Alex Zielinski
@alexzee.bsky.social
Portland city politics reporter, @opb.org
Past lives: CA, DC, TX
📬 [email protected]
Signal: alex_zee.03
Past lives: CA, DC, TX
📬 [email protected]
Signal: alex_zee.03
Portland's now reinstated fees for ppl to pick up a towed RV.
I wrote about this coming policy change a few months ago:
I wrote about this coming policy change a few months ago:
Portland mayor makes it harder for houseless people to retrieve towed RVs
Keith Wilson changed a policy that previously allowed people to get their RVs back for free if they were towed.
www.opb.org
November 25, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Portland's now reinstated fees for ppl to pick up a towed RV.
I wrote about this coming policy change a few months ago:
I wrote about this coming policy change a few months ago:
Super proud of my friend @ehellerstein.bsky.social for writing/producing her first podcast episode and causally hitting out of the park.
Listen for a story of Ukraine's DIY tech nerds on the front lines of the Ukrainian-Russian war:
Listen for a story of Ukraine's DIY tech nerds on the front lines of the Ukrainian-Russian war:
Meet Ukraine’s ‘Geeks of War’ | KQED
The Ukraine-Russia war has been called the most technologically advanced war in history. Ukrainian citizens receive notifications about incoming missile and drone attacks through apps on their phones;...
www.kqed.org
November 21, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Super proud of my friend @ehellerstein.bsky.social for writing/producing her first podcast episode and causally hitting out of the park.
Listen for a story of Ukraine's DIY tech nerds on the front lines of the Ukrainian-Russian war:
Listen for a story of Ukraine's DIY tech nerds on the front lines of the Ukrainian-Russian war:
Portland Housing Director Helmi Hisserich has resigned after being "asked to step down without notice that my work was unsatisfactory.”
Her resignation letter, shared with OPB, points to a divide between how the city addresses its housing and homelessness crises.
Her resignation letter, shared with OPB, points to a divide between how the city addresses its housing and homelessness crises.
Portland housing director resigns after placed on leave by mayor
Helmi Hisserich, the head of Portland’s housing department, has resigned after abruptly being placed on leave by Mayor Keith Wilson.
www.opb.org
November 20, 2025 at 6:29 PM
Portland Housing Director Helmi Hisserich has resigned after being "asked to step down without notice that my work was unsatisfactory.”
Her resignation letter, shared with OPB, points to a divide between how the city addresses its housing and homelessness crises.
Her resignation letter, shared with OPB, points to a divide between how the city addresses its housing and homelessness crises.
Who's On First, Oregon nat'l guard edition:
Oregon National Guard troops in limbo following appeals court ruling, amid demobilization
Earlier on Wednesday, Gov. Tina Kotek announced the Oregon guard troops would be demobilized. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals put that on pause just over an hour later.
www.opb.org
November 19, 2025 at 11:56 PM
Who's On First, Oregon nat'l guard edition:
A fun thing buried in this story: This comes the same day that AG Rayfield announced a settlement deal in a lawsuit against a major property mgmt company for "price fixing" by relying on RealPage.
Two items coming to council tonight (both intro'd by Councilor Morillo) worth following: The first is a resurrection of the algorithmic rent-pricing tech ban. www.opb.org/article/2025...
Portland City Council to vote on proposal to ban rent-setting software
The city will again consider a policy prohibiting landlords from using certain software to set rental prices.
www.opb.org
November 19, 2025 at 11:32 PM
A fun thing buried in this story: This comes the same day that AG Rayfield announced a settlement deal in a lawsuit against a major property mgmt company for "price fixing" by relying on RealPage.
Two items coming to council tonight (both intro'd by Councilor Morillo) worth following: The first is a resurrection of the algorithmic rent-pricing tech ban. www.opb.org/article/2025...
Portland City Council to vote on proposal to ban rent-setting software
The city will again consider a policy prohibiting landlords from using certain software to set rental prices.
www.opb.org
November 19, 2025 at 8:57 PM
Two items coming to council tonight (both intro'd by Councilor Morillo) worth following: The first is a resurrection of the algorithmic rent-pricing tech ban. www.opb.org/article/2025...
Reposted by Alex Zielinski
In October, ICE arrests in OR jumped at least 550% from previous months. Portland Immigrants Rights Coalition says that's likely an undercount. Arrests have included people with citizenship or other legal status. "It's detain first, ask questions later."
From @troywb.bsky.social @hbarth.bsky.social:
From @troywb.bsky.social @hbarth.bsky.social:
‘Detain first and ask questions later’: Oregon ICE arrests shot up in October
The Portland Immigrants Rights Coalition reported 329 arrests in Oregon last month.
www.opb.org
November 14, 2025 at 3:38 PM
In October, ICE arrests in OR jumped at least 550% from previous months. Portland Immigrants Rights Coalition says that's likely an undercount. Arrests have included people with citizenship or other legal status. "It's detain first, ask questions later."
From @troywb.bsky.social @hbarth.bsky.social:
From @troywb.bsky.social @hbarth.bsky.social:
Went down a rabbit hole and have returned to lobby for the return of the Portland mayor's citizen's hotline. We used to be a city.
Citizen Complaints
The best of citizens' year-end voicemails for Mayor Sam Adams' office.
www.portlandmercury.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:42 AM
Went down a rabbit hole and have returned to lobby for the return of the Portland mayor's citizen's hotline. We used to be a city.
The latest attempt to use climate tax dollars for something... else.
Portland ballot proposal would divert climate tax funds to hire police
The idea is the latest suggestion involving the Portland Clean Energy Fund, which has raked in more money than expected.
www.opb.org
November 13, 2025 at 10:48 PM
The latest attempt to use climate tax dollars for something... else.
This is as much about how councilors and the mayor/exec branch are interacting in this new form of gov't than about homeless camps.
Portland city councilors reject plan to cut millions from homeless camp removal program
Portland city councilors rejected a plan Wednesday to cut millions from the city program that removes homeless camps, after a lengthy and contentious council meeting.
www.opb.org
November 13, 2025 at 7:54 PM
This is as much about how councilors and the mayor/exec branch are interacting in this new form of gov't than about homeless camps.
Reposted by Alex Zielinski
I've been hearing all day about rumors that ICE wants to set up a new outpost on the Oregon coast. Newport officials say their airport is in the agency's sites. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
Newport officials raise alarm about possible new ICE facility
Rumors have spread since last week that the Trump administration is planning an outpost on Oregon's central coast.
www.opb.org
November 11, 2025 at 2:40 AM
I've been hearing all day about rumors that ICE wants to set up a new outpost on the Oregon coast. Newport officials say their airport is in the agency's sites. #orpol
www.opb.org/article/2025...
www.opb.org/article/2025...
Budget talks in Portland City Hall have exposed a political chasm between how some city councilors and Mayor Keith Wilson want to address homelessness.
Proposed cuts to Portland’s homeless camp removal program puts mayor on defense
Budget talks in Portland City Hall have exposed a political chasm between how some city councilors and Mayor Keith Wilson want to address homelessness.
www.opb.org
November 10, 2025 at 10:03 PM
Budget talks in Portland City Hall have exposed a political chasm between how some city councilors and Mayor Keith Wilson want to address homelessness.
It’s official (for now): Trump can’t deploy the National Gaurd to Portland.
Federal judge prohibits Trump from deploying National Guard to Portland
In her ruling, U.S. District Court Judge Karin Immergut found President Trump “did not have a lawful basis to federalize the National Guard.”
opb.org
November 8, 2025 at 2:09 AM
It’s official (for now): Trump can’t deploy the National Gaurd to Portland.
Staff are picketing in front of City Hall, where their office is located.
It’s already made an impact. According to the Council President, enough councilors have refused to cross the picket line (including her) that today’s council meeting has been cancelled due to lack of quorum.
It’s already made an impact. According to the Council President, enough councilors have refused to cross the picket line (including her) that today’s council meeting has been cancelled due to lack of quorum.
Eleven employees in Portland’s police oversight office are on strike after a breakdown in negotiations.
Portland police oversight staff on strike
Eleven employees of Portland’s Independent Police Review began a three-day strike on Wednesday.
www.opb.org
November 5, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Staff are picketing in front of City Hall, where their office is located.
It’s already made an impact. According to the Council President, enough councilors have refused to cross the picket line (including her) that today’s council meeting has been cancelled due to lack of quorum.
It’s already made an impact. According to the Council President, enough councilors have refused to cross the picket line (including her) that today’s council meeting has been cancelled due to lack of quorum.
Eleven employees in Portland’s police oversight office are on strike after a breakdown in negotiations.
Portland police oversight staff on strike
Eleven employees of Portland’s Independent Police Review began a three-day strike on Wednesday.
www.opb.org
November 5, 2025 at 4:38 PM
Eleven employees in Portland’s police oversight office are on strike after a breakdown in negotiations.
These number are closer to 54% yes and 46% no after the 10 pm ballot drop.
In partial returns, Portland's parks levy has about 53% support. About 47% of votes counted oppose the measure.
Portland’s parks levy passage favored in early returns Tuesday night
In partial returns, the measure had 53% support on Tuesday shortly after 8 p.m. About 47% of votes counted oppose the measure.
www.opb.org
November 5, 2025 at 6:12 AM
These number are closer to 54% yes and 46% no after the 10 pm ballot drop.
In partial returns, Portland's parks levy has about 53% support. About 47% of votes counted oppose the measure.
Portland’s parks levy passage favored in early returns Tuesday night
In partial returns, the measure had 53% support on Tuesday shortly after 8 p.m. About 47% of votes counted oppose the measure.
www.opb.org
November 5, 2025 at 4:10 AM
In partial returns, Portland's parks levy has about 53% support. About 47% of votes counted oppose the measure.
It appears the fire at Councilor Avalos' house may have been started by a man trying to keep warm.
“We are learning of this new development and are eager to learn more as this investigation continues,” says Avalos' chief of staff.
“We are learning of this new development and are eager to learn more as this investigation continues,” says Avalos' chief of staff.
Portland police arrest suspect in Councilor Avalos’ house fire
Portland police have arrested a man suspected of starting a fire near Portland City Councilor Candace Avalos’ house on Oct. 26.
www.opb.org
November 4, 2025 at 8:52 PM
It appears the fire at Councilor Avalos' house may have been started by a man trying to keep warm.
“We are learning of this new development and are eager to learn more as this investigation continues,” says Avalos' chief of staff.
“We are learning of this new development and are eager to learn more as this investigation continues,” says Avalos' chief of staff.
Update for those following Portland's ICE land use appeal: The city has given the property owner two more weeks to submit info before meeting/deciding on the appeal.
That means a mtg won't happen until after Nov. 14.
Background here:
That means a mtg won't happen until after Nov. 14.
Background here:
Owner of Portland ICE building accuses city of ‘retaliatory’ land use ruling
The owner of the South Portland building that houses the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office says city leaders are unconstitutionally penalizing him for his choice in tenants.
www.opb.org
November 3, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Update for those following Portland's ICE land use appeal: The city has given the property owner two more weeks to submit info before meeting/deciding on the appeal.
That means a mtg won't happen until after Nov. 14.
Background here:
That means a mtg won't happen until after Nov. 14.
Background here:
You've got questions, I've got... limited answers.
Portland will begin enforcing its camping ban today. What does that mean?
What to know about the new criminal citation.
www.opb.org
November 3, 2025 at 6:16 PM
You've got questions, I've got... limited answers.
“I am concerned that police leadership may be jumping to conclusions before the investigation is complete,” Councilor Avalos said in a statement emailed to OPB on Friday.
Portland councilor questions police investigation into house fire
A threatening email was sent to Councilor Candace Avalos’ office before the fire, raising suspicions about whether the blaze was politically motivated, but she said she doesn’t know if that was the ca...
www.opb.org
October 31, 2025 at 10:46 PM
“I am concerned that police leadership may be jumping to conclusions before the investigation is complete,” Councilor Avalos said in a statement emailed to OPB on Friday.
It’s not clear why Portland's housing director ways placed on leave.
But, four city staff who are close with Hisserich and her office told OPB that she and Wilson have often disagreed over her pace and priorities.
But, four city staff who are close with Hisserich and her office told OPB that she and Wilson have often disagreed over her pace and priorities.
Portland’s housing director placed on leave
The city administrator gave vague reasoning for Helmi Hisserich’s abrupt exit, but staff close to her pointed to a strained relationship with Mayor Keith Wilson.
www.opb.org
October 31, 2025 at 10:17 PM
It’s not clear why Portland's housing director ways placed on leave.
But, four city staff who are close with Hisserich and her office told OPB that she and Wilson have often disagreed over her pace and priorities.
But, four city staff who are close with Hisserich and her office told OPB that she and Wilson have often disagreed over her pace and priorities.
Interesting, 11th hour update: Councilor Dan Ryan has come out in opposition to the Parks Levy renewal, splitting from the mayor and his 10 city council colleagues.
A breakdown of what Measure 26-260 does – and doesn’t – do, and how it relates to the parks department’s financial crisis.
What to know about Portland’s Parks Levy ballot measure
The proposal to renew and increase the city’s Parks Levy has reignited a debate around how the city’s cash-strapped parks department is financed. And there’s a lot on the line.
www.opb.org
October 31, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Interesting, 11th hour update: Councilor Dan Ryan has come out in opposition to the Parks Levy renewal, splitting from the mayor and his 10 city council colleagues.
Separately, reminded that I started reporting on Portland 14 years ago. 👵🏻
Happy Halloween. Reminded it's been 14 years since Michael Moore showed up dressed as Michael Moore at Occupy Portland.
October 31, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Separately, reminded that I started reporting on Portland 14 years ago. 👵🏻
Happy Halloween. Reminded it's been 14 years since Michael Moore showed up dressed as Michael Moore at Occupy Portland.
October 31, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Happy Halloween. Reminded it's been 14 years since Michael Moore showed up dressed as Michael Moore at Occupy Portland.