Official City Roundup: Council Actions and Public Safety Advisories for March 18

Portland City Council Evening Session

The Portland City Council will convene for a scheduled hybrid meeting on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The session will be held in the Council Chambers at City Hall and remains accessible to the public both in person and via virtual broadcast. Key items on this evening's agenda include a series of significant ordinances aimed at municipal code adjustments and public safety enhancements.

• Chronic Nuisance Property Code: Council will consider an ordinance to amend Chapter 14B.60 of the City Code. The proposed changes are designed to better address administrative challenges and heighten the city's response to human trafficking and gun violence.
• Campaign Finance Regulations: An ordinance is under review to amend the Campaign Finance Code (Chapter 2.10). This measure seeks to maintain the enforcement of voter-approved regulations following recent court orders.
• Traffic Safety Grants: Council will vote on the appropriation of $322,555 in grants from the State of Oregon Transportation Safety Office and Oregon Impact. These funds are earmarked for increasing traffic safety initiatives across the metropolitan area.
• Budget Process Adjustments: Members will discuss an ordinance to amend the Council schedule to accommodate the upcoming FY 2026-27 budget process.

Public Health Advisory: Measles Exposure Alert

Multnomah County health officials, in coordination with the Oregon Health Authority, have issued a community health alert regarding potential measles exposure. Residents who visited the WinCo Foods located at 2511 SE 1st Street in Gresham on March 7, 2026, between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., are advised to monitor for symptoms and contact their healthcare provider. This advisory is part of an ongoing effort to manage new cases identified in the region. Officials remind the public that while measles is highly contagious, it is effectively prevented through vaccination.

Transportation and Public Safety Updates

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) reminds residents that the "Safe Ride Home" program, launched for the St. Patrick’s Day weekend, officially concludes this morning. All digital and paper coupons for discounted taxi, Uber, and Lyft rides expire at 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18. Additionally, public discussions continue regarding the Interstate 5 bridge replacement project following new cost estimates released on March 17. The project remains a priority for the Governor’s office as planners move toward the next phase of environmental impact statements.

Community and Land Use Notices

The Department of County Human Services has issued a notice for a public hearing regarding proposed updates to the Adult Care Home Regulations. The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, but written testimony is being accepted through 5:00 p.m. today. Furthermore, the city has published a Notice of Land Use Decision (LU 26-007383 AD) for an adjustment review in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood. The deadline for appealing this decision is set for March 31, 2026.