Portland,
You are not alone. We are here to help.
Public servants are working around the clock to make sure critical services continue to operate. Neighbors are stepping up to care for each other in extraordinary ways. Thank you.
The City, County, and State have been in constant communication about our joint response. We are united in protecting this community.
Recently, Governor Kate Brown, Multnomah County Chair Deborah Kafoury and I announced executive orders declaring states of emergency in Oregon, Multnomah County, and Portland.
The joint County-City adoption of a single policy ensures that community members and landlords are clear about their rights and responsibilities during this event. The County’s policy adopted by the City builds on my citywide Emergency Declaration:
- A temporary moratorium on all residential evictions in the City of Portland and Multnomah County for tenants on the basis of nonpayment of rent, due to wage loss resulting from COVID-19.
- No late fee can be charged or collected for rent that is delayed for the reasons stated in the moratorium
- After the emergency declaration is lifted, renters will have 6 months to repay the rent they owe. This action does not freeze rents, it gives people extra time to pay.
I’m very proud of the partnership we’ve had with Chair Kafoury and Multnomah County, the state, and our regional partners. The way Portland City Council has come together to respond aggressively and in a unified way to this crisis is also a testament to our united resolve. My colleagues and I are laser-focused on supporting the resilience and recovery of our community.
The passing of a City ordinance adopting the County’s eviction moratorium is just a first step.
We are also looking out for landlords, having conversations with banks, lending institutions and state and federal partners to ensure an equitable outcome for everyone within the economic cycle affected by the eviction moratorium.
How the City of Portland is Responding to COVID-19
- Relief for renters
- Relief for water bills & other services
- $150,000 in grants to businesses affected
- More aid for outreach providers
- More shelter beds
- Expanded hygiene stations
Portland, I also know many of you are struggling financially.
That’s why we created a dedicated Economic Impact Task Force (led by Prosper Portland) to work on immediate, near-term, and long-term actions to help our local economy.
Immediate actions are underway, and there is much more to come.
To help vulnerable businesses, Prosper Portland is immediately making $150,000 available in the form of grants – partnering with the Jade District Neighborhood Prosperity Network – to get assistance to businesses as quickly as possible. Those interested in learning more can call 503-823-4000 or email cityinfo@portlandoregon.gov.
In addition, Prosper Portland is working with the City’s own direct commercial tenants and borrowers to mitigate economic impact through a deferral of rent and loan payments for the next three months.
More help is on the way. We’ll be announcing them soon.
The best way to slow the spread of the economic fallout of this virus is to aggressively push action, policy and measures to support local residents, workers, and employers.
We will get through this together, and on the other side we will rebuild, together.
Yes, these are unprecedented times. Yes, it seems bleak right now. But incredible acts of service are happening all over our community during this time of crisis.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call my office at (503) 823-4120.