The proposal would do away with Portland's commission form of government and replace it with a strong mayor and geographic city council representation.
Although the initiative has a technical flaw in its wording that could leave Portland without a functioning legislative body for a year after it passes, Mayor Vera Katz supports the idea behind it. The initiative would replace Portland's city 89-year-old commission system with a city council and strong mayor system. Nine city council members would serve, seven of whom would be elected geographically. The mayor's office would be separate; currently the mayor is a voting member of of the city commission.
Thanks to Chris Clair
FULL STORY: City Council votes against correcting initiative for ballot

Manufactured Crisis: Losing the Nation’s Largest Source of Unsubsidized Affordable Housing
Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?

Americans May Be Stuck — But Why?
Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Minneapolis Bans Rent-Setting Software
Four cities have enacted restrictions on algorithmic software that can inflate rent costs.

Oakland to Add 244 New EV Chargers
Oakland plans to launch its new charging network at eight locations by the end of 2025.

Jane Goodall Inspires with Message of Hope, Resilience, and Environmental Action
Speaking in Pasadena, Jane Goodall offered a hopeful and inspirational message, urging global compassion, environmental responsibility, and the power of individual action to shape a better future.
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