Official City Roundup: Measles Health Advisory and Road Maintenance Updates

Public Health Alert: Measles Outbreak and Immunization Deadline

Multnomah County health officials have issued an urgent advisory following the state’s official declaration of a measles outbreak on February 20, 2026. Low levels of the measles virus have been detected in regional wastewater, and five cases have been confirmed across Oregon. Health officers warn that these cases may represent only a fraction of the actual infection rate due to the virus's highly contagious nature.

In conjunction with this alert, the county reminds all families of the upcoming state-mandated vaccine catch-up deadline on Wednesday, February 25. Under Oregon law, students in schools and childcare facilities must have updated immunization records or valid exemptions to remain enrolled. To assist families, Multnomah County and OHSU are hosting walk-in vaccination clinics this week. Vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) are available at no out-of-pocket cost for children ages 5 to 18 at any County Student Health Center.

PBOT Service Notice: Gravel Street Maintenance

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) continues its seasonal gravel street service through February 27, 2026. This week, crews are focused on several residential neighborhoods to improve road safety and prevent pothole formation. Residents should expect minor traffic disruptions and 20-minute delays in the following areas:

• Brentwood-Darlington
• Mt. Tabor
• Cully
• Montavilla

Work is typically performed between 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. PBOT advises residents to obey all traffic flaggers and observe posted work zone signs. Additionally, the bureau remains on standby for winter weather response following recent hilly-area snow showers, though no active chain requirements are currently in effect for city streets.

City Council Updates: Rental Funds and Business Tax Relief

The Portland City Council has moved forward with several key initiatives following their February 18-19 sessions. Councilors have established new priorities for the allocation of approximately $20.7 million in unspent Rental Services Office funds. These priorities are intended to be reflected in the upcoming Proposed Budget to support housing stability and tenant services.

Business owners are also notified of a proposal to increase the Business License Tax (BLT) gross receipts exemption. The proposal, which seeks to raise the exemption to $75,000 for the 2026 tax year, will be heard by the Finance Committee on Monday, February 23, at 12:00 p.m. This adjustment aims to provide financial relief to approximately 4,200 small businesses and sole proprietors within the city limits.