🌱 Officials Oppose Tax Bill + Montana Files Lawsuit Versus Portland

Hi, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this morning with all the most important things happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 43 Low: 33.

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Here are the top three stories in Portland today:

1. Several Portland area government officials have expressed opposition to a proposed measure that would levy a new countywide tax to fund free legal representation for tenants who are facing eviction. Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler was one of the officials to express concern with the new measure scheduled for the May ballot, citing Multnomah County's high marginal tax rates compared to other counties in the U.S. The proposed 0.75 percent tax would raise around $12 million to $15 million per year. (OregonLive)
2. The state of Montana and several fuel industry groups have filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Portland over the city's efforts to prevent the expansion of fossil fuel terminals. The lawsuit alleges that the city is discriminating against out-of-state fossil fuel companies in favor of in-state companies. Currently, Northwest Portland has 11 fossil fuel terminals located along the Willamette River; the city serves as the largest port on the West Coast. (OregonLive)
3. The Portland Bureau of Transportation is looking for public feedback on parking plans in the Boise and Central Eastside neighborhoods here in Portland. For the Boise neighborhood parking plan, the PBOT is looking for 11-15 volunteers to join an advisory committee that will oversee the parking management plan; applications are due Feb. 28 and available here. For the Central Eastside plan, the public is encouraged to provide their thoughts via an online survey here. (BikePortland)

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Today in Portland:

• The Great Portland Beerfest At Pine Street Market (11:00 AM)
• Pacific Northwest Sportsmen's Show At Portland Expo Center (11:00 AM)
• FAN EXPO Portland At Oregon Convention Center (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for a great place to grab lunch next time you're downtown? Check out this list of five of the best lunch spots in Downtown Portland, including Sizzle Pie Downtown and Café Yumm. (Willamette Week)
• Portland's Waterfront Blues Festival will be returning this summer to the Tom McCall Waterfront Park. This year's festival will kick off on Saturday, Jul. 1, and run through Tuesday, Jul. 4. Watch out for the announcement of the full artist lineup on Mar. 1. (KGW.com)
• Take a duck, leave a duck at Portland's sidewalk rubber duck exchange is entering its twelfth year of bringing joy through toy ducks. Learn more about the Sidewalk Ducks and other small installations and exchanges in Portland neighborhoods at bit.ly/sidewalkjoy. (OregonLive)

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You're officially in the loop for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new update!

— 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.