Latest news with #KeithWilson
Yahoo
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Mayor Wilson: Portland to comply with Trump administration's DEI demands
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has issued an executive order to city employees to comply with the Trump administration's . The mayor's choice to comply with the federal demand comes as the city says it that would be at stake if the City of Portland were to not comply. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Wilson's order said, 'By complying with these laws, City programs and services will provide services, programs, and benefits without regard or preference based on protected class status, consistent with our ongoing commitment to complying with federal nondiscrimination laws.' shortly after taking office again in January that mandated entities with DEI practices would no longer receive federal funding. Since the president's order, Mayor Wilson says Portland has had to 'wrestle with a difficult question' due to the city's $349 million in active federal grants that are at risk. About 90% of these grants support the City of Portland's transportation and housing programs. 'If lost, the funds that keep our roads safe and our neighbors housed will be sharply felt,' Wilson said in a previous statement. 'The consequences for accepting grants without compliance are severe, including the possibility of both civil and criminal penalties against anyone who signs for the funds.' There are at least 13 key roles in Portland's Office of Equity and Human Rights that will be impacted by the city's compliance. After Mayor Wilson issued his executive order, he shared a statement that reiterated the city's commitment to the rights of 'people of color, immigrants, women, LGBTQ+ people, and people experiencing disabilities.' Local organizations are questioning the move by the city. 'It's not surprising, but it's very sad,' said Aubrun Marie, a spokesperson for Basic Rights Oregon, the longest-running Queer advocacy group in Oregon. 'We are seeing people wanting to actually leave Oregon, versus coming here. And that is really, really sad and something that we are definitely aware of. And again, thjat's why it's so important that we continue to advocate and protect these rights,' Marie said. On the other hand, Naomi Inman with Cascade Policy Institute, which researches 'free market perspective,' said this could be a good thing for Portland if the city actually does follow federal policy. 'What matters most to us is that Keith Wilson is sincere in upholding civil rights law for all people in the city…not trying to serve a particular group or under serve a particular group based on maybe their skin color or some other characteristic that they, you know, have no control over,' Inman said. Both groups said it's still too early to tell how this will impact Portland. Mayor Wilson's full statement following the announcement can be read below: 'Today, I signed an executive order that directs our city government to ensure that City programs or policies do not violate federal anti-discrimination laws, as likely to be interpreted by the current federal judiciary. This means City programs and services cannot give preference to groups with 'protected-class status' based on characteristics such as race or gender, unless the City pursues a disparity study that legally supports that preference. 'Although this decision has been challenging, my executive order is in the best interest of Portlanders. Losing federal funding would harm the very people that many of our city programs are designed to help. The City of Portland is managing $349 million in active federal grants, with more than 90 percent going toward housing and transportation. We distribute federal investments to dozens of 'sub-recipients' – community organizations and government partners who work alongside us to serve Portlanders. If we lose federal funding, so does our community. 'We have $31 million in new federal agreements that must be signed in the coming weeks. To secure that money, we must certify that the City complies with all grant requirements, including federal anti-discrimination laws. Some jurisdictions and organizations have gone so far as to purge some, or all, of their references to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including eliminating DEI offices and equity-focused jobs. We think this goes too far. We believe in our values and remain committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and our offices and employees who support this work. 'Let's be clear. In Portland, we believe in diversity, we believe in equity, and we believe in inclusion. We say those words proudly. We will continue to operate the vast majority of programs designed to help all Portlanders, including people of color, immigrants, women, LGBTQ+ people, and people experiencing disabilities, by making city government more inclusive and more accessible. For the small subset of programs and policies that need to change, we will build upon existing equity strategies and practices to serve Portland in a manner consistent with our values. 'I want to thank those who've taken my calls and sat together in recent weeks, sharing your expertise and your hearts. Here's what I heard from you: Portland cannot afford to lose investments that make our communities stronger. Together, we are strong enough, creative enough, and determined enough to find new ways of creating the equitable Portland we envision. 'I also want to thank the Portland City Council, who have affirmed their unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Portland will continue to stand up to the Trump administration when federal directives clash with the law and our values. We are a proud sanctuary city in a sanctuary state, meaning that local police do not assist the federal government in immigration enforcement. We are participating in lawsuits against the Trump administration's unlawful executive orders that penalize sanctuary jurisdictions and attempt to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion work. We will fight, and we will win. 'Thank you for standing with Portland during this challenging time. We have always been stronger together.' More to come. Stay with KOIN 6 News as this story develops. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Portland State secures more funding for one of two Broadway-capable downtown venues
PORTLAND, Ore. () — Oregon leaders have helped set the stage for one of two potential Broadway-capable venues proposed in Downtown Portland. With the passage of on Friday, legislators allocated more than $85.6 million in general obligation bonds for the construction of Portland State University's Performing Arts and Culture Center. Another $53 million in 'dedicated fund obligations' were set aside for the parking structure, according to the university. Newly-opened Portland s'mores bar expands with suburban outpost The project is one of two that Portland City Council unanimously approved last year. Although city officials initially weighed either greenlighting the new PSU building or backing the renovation of the historic Keller Auditorium, the made way for further talks involving the development of both modern performance venues. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Portland Mayor Keith Wilson noted the city is now planning to form an advisory committee that will discuss the future of each project. 'The State's investment in Portland State University represents a profound commitment to the importance of the arts in bringing together community and activating Portland's downtown core,' Wilson said. 'PSU and the City have a track record of success collaborating on important development projects and are kicking off a market feasibility study to guide future venue development in the coming months.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The university reported that it has nabbed a total of $155 million in funding for the new space. According to PSU, Prosper Portland had already doled out $7.6 million and 'philanthropic pledges' doled out about $10.5 million. The Performing Arts and Culture Center will be developed along what is now the 4.25-acre University Place Hotel. It is expected to hold a capacity of 1,200 seats and open to the public in 2030. PACC 'reflects the bold leadership and creative vision needed to reinvigorate our city,' PSU President Ann Cudd said. Goodbye, Nordstrom. Hello, Lloyd Center music venue 'As Oregon's public urban research university, we're proud to help lead a development that strengthens the cultural and economic heart of Portland,' Cudd added. 'This moment is about more than a building. It's about shaping a future filled with opportunity for our students, artists and community.' SB 5505 also allocated funding for several other institutions, agencies and facilities, including the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, Oregon State Hospital and University of Oregon's Child Behavioral Health Building. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Pearl District residents opposed to homeless shelter
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A new 40-bed homeless shelter planned for the Pearl District brought about 200 people to a public meeting to voice their concerns about crime and drug use. Despite getting a tour of the proposed shelter site around Northwest Northrup, area residents packed the to make their thoughts known even though, they said, city leaders aren't interested in their input. Mayor Keith Wilson was invited to this meeting but 'respectfully declined,' his office told KOIN 6 News. But Wilson's team also said they've been in almost daily communication with some of the neighbors for this proposed shelter, providing information and trying to set up meetings. Neighbors distressed over planned homeless shelter in Portland's Pearl District The shelter will expand from 40 beds to 200 beds by the end of the year. It's part of the broader city initiative to help nearly 600 unsheltered Portlanders off the streets in the Northwest and Pearl District. 'I think what the neighborhood wants and what I would want is people to get back to living healthy, productive lives. And the great question is how to do that, especially when people are deep into, chemical dependency,' Northwest District Association President Todd Zarnitz said. 'And, you know, there's no easy answers, of course. But what we want is to not make the problem worse and make it worse in our backyard, basically.' Kevin Kahn has lived in Portland for nearly five decades. He was one of the hundreds of angry neighbors who packed the Lucky Labrador Monday night. 'Most of that time, I would say, the city has changed incredibly for the better,' Kahn told KOIN 6 News. But he's concerned about the city right now. 'If you don't catch the spiral early, it's a long way back. And I'm really concerned that Portland is in the spiral,' he said. 'And you know, Band-Aids don't fix spirals.' City officials said they're working with the Salvation Army, which is slated to be the site's operator. Portland Solutions is aiming for a late summer opening date, but no specific date is set at this time. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
03-07-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Maryland businesses prepare for busy Fourth of July weekend: "This is our Super Bowl"
With multiple fireworks shows set to light up the night sky all weekend long, Maryland businesses are gearing up for more customers. "This is our Super Bowl" Keith Wilson, a chef at Somethang Delicious, LLC, is preparing to cook up something delicious during the Fourth of July weekend. "Turkey wings, we also have a great salmon wrap, a jerk chicken wrap," said Wilson. "Our homemade macaroni and cheese and our amazing kale collard mix." The Baltimore-based food truck and catering company can be found all over Charm City on most days. But for the holiday, Wilson plans to make stops all over the region. "It is a labor of love," Wilson said. "It's going to be hot if you ever work on the food truck. It's tight, however, we know, we prepare for this. This is our Super Bowl." Preparing from the inside out Restaurants in South Baltimore that sit along the Patapsco River, including Nick's Fish House, also expect to see more business on the Fourth of July. Carly Eutsler, the Managing Partner of the restaurant, said she is prepping for Independence Day weekend, starting from the inside out. "Preparing internally in the kitchen, because that's the most important part, and making sure our kitchen and our bars are fully stocked with plenty of food and drink," said Eutsler. Eutsler told WJZ they have ordered lots and lots of fresh crabs ahead of time to meet the demand. "Any of our oysters, our steamed shrimp, our we have a seafood, cold seafood tower, which has a mix of everything on there," Eutsler said. "Can't go wrong." Nick's Fish House will have entertainment all weekend long, but like Somethang Delicious, it will have normal business hours, so customers can make it out to see fireworks on time. "We just know what it is," said Wilson "We just rock out."
Yahoo
28-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Slimmed-down Oregon transportation bill dies on House floor. Here's what to know
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – While lawmakers in Salem discuss another amendment for transportation funding, people across the state are wondering what it will mean for them. A slimmed-down version of HB 2025 died on the House floor, forcing lawmakers to go back to the drawing board with time running out in the legislative session. Now, the House Rules Committee is discussing an amendment to HB 3402 that looks to bridge the Oregon Department of Transportation's funding gap. Kotek signs bill bringing Portland a 'step closer' to an MLB stadium ODOT has said if its $350 million shortfall is not addressed, several hundred jobs will be on the chopping block. The new amendment features bumps to registration and titling fees, with a 3-cent increase to the gas tax, allowing for all that money to go to ODOT. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson has also released a statement, pleading with lawmakers to include funding for cities as well: 'We can't afford a patchwork solution. Legislators, please don't leave Salem without addressing crumbling city transportation systems. We're calling on our state partners to lean into our shared commitment to building a resilient and future-ready transportation network for all Oregonians.' Oregon's minimum wage will increase once again in July 2025. Here's what to know Meanwhile, the owners of Gresham Ford are against any new taxes. Co-owner and general manager Bess Wills said they are too much for working families. 'We're all paying more,' she said. 'We would all be paying more. And the burden of this taxation — which I think maybe if we just tighten our belt and use some of the resources we already have — might be a better answer.' KOIN 6 reached out to Governor Tina Kotek's office to see if she will call a special session should lawmakers not settle on a bill before the session ends. A spokesperson said the governor is closely monitoring and has no other comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
