For June 4, 2024 Joint Transportation Committee public hearing in Portland.

Give public comment! See below.

We must have money from the state legislature to secure our emergency routes! On June 4, the legislature’s Joint Transportation Committee is holding a hearing in Portland at PCC Cascade. They are planning a BIG transportation package for the next session, which starts in January. This is a great opportunity to make them aware of our situation! Please attend!! Or, at least submit a comment.  Info below.

2023-2024 Interim Joint Committee On Transportation

Meeting Details 06/04/2024 12:00 PM, Offsite

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2023I1/Committees/JCT/2024-06-04-12-00/Agenda

Portland Community College Cascade Campus Moriarty Auditorium 705 N Killingsworth Street Portland

Field Trip

(12:00 – 2:00 PM) ODOT-Hosted Tour of Metro Area Transportation Facilities*

·         (2:30 – 4:30 PM) Roundtable Discussion with Members of Region 1 Area Commission on Transportation, Jurisdictional Leaders, Business Representatives, and Topic Area Experts*
*Note: Persons wishing to attend either the roundtable or tour should contact committee staff in advance. Patrick Brennan patrick.h.brennan@oregonlegislature.gov  or

Beverly Schoonover  beverly.schoonover@oregonlegislature.gov

·         Public Hearing

(5:10 – 7:00 PM) Public Comment
Register to give public comment:
– Register in person at the location noted at the top of the agenda. Registration will open 30 minutes ahead of meeting start time.

Register to give remote public comment:
–Time permitting, the Chairs will allow for remote public comment, please register at
https://survey.sjc1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0VD3RG48wn2Ueb4.

Submit written public comment:
–Email: JCT.exhibits@oregonlegislature.gov.
–Mail: Joint Committee on Transportation
900 Court Street NE, Room 453, Salem, OR, 97301

-Written comment may be submitted up to 48 hours after the meeting start time.

For information on Language Access Services/Para más información sobre los Servicios de Acceso Lingüístico:
https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/lpro/Pages/language-access.aspx
To access links to a livestream or recordings of legislative meetings:
https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/citizen_engagement/Pages/Legislative-Video.aspx

Key points:

When the Cascadia Subduction Zone Earthquake hits, 30,000 people and businesses on the north peninsula of Portland will be radically impacted as our officially designated “emergency routes” routes in/out of Portland proper – indeed, our routes in/out of anywhere will disappear, unless we rebuild two railroad bridges and secure a tunnel section. Both of these routes are also key freight corridors for Portland and the region.

We need help from the 2025 Oregon State Legislature. Specifically:

1. A feasibility study of the of the Columbia Blvd bridges over the cut has been conducted and PBOT is ready to apply for a grant as soon as they have the “match” funds. The PBOT budget cannot handle the amount needed, approximately 20% of the estimated $57 million required for the rebuild. We need the match money!

2. The other emergency route is Lombard and it needs, first, persuasion by elected officials for the heads of PBOT, ODOT and representatives from BNSF to collaborate on solutions. We assume this collaboration will take staff time and, thus, financing. Additionally, a feasibility study needs to be undertaken and that requires funding.

You can subscribe to receive updates from the Joint Committee on Transportation here: https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2023I1/Committees/JCT/Overview   

To stay up-to-date:

St Johns / North Peninsula Emergency Route facebook.com/groups/nopoemergencyroute And/or Email List: NoPoEmergencyRoute@gmail.com Put Emergency Route in Subject: and name/contact info in message

Donna L Cohen, MLIS, MEd

Portland, Oregon

503-333-2646

dcoheninfo@comcast.net

Civics for Adults – and Others – Workshops: To Enhance Civic Knowledge and Inspire Political Engagement

Webpage www.civicthinker.info

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Civics-for-Adults-1490728887922036/

“My philosophy is very simple. When you see something that is not fair, not right, not just – stand up, say something, speak up!” Rep. John Lewis https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6lzPpqc2WY

Portland Friends, Please help me with this special request:

I only need 63 more volunteers to be able to secure our parade volunteer requirements so really appreciate your help! If you have the time, please consider signing up for one shift or share this call for Parade Guide volunteers.

The Rose Festival’s biggest need is for Parade Guides who help welcome people and monitor the parade routes for all Rose Festival Parades: CareOregon Starlight Parade (June 1), Fred Meyer Junior Parade (June 5), and Grand Floral Parade (June 8).  Register here: https://pbem.link/rosefestival.

Parade Guides – Sign up to be at the heart of Portland’s biggest celebration!Portland Rose Festival is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help support the parade and ensure safety of participants and spectators. Parade Guide volunteers will help act as the “eyes and ears” around the parade route. People who volunteer the day of the parade, they will receive community service hours, a ticket into CityFair, four reserved seats at the Grand Floral Parade, and a t-shirt! Register with your name and email with our partner, Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM). Error! Filename not specified.

Sincere gratitude,

Bridget Bayer, Volunteer Manager

Portland Rose Festival 
Register to Volunteer

Our shelter programs at the City of Portland are growing and evolving and we have so much to share!  Read all about it in this issue:

• Stories Matter! That’s why we’re launching a new blog!
• Video: “Why Tiny Home Villages?”
• From Homelessness to Housing – our Data Dashboard tells the story
• Resource Fair Brings Support, Services, and Success
• Highlighting our Partners at 311 & the City Outreach Team
• Our Program (and shelter capacity!) continues to expand

Today we are launching our new Streets to Stability blog, where you’ll find compelling stories of current and former shelter guests, highlights about site staff and community events, and insightful articles breaking down complex homeless services topics. While our program is data-driven, focusing on metrics and outcomes to improve our operations, it is the unique and deeply personal journeys of the individuals our shelters serve that truly define our success. Every data point represents the varied, complex backgrounds of people whose stories are often filled with trauma, disappointments, and setbacks, but also resilience, hope, and transformation. Dive into our first blog post featuring Jessica, a young woman who transitioned from one of our shelters into stable housing after over a decade of living unsheltered.

66 Days – Charlene’s Story

On January 9, 2024, Charlene awoke in her tiny home pod at Clinton Triangle surrounded by blurred faces.

Charlene’s friend, another guest at the shelter, held her body as she gained consciousness.

Charlene, 49, learned that she’d overdosed after injecting a “shot of clear” (Methamphetamine) that was, unknown to her, tainted with Fentanyl. Urban Alchemy staff acted quickly after finding Charlene, lifeless and blue, inside her pod during a routine wellness check. It took six rounds of Narcan and chest compressions to revive Charlene.

During the March 14^th Resource Fair at Clinton Triangle, Charlene was proud to say she hasn’t used since.

“You really can’t hit rock bottom much more than that,” Charlene said. “I don’t want to die. It’s been 66 days.”  

Charlene put herself into outpatient treatment and attends appointments three times per week, always being sure to ask for a copy of her Urine Analysis, eager to show the “negative” results to her care coordinators at Clinton Triangle.

Charlene’s substance use, exacerbated by trauma and mental health challenges, was a factor in the circumstances that led her to unsheltered homelessness nearly 20 years ago, when she entered a cycle of recovery and relapse.

In July 2023, while out at 122^nd & Burnside collecting cans for redemption (her sole source of income to support the debilitating addiction), Charlene was contacted by an outreach worker. There was a space available at the new alternative outdoor shelter across town, Clinton Triangle. She took up the opportunity.

Since moving into the village, in addition to the safe environment allowing her to take the next steps in recovery, Charlene has acquired an Oregon ID and Social Security card, a common barrier for those experiencing chronic homeless to access basic services. At the Clinton Triangle Resource Fair, she signed up for Goodwill’s Job Connection program, which will help her prepare in searching for employment. Her next step: housing.

Charlene also adopted a dog, Charlie, who is registered as an Emotional Support Animal. The Border Collie mix is now pregnant, expecting puppies in April.

Story shared with permission, based on interview from March 14, 2024.

Note: as of this newsletter publishing (5/24/24), Charlene has been sober for more than 130 days and is approved to move into her new apartment in mid-June. Charlene’s also expected to start working a job with Central City Concern soon. In late April, her dog, Charlie, gave birth to 12 puppies; they will be up for adoption through the Oregon Humane Society in the coming weeks.

Video – Why Tiny Home Villages? Our Tiny Home Villages with services are regularly at capacity, and we’ve heard from outreach workers that they’re in high demand among those experiencing homelessness. We asked staff and guests why this model works. Here’s what they said, in their own words. We put this video together last year with our partners at local production company KLiK Concepts for the 2023 annual report to Portland City Council. Check it out.

From Homelessness to Housing! 

Portland State University’s recent study revealed that village-style shelters are more effective at transitioning residents into permanent housing compared to congregate shelters, and our updated Shelter Services Data Dashboard corroborates these findings. Eight out of our nine sites follow this low-barrier village model, with tiny home pods and wraparound services on site. Our model is one among many. We recognize that all shelter types are incredibly vital to the network of care, as different approaches offer varying opportunities to fit the diverse needs of the homeless population.

Our dashboard presents the latest data from the 21-month period our program has been active (7/1/22 – 3/31/24). This includes the timeframe when partnerships with the State and Multnomah County, through Oregon All In and Housing Multnomah Now funds, expedited housing placements in early 2024.

Resource Fair Brings Support, Services, and Success

Portland’s City Outreach Team Director, Kim James, along with members of the Street Services Coordination Center and Urban Alchemy staff, organized a Resource Fair, hosted on Gideon Street outside Clinton Triangle on March 14, 2024. As Portland’s fickle Spring weather turned in their favor, the gloriously sunny afternoon felt like a block party with the grill smoking, staff dancing to music from speakers and dozens of dogs frolicking about.

More than a dozen service providers and low-barrier employers set up booths, including Rapid Response, Transition Projects, Clean & Safe, Goodwill, Worksource Oregon, Mainspring Pantry, Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon, and Cascadia Health.

Guests at Clinton Triangle, along with those at two other Urban Alchemy-run shelters, Peninsula Crossing and Reedway, were invited to interact with service providers, access services and sign up for employment opportunities.

“This was a team effort that came together as part of ongoing service provision and in response to requests made by those soon to be housed seeking supports around employment and self-sufficiency as they move forward in their individual journeys,” said Kim James. “We appreciate the opportunity to continue thinking “outside of the box” as we create opportunities for those folks we are serving!”

Update: Since the resource fair, 26 people have found employment through Goodwill Industries.

Partnership Expands Access to City Outreach Workers

PDX 311, the first point of contact for the City of Portland and Multnomah County, helps people connect to local government and can assist in connecting to a city outreach worker. Call 3-1-1 or 503-823-4000, or fill out a form online to request assistance from a city outreach worker.

Growing Our System

Given the urgent need, and the continued interest in our tiny home village with services model, the City and County are expanding our system to meet the need. In alignment with the Homeless Response Action Plan, we are expanding two shelters in the City’s system, as well as building another. By the end of the year, we will be able to accommodate 1,000 people on any given night. See the chart below for details.

Our System – by the Numbers

Multnomah and Reedway Expansions Underway Acting on the urgency of our homelessness crisis, and after discussion about how to expand sites in a way that would best work for neighboring communities, the City is moving forward with site expansion at two existing shelters. Reedway in Southeast Portland and Multnomah in Southwest Portland. Both sites were identified as having extra space on the properties where development was possible. Phase one of the expansion project at Multnomah – moving the current 23 guests to new units – has been completed successfully as of this newsletter publishing (5/24/24). The site will expand from 28 to 100 units, utilizing a section of the property next to the Sears Armory building, which will serve as offices for the site operator, All Good NW, and a community center for guests to connect with service providers. At Reedway, construction should begin shortly, with the permit expected soon. It will double its capacity, from 60 shelter pods to 120.

Coming Soon: City’s 10th Shelter Site We’re excited to announce that the City’s Shelter Services program is in the process of developing our 10th shelter, which will be our N. Portland Road Shelter, in North Portland. Once open it will accommodate up to 200 people who are seeking a safe space to transition from the streets to stability and, ultimately, permanent housing. Earlier this month, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality approved the City’s plans to safely develop the property at 10505 N. Portland Rd. while preventing human and environmental exposure. Since then, we’ve begun site construction of the shelter on a six-acre portion of the 22-acre lot owned by the Bureau of Environmental Services. It will include 90 tiny home pods, and 70 parking spaces for RVs. Urban Alchemy will be the site operator. (Image: Three of the septic tanks needed to service the restroom / shower structures are in place.)

Click here to subscribe to future issues of this digital newsletter.

E-mail: shelterservices@portlandoregon.gov
Phone: 503-823-1340

Portland’s Development Review Advisory Committee (DRAC) has a Member vacancy for the Neighborhood Coalition Land Use Committees position. DRAC is a citizen advisory body, representing those with interests in the outcome of policies, budgets, regulations, and procedures that affect development review processes.

More information and contact information can be found here:

https://www.portland.gov/bds/drac/drac-members

https://www.portland.gov/bds/drac

Please contact Ross Caron, Development Services, Ross.Caron@portlandoregon.gov, 503-823-8871, if you are interested in learning more about the vacancy.

IBR Program Hosts Event for the Region’s Construction Industry

On May 6, more than 300 people representing construction-related firms of all sizes came to the Portland Expo Center for an event hosted by the Interstate Bridge Replacement program. The gathering was intended to provide information to contractors, subcontractors, consultants, suppliers, specialty service providers, minority and women-owned businesses about the proposed packaging and delivery of IBR investments, kindle interest in future opportunities and share how they can get involved.  Attendees heard a presentation about IBR activities to date and future next steps, resources to encourage participation by women- and minority-owned businesses, and how to work with program partners such as ODOT, WSDOT, C-TRAN and TriMet. The audience also got a first look at the program’s draft plan to deliver program investments through over two dozen separate construction packages, potential delivery methods being considered, estimated contract value ranges and durations. These contract packages and their cost ranges are still subject to change as the program continues to collect feedback, refines its cost estimate and advances design.

The presentation was followed by a Q&A session with several leaders representing the program’s administration, procurement and equity teams. Questions ranged from curiosity regarding Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation goals and credit and bonding support for small businesses to federal standards for materials and testing, delivery methods, and when more detailed information will be available to contractors.   Following the Q&A, attendees had an opportunity to chat one-on-one with representatives of the IBR program regarding details about the proposed construction packages, potential procurement methods and resources for small businesses. ODOT, WSDOT, TriMet and C-TRAN also hosted booths offering more information on how to do business with each agency and get registered as a vendor.   The open house also provided a unique opportunity for networking between larger construction firms that might bid on bigger contract packages and smaller firms or consultants looking to subcontract on specific elements of those large contracts.   “It was very informative,” said Mpaleng Khotule, principal agent of Agape Insurance & Bonding based in Aloha, Oregon. “It was a lot to chew on, but at the same time, very specific information about what the project is. For me personally, it will be good information for me to take back to my small contractor clients.”

Paula Parrott is President and Principal Hydrogeologist of her firm, Parrott Environmental Consulting. As a registered DBE operating in Oregon and Washington, she was interested in attending to learn about what resources the IBR program and its partners will provide to help encourage firms like hers to engage in contracting on this generational opportunity to rebuild the Interstate Bridge.   “I think it’s really exciting to hear about all the different packages that are going to be let out, that there’s going to be a lot of opportunities, and there seems to be a real commitment to working with DBE firms,” Parrott said. “It will be nice to see the individual agencies hopefully create some more smaller spaces for the DBEs to connect with the larger firms.”   The IBR program plans to continue hosting events for businesses of varying sizes to connect with each other and the agencies, stay up to date on the latest activities of the program and learn about new information as it becomes available.   The program has created two new webpages intended to host information for small and disadvantaged businesses, as well as potential contracting opportunities in the near future. Please visit interstatebridge.org/DBEpartners and interstatebridge.org/opportunities to learn more.   What’s Been Happening Release of Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement to come later in 2024  The IBR program is currently performing the required technical review of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) in coordination with our federal partners, the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration. This comprehensive review ensures the information in the document is complete and accurate.   Coordination with federal partners is ongoing but takes time to ensure the information is fully vetted. The goal of the program had been to publish the Draft SEIS in the spring, but with the review process still underway, more time will be needed before the program is able to release the document.  The program is working with its federal partners to identify the anticipated timing of publication later this year and will take proactive steps to update the public as the timeline becomes clear. Upon completion of the technical review, FHWA and FTA will send the document for a 30-day legal review and then the Draft SEIS will be published, followed by a 60-day public comment period for the community to provide feedback.  Recent Meeting Summaries Equity Advisory Group (EAG) — April 15 The EAG heard updates on program activities from Program Administrator Greg Johnson and on individual meetings the program held with EAG members in January as part of the group’s goal setting process. Principal Equity Officer Johnell Bell shared key insights from those discussions which included underscoring the crucial role of engaging communities and identifying economic opportunities for equity priority communities; advocacy for forward-thinking, inclusive long-term plans with the bridge as the focal point for community unity; and concerns around the effectiveness of virtual meetings. The group heard updates from IBR community engagement staff and activity within the Community Benefits Advisory Group. The meeting concluded with a discussion with IBR’s urban design team on the Hayden Island and Vancouver transit stations.   Community Benefits Advisory Group (CBAG) — April 25 Members of the CBAG received a program update before hearing a presentation on the IBR program’s Tribal Government consultation and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. This included the emphasis that tribal consultation is not a community engagement effort, rather it is negotiations and relationship building with sovereign nations outlined by state law in both Washington and Oregon. They also learned the steps with which the program will initiate Section 106 proceedings, identify historic properties, assess effect and resolve potential impacts. CBAG members learned this process is guided by a programmatic agreement expected to be drafted this spring. The meeting ended with an overview of the group’s workplan and a conversation identifying examples of potential community benefits followed by small group discussions.   Myth vs. Fact Myth: IBR construction packages will be too large for small, women- and minority-owned businesses to participate in contracting.  Fact: The IBR program is committed to maximizing Disadvantage Business Enterprise participation on future contracts. The program recently released draft project delivery and conceptual packaging plans that outline how investments proposed for the five-mile program area could be constructed. It is anticipated that there will be over two dozen contracts of various sizes. There will be many opportunities for small and disadvantaged business enterprises to participate in these contracts. The program is continuing to explore opportunities for smaller packages that are intended to be attainable for smaller firms, and there will be ample opportunity to sub-contract on larger contracts or work directly for ODOT, WSDOT, C-TRAN or TriMet. Further refinements will continue as the program advances toward construction and details around schedule and cost are confirmed.   On the Horizon Upcoming Advisory Group Meetings & Events Equity Roundtable: Pathways to Active Transportation Tuesday, May 21 — 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Equity Advisory Group Monday, May 20 — 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Bi-State Tolling Subcommittee Thursday, May 23 — 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Community Benefits Advisory Group Thursday, May 23 — 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Meetings & Events Calendar IBR Office Hours Do you have questions and want to speak to a real person? We answer questions on a range of topics, including design, equity, Disadvantaged and Small Business Enterprise opportunities, community engagement, financial plans, and much more! Join us for IBR office hours, in person or virtually, and get your questions answered! NOTE: No new technical data will be available until the release of the environmental documentation.  Please make a 30-minute reservation at least 24 hours in advance. There are three ways you can make a reservation: Visit: SignUpGenius Email: info@interstatebridge.org Call: 888-503-6735 Please provide your contact information and what you would like to talk about. We will confirm your appointment and provide meeting details upon confirmation. See you there!

Emails us at info@interstatebridge.org or call 360-859-0494 (Washington), 503-897-9218 (Oregon), 888-503-6735 (toll-free).  The IBR program is subject to Oregon and Washington public records laws. Therefore, public comments and questions (verbal or written) may be made available to anyone requesting them for non-commercial purposes. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Civil Rights Title VI accommodations in Oregon For ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) or Civil Rights Title VI accommodations, translation/interpretation services, or more information for those in Oregon, please call 503-731-4128, TTY 800-735- 2900 or Oregon Relay Service 711. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VI accommodations in Washington Accommodation requests for people with disabilities in Washington can be made by contacting the WSDOT Diversity/ADA Affairs team at wsdotada@wsdot.wa.gov or by calling toll-free, 855-362-4ADA (4232). Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may make a request by calling the Washington State Relay at 711. Any person who believes his/her Title VI protection has been violated, may file a complaint with WSDOT’s Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) Title VI Coordinator by contacting (360) 705-7090. Copyright © 2024 Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: Interstate Bridge Replacement Program11018 NE 51st CircleVancouver, WA98682-6686