Please email Debbie Aiona at debbieaiona [at] fastmail.com  to get information, news on upcoming meetings and team brainstorming.  It looks like Metro Council may be headed towards making a decision on a ballot measure or significant changes to the Supportive Housing Services (SHS) program sometime next month.

It would help to have someone from our League share what we’re learning about the SHS program, updated on where things stand, and possible actions to take with our members.  LWVPDX is certainly happy to share letters and give you the opportunity to sign on!  

Also from Debbie: a heads up about the Here Together Coalition.  LWV Portland and LWV Clackamas County joined the coalition when they were the lead on the Metro Affordable Housing Bond.  A Willamette Week articleexplains they are supporting the idea of reducing the SHS tax rate, among other things.  LWV Portland thinks the highest priority needs to be serving homeless people and, since they are likely planning to use the SHS money for low-income housing development, reducing the tax rate jeopardizes Metro’s ability to accomplish those goals.  We may consider proposing to our board to remove our name from the list of coalition members and if you want to do the same we can send a joint letter.