In a landmark decision, the Portland City Council unanimously approved its inaugural housing production strategy, a move spearheaded by Commissioner Carmen Rubio. This initiative, introduced this summer, aims to address the city’s growing housing crisis and affordability challenges.
Portland, like many major U.S. cities, is grappling with a severe shortage of housing and escalating living costs. According to Rubio, the primary solution lies in increasing housing supply. “Economic, social, and physical barriers often hinder residents from finding suitable homes,” said Rubio, who is also a candidate for Portland mayor this year. “The rising cost of living has intensified these difficulties, stretching Portlanders’ budgets, exacerbating gentrification and displacement, and pushing those on the financial brink out of their homes.”
Rubio’s proposal encompasses ten key measures, including enhancing the accessibility of the city’s existing “inclusionary housing program” for marginalized communities, revising zoning code requirements that have impeded construction, and streamlining necessary zoning code updates. Further zoning modifications are anticipated for 2025.
Additionally, Rubio highlighted challenges with the city’s permitting process and announced plans to improve efficiency. Portland will increase funding for housing grants to $5 million, aimed at land acquisition and affordable home construction. The city also seeks legislative changes to expedite homeownership incentives and reduce bureaucratic delays for nonprofit and private builders.
Environmental concerns are addressed in the strategy with attention to Portland’s floodplain issues. New legislation will better evaluate how construction decisions impact homebuilding costs and will support the preservation of existing affordable housing. The strategy also includes measures to encourage the conversion of office buildings into residential spaces.
As part of the new strategy, the city will implement a one-year freeze on system development charges and reduce fees for certain permitting meetings. Community feedback from Central City and East Portland residents highlighted the need for renewed public funding for housing and economic development. In response, the council is considering the creation of new tax increment financing districts in these neighborhoods.
The comprehensive plan is available for review on the Portland City Auditor’s Office website.
ABB (Cary, NC) continues to help companies increase motor efficiency by as much as 20% by expanding the ABB Baldor-Reliance SP4 motor line.
The development of the new cast-iron totally enclosed fan cooled (TEFC) severe duty motor marks the second phase of ABB’s SP4 technology launch. This model is uniquely designed for applications in hazardous environments with certifications for Division 2 and Class I Groups A, B, C, D, as well as Class II Groups F, and G, making it suitable for areas with explosive gases and combustible dust. The model also features an IP55 rating, ensuring protection against dust and water spray, making it reliable for harsh and dirty conditions. ABB previously introduced two different models with SP4 technology: rolled steel open drip proof and totally enclosed fan cooled motors.
The SP4 product line builds on the simplicity of ABB’s proven AC induction motors and features a range of durable motors tailored to meet diverse, severe-duty applications. These motors are compatible with pumps, fans, compressors and conveyors and are ideal for all industries. The new cast-iron motors cover a power range of 25 to 300 horsepower, and the rolled steel models, which were launched earlier this year, are available in ¼ to 20 horsepower.
