Jeff Mapes
OPB
Portland, OR, United States
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Past articles by Jeff:
Oregon’s unique growth rules have preserved open space but also led to new fights
Anyeley Hallovà chairs the commission that oversees Oregon's growth management system. She's passionate about developing compact neighborhoods that provide equitable and affordable housing — and that help combat climate change. But not everyone is happy about moving in this direction. → Read More
How freeway builders collided with Oregon’s growth management system
The proposed Westside Bypass freeway in Washington County had a lot of momentum — until critics said it ran afoul of Oregon's growth management system. The freeway fight in the early 1990s wound up affecting transportation policies throughout the state. → Read More
The fight to provide housing for every Oregonian was led by unlikely activists
Oregon leaders talked a lot about how the new growth management system would protect the state's farms and open spaces. But only gradually did it become clear how life would change inside Oregon's cities and suburbs. → Read More
Oregonians once feared their state would be wrecked by out-of-control sprawling development
Fifty years ago, Oregonians feared their farmlands and other open spaces would be overrun with urban sprawl. This eventually led to the state's unique land-use system. This is part one in a six-part series describing how this happened and explaining why it affects so many things you might not have thought about. → Read More
Oregon growth management advocate Henry Richmond dies
The co-founder of 1000 Friends of Oregon had a big impact on a land-use system that is one of the most stringent in the country. → Read More
Early returns show DeFazio leading heated southwest Oregon congressional race
Veteran Democratic Rep. Peter DeFazio of Springfield appears to have turned back the toughest challenge in his 34-year U.S. House career, with early returns Tuesday showing him with a strong lead against Republican Alek Skarlatos in Oregon’s 4th Congressional District. → Read More
Psilocybin Measure Approved For Oregon's November Ballot
An initiative to allow the therapeutic use of psilocybin in Oregon has qualified for the November ballot. → Read More
Big Name Proponents Back Out Of I-5 Rose Quarter Expansion
A leading community group and two city leaders have pulled their support for the highway expansion project. → Read More
Oregon Police Unions Seek Big Changes To Officer Accountability Legislation
A federation representing law enforcement unions around Oregon say they want to work on police reform. But they've raised a series of objections to the six bills on the agenda of a special session. → Read More
Coronavirus Economic Damage In Oregon Doesn't Dampen Support For Tax Measures
The pandemic is wreaking havoc on the economy, but it didn’t stop Oregon voters from approving a long list of local tax measures in Tuesday’s primary. → Read More
Oregon's Mail Voting System Gains New Cachet Amidst Coronavirus
Could Oregon's vote by mail system go nationwide? That's the goal of two U.S. senators. → Read More
As Unemployment Surges, Oregon Considers Easing Benefit Standards
Unemployment claims are spiking because of coronavirus-related shutdowns. Here's a guide to collecting benefits — and how Oregon may liberalize its unemployment insurance program. → Read More
Bloomberg Spends Big On Portland TV Ads In Search Of Voters In SW Washington
New York billionaire and presidential hopeful Michael Bloomberg has spent more than $2 million for ads on Portland television stations, even though the Oregon primary won't be held until mid-May. → Read More
US House Gives Big OK To Cannabis Banking Bill
The 321-103 vote in favor of the pro-cannabis measure marks a new watershed for the fast-growing industry, supporters said. → Read More
Oregon DMV Shares Alternatives Ahead Of Real ID Licensing Launch
Real ID licenses will be available in Oregon next July, and there could be a lot of demand for them because federal airport screeners will no longer accept non-Real ID licenses from airline passengers starting in October of 2020. → Read More
Walden Says Little About Gun Legislation After El Paso, Dayton Shootings
Oregon Rep. Greg Walden will make his first public appearances since the mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton when he holds five town halls in his district next week. → Read More
With Micromobility, Tech Sparks Nimble Innovations In Transportation
Micromobility is the idea that new technology – including smartphones and more efficient batteries – is sparking a big jump in small, nimble vehicles suited for increasingly crowded city streets. → Read More
Oregon State Representative Takes Job With Anti-Union Group
Oregon state Rep. Mike Nearman said Wednesday that he will keep his legislative job while working for the Freedom Foundation. → Read More
Blumenauer Partners With Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez On Climate Resolution
The resolution calls for a massive national mobilization to combat climate change. → Read More
Campaign Finance Limits On Track To Oregon Ballot
The Oregon Legislature took a big step this weekend toward allowing the state to curb the flow of unlimited money into political campaigns. → Read More