🌱 City Laborers Strike + Portland Given Grant To Fight Homelessness

Morning, everybody. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Portland Patch newsletter, filled with all the local information you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

A morning shower; cloudy. High: 52 Low: 43.

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Here are the top three stories today in Portland:

1. More than 600 Portland city laborers are striking after the city and union leaders disagreed on a contract after several discussions. Workers are requesting a 12 percent pay increase to keep up with inflation and improved benefits and schedules. The workers are part of Laborers International Union of North America, Local 438 and support Portland's wastewater treatment, pollution testing, street main, and park services. Under an emergency order, the mayor will replace workers to take over these duties. (KGW.com)
2. Portland-Multnomah County Continuum of Care was granted $8.3 million in federal funding to address homelessness and housing in Portland. The announcement came Thursday from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. An additional $1.1 million was given to Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman counties. There will be future grants announced, but it is still being determined how they will be distributed across the state. (KATU)
3. Celebrating its eighth year, the Portland Winter Light Festival kicked the weekend off with free events for people of all ages. Centered around the theme "The Light of Stars," this event showcases over 100 artworks, interactive pieces, performances, and pop-ups. The festival is scattered across the city of Portland, and the organizers encourage approaching it like a scavenger hunt, trying to visit as many sites as possible. (KTVL)

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Today in and around Portland:

• PSU Farmers Market At Shemanski Park (9:00 AM)
• Spring Park Habitat Enhancement At Spring Park Natural Area, Milwaukie (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Jeffrey Gibson exhibit, "They Come From Fire," at the Portland Art Museum has been extended through Apr. 30. The installation looks at the power of light. (Portland Art Museum via Facebook)
• Portland Public Schools' Successful Schools Survey is open for completion. To share your thoughts and access the survey, follow this link. (Portland Public Schools via Facebook)
• In conjunction with the Nonprofit Association of Oregon, Aaron Spriggs will host a webinar on Feb. 16 discussing what racial justice and equity look like in practice. Register for your place here. (Nonprofit Association Oregon via Instagram)

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Events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (February 7)
• Portland's 23rd Annual Diversity Employment Day Career Fair (February 8)
• Free Zoom meeting about electricians near Portland, Oregon (February 13)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed. 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.