August Newsletter: COST Ordinance, Connecting with Portlanders, I-5 Closure, & more

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Hey Portland,

August was a busy one. Even with a scheduled City Council recess, I kept busy attending neighborhood association meetings, community celebrations, and moving forward some exciting legislation.

Let's get into it.

Consumers Opposed to Surveillance Technology (COST) Ordinance

Toward the end of July, I announced that I was working on legislation to protect Portland consumers from surveillance-based pricing practices on retail goods. I'm calling the ordinance COST: Consumers Opposed to Surveillance Technology.

Over the last few weeks, I've been working hard ironing out the details. My goal is to establish these protections before surveillance-based pricing becomes common practice in Portland and before businesses make significant investments in technology that could enable those practices.

While drafting the ordinance, my team and I worked with members of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555 (UFCW) and stakeholders from the Northwest Grocery Retail Association to develop language that prohibits personalized pricing, limits how often prices can increase, and preserves loyalty programs, rewards programs, and other discounts that help Portlanders save money.

As the COST ordinance moves forward through committee and council, I want to hear your experience facing personalized and/or surveillance-based pricing. Share your perspective by filling out this survey and help further shape the scope of this legislation.

Connecting with Portlanders

City Council recess just means I get to spend more time exactly where I want to be: out in the community, engaging with Portlanders at events, celebrations, and gatherings.

East Portland Chamber of Commerce

The East Portland Chamber of Commerce brought together small business owners from East Portland, Reed, Sellwood, and neighborhoods across the city with their District 4 Councilors. Council Vice President Olivia Clark and I joined the event, where we had the opportunity to hear directly from small business owners and provide an update on what's happening at City Hall.

I talked about the work I championed earlier this year to reduce taxes for thousands of small businesses through the City's Business License Tax exemption, which Council passed earlier this year. I know that every dollar put back into the pocket of a small business owner can make a huge difference.

Thanks for having me, East Portland Chamber of Commerce.

Oregon Walks

I got my steps in walking along Portland's Waterfront Park during Oregon Walks' "Walk with District 4 City Councilors" event. I really appreciated how many people showed up first thing in the morning to walk, chat, and sip coffee together.

Thanks for coming out, everyone!

SW Green Dumpster Day

I joined the Multnomah Neighborhood Association and SOLVE as an extra pair of hands to support their Dumpster Day and recycling drive in Southwest Portland. It was hard work, but rewarding as neighbors drove through to get rid of some of those larger items that are always a hassle to throw away.

It was a productive way to spend a Saturday morning, thank you Multnomah and Hillside Neighborhood Associations for putting on this event.

Forest Park Neighborhood Association Celebrates 50 Years!

I joined the Forest Park Neighborhood Association, neighbors, community leaders, and local organizations to commemorate 50 years of stewardship and bringing people together, an accomplishment truly worth celebrating.

The event took place at Skyline Tavern, the perfect place where the city meets the forest. There was live music, booths from local organizations, and plenty of opportunities to connect with neighbors.

And you know I can't turn down a chocolate-covered banana.

Congratulations on 50 years, FPNA!

Goose Hollow Days

Portland really showed up for Goose Hollow Days!

This year, booths and activities for all ages lined up across the iconic Vista Bridge, with local vendors, artists, live music, and, of course, live geese.

My office hosted a booth where we got to engage with everyone who stopped by. We chatted about what's going on in their daily lives, concerns they have, and steps we can take to address specific neighborhood issues. I had some great conversations, and I appreciate everyone who took the time to say hi. Even my mom stopped by!

I also hopped on stage with Mayor Wilson and my fellow District 4 Councilors Olivia Clark and Mitch Green to celebrate the event and the organization behind it. Thank you to everyone who makes Goose Hollow Days possible and to all the neighbors and volunteers who continue building community through events like this and the work you do every day in the neighborhood and across Portland.

Centennial Mills

The Centennial Mills building was either an iconic landmark or an eyesore, depending on who you asked.

When I first learned the building had caught fire, I knew we could trust Portland Fire & Rescue to respond and manage the emergency. At the height of the incident, more than 100 Portland Fire members were on scene. Because the building was already structurally unsafe, firefighters used a defensive strategy to contain the fire within the building while focusing on preventing it from spreading to surrounding areas.

I was incredibly impressed with their response. Great job, PF&R.

After the fire was contained, I promised the Pearl District that bureaucracy wouldn't get in the way of demolishing the building so the neighborhood could move on from this disaster. I signed a letter with my fellow District 4 Councilors telling the Mayor that this would not be a "wait and see" approach and urging him to expedite the demolition.

The demolition started with a bang. Pearl District residents and neighbors came out to watch the base of the iconic water tower come down using controlled explosives handled by a team of professionals.

Many thought the building would fall with the tower, but it stood tall. Over the next few days, cranes tore the building down piece by piece.

Now, crews are working to clear debris and ensure no hazardous materials remain on-site. In the meantime, Fields Park will remain closed until experts determine the area is safe.

Moda Center Renovations

I want to keep this one short because I know we're all tired of hearing about it.

However, I'm proud to have voted yes to approve the term sheet outlining the framework for renovating the City-owned Moda Center and moving the project forward to help secure the Blazers' future in Portland for decades to come.

Now, it's up to our negotiation team, and I trust them to secure a strong deal for Portland.

I-5 Southbound Closure

Portland, the time is upon us. Starting September 11, I-5 Southbound will be closed for repairs and upgrades, with work taking place 24/7 for up to five weeks.

This will have a major impact on traffic across Portland. Please plan ahead, adjust your travel routes, allow extra time, and consider taking public transportation when possible.

These five weeks will test our patience as a city, but I know we will get through it together.

What is Eric Eating?!? (Besides chocolate-covered bananas)

Rule #1: Never miss Burger Week.

I stopped by Urban Farmer for their French Onion Smash Burger, along with a side of fries and a beer. It tasted like French onion soup smashed into a meat patty. Yum!

Until next time,

Councilor Eric Zimmerman