Housing
Worker exploitation in Portland’s building boom
As big development dollars flow into Portland amid an explosion of new luxury apartments, McMansions and high-rises, it’s a money grab for those looking down from the top floor of the construction industry. For many laborers at the bottom, however, it’s a gamble. Will they get a paycheck? Will it include payment for all the…
News
Worker exploitation in Portland’s building boom
As big development dollars flow into Portland amid an explosion of new luxury apartments, McMansions and high-rises, it’s a money grab for those looking down from the top floor of the construction industry. For many laborers at the bottom, however, it’s a gamble. Will they get a paycheck? Will it include payment for all the…
Georgina Escobar’s teatro macabre
Georgina Escobar, a multi-platform artist from Ciudad Juarez, México, has brought her distinguished theatrical talents to Portland as one of the artists in residence at the Milagro Theatre. Escobar’s career hit an early milestone in 2004, when she co-produced a bilingual, bicultural production of “The Vagina Monologues: Spotlight on the Women of Juarez in El…
Opinion
Oregon economists support Measure 97 tax on corporations
One of the most contentious issues on Oregon ballots this fall is a measure that would increase corporations' minimum tax when Oregon sales exceed $25 million, resulting in as much as $3 billion in state revenue per year. Critics say Measure 97 is akin to a sales tax. They argue the tax burden will be passed…
Economist dispels myths about Measure 97
Who should vote for Measure 97? Anyone who cares that Oregon has the fourth-lowest graduation rate in the nation and the third-largest class sizes –because that’s where the bulk of the revenue will go. Anyone who cares that 1 in 4 Oregonians still do not have health insurance – because the money will also go…
Susan Emmons and her beautiful career
Portland is losing one of its most treasured and unique assets as Executive Director Susan Emmons retires from Northwest Pilot Project. Over her career of 31 years, she has provided the moral compass that points the way to keep our poor and elderly housed. When the downtown Department of Housing and Urban Development contracts…
Affordable housing transforms families, lives
This November, I will be voting yes on Measure 26-179 – a historic affordable-housing bond that will provide thousands of Portland families and seniors with homes they can afford and the opportunity to live better lives. In my professional life, I have witnessed the overwhelming need for access to more affordable housing options in our…
Culture
Georgina Escobar’s teatro macabre
Georgina Escobar, a multi-platform artist from Ciudad Juarez, México, has brought her distinguished theatrical talents to Portland as one of the artists in residence at the Milagro Theatre. Escobar’s career hit an early milestone in 2004, when she co-produced a bilingual, bicultural production of “The Vagina Monologues: Spotlight on the Women of Juarez in El…
Vendor Profiles
Street Roots vendor profile: Determination is paying off
Elijah Michel has a drive for hard work and happiness, and it’s paying off in Portland. “I work in a survey place,” Elijah said with a big smile. “After about two weeks of (working as a temp), the boss just offered me a job. She was like, ‘I love your attitude. I like your presentation.…
