🌱 $3.5 Billion Budget Approved + Parking Requirements Eliminated

Hello and happy Saturday. I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through the most important things happening in Portland these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: Partly sunny and warmer. High: 76 Low: 54.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny and very warm. High: 86 Low: 60.

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Here are the top three stories in Portland today:

1. On Thursday, Jun. 8, a $3.5 billion budget for the next fiscal year was approved by the Multnomah County Commissioners Office. This type of funding will go towards major investments that address homelessness, housing and animal services, and community violence. In addition, a part of this budget will also include directing more funds to the city's Behavioral Health Resource Center. (KATU 2 News)
2. Portland's City Council recently approved an overhaul of its parking code earlier this week that includes eliminating the last of the city's minimum parking space requirements for new projects and promoting greener construction. This change comes in part to align Portland with Oregon's Climate-Friendly and Equitable Community standards that were initiated by the state in 2022. Overall, the goal of the new initiative is to keep the city on track toward meeting its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent in the next 20 years. (KGW8 News)
3. Lynn Peterson, the head of Portland's regional government, announced earlier this week that she will be running for Congress in 2024 as a part of the Democratic party. Currently, Peterson is the council president for the most enigmatic governing body in Portland and covers areas including Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties. She hopes to beat out Republican U.S. Representative Lori Chavez-Deremer who's part of Oregon's 5th Congressional District. (KOIN 6 News)

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Today and tomorrow in Portland:

Saturday, June 10

• Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade At Memorial Coliseum (10:oo AM)
• The Bloody Mary Festival At The Redd East Event Space (11:15 AM)

Sunday, June 11

• Portland Horror Film Festival At Clinton Street Theater (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Saturday, Jun. 10, the Rose Festival's Grand Floral Parade is officially returning with a brand new route throughout the east side of Portland. The festival aligns with the annual American Rosie the Riveter Association's Convention, which focuses on honoring the "Rosies" and their efforts throughout World War II. The parade will kick off at Veterans Memorial Coliseum around 10:00 a.m., and wrap at noon near the Lloyd Center. (KATU)
• As a part of the 2023-24 Expansion Draft, the Portland Trail Blazers selected 14 unprotected players for their NBA G League team. The team will obtain rights to these players for two whole seasons, beginning this year. Some of the players include Chuder Bile, Michael DeVoe, Kyle Guy, and more. (Portland Trail Blazers via Instagram)
• The Portland Parks & Recreation Department is inviting all community members to join their Summer Free For All Kickoff Celebration on Thursday, Jun. 29. The celebration will be taking place at Kunamokwst Park from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and feature a variety of different games, free art, live performances, and music activities. You can find more information here. (Portland Parks & Recreation via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Play Day for a Cause at Kiddie Academy of Vancouver-Fishers Landing (June 10)
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• Zoom meeting about HVAC installation in Portland! (June 17)
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That's it for today! I'll see you around.

— Michelle Paul

About me: Michelle Paul is a Utah-based writer and photographer with a professional background in content management and registered nursing. When not working on projects ranging from photo editing to copywriting, they enjoy traveling, video games, and expanding their skills.