wave is Coming. What Resources Are Available for Vulnerable Portlanders?

Whether Multnomah County will open cooling centers has yet to be determined, but there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself.
Avatar photo by Jeremiah Hayden

Temperatures in Portland are expected to rise this weekend, with an extreme heat warning in effect from 11 am Sunday to 11 pm Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Saturday could bring highs of 92 degrees and 96 degrees on Sunday. On Monday, temperatures are forecasted to soar to 99 degrees. Local governments are […]

Posted inNews

Youth Crisis Line is Not at Risk of Closing, Despite Proposed Cuts

Lines for Life and congressional allies are pressing Multnomah County for continued funding.
Avatar photo by Jeremiah Hayden

A nonprofit that offers a crisis help line for youth is trying to avoid hundreds of thousands of dollars in cuts from the Multnomah County budget, and congressional leaders are trying to help.  The county’s proposed budget would cut roughly $240,000 for YouthLine, a crisis prevention service run through the nonprofit Lines for Life. Supporters […]

Posted inNews

Study: Rent Assistance is the Most Requested Support Service Among Homeless Residents

Nearly every homeless person surveyed in a new PSU housing needs report said they want housing they can afford. But they don’t want to lose it again.
Avatar photo by Jeremiah Hayden

The city of Portland and Multnomah County first agreed on a plan to address homelessness in 1983. What followed was a 12-point plan, a shelter reconfiguration plan, a 10-year plan, countless committees, sit-lie ordinances, and other creative solutions. In a new report, researchers deployed a fresh concept: ask homeless residents what they need. The data […]

Posted inNews

Former Los Angeles Homelessness Director Tapped to Lead Multnomah County Department

Board of Commissioners expected to approve Nathaniel VerGow for top Homeless Services Department position amid local funding challenges.
Avatar photo by Jeremiah Hayden

A new director has been selected to run the department that coordinates the county’s homelessness services. Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson announced April 2 that Nathaniel VerGow, who most recently served at Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), was tapped to lead the county’s Homeless Services Department. Anna Plumb, the Homeless Services Department’s current […]

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