AGP Executive Report

Portland Blazers Lease Talks: Portland residents packed city council to testify as leaders prepare a term sheet for a potential long-term Moda Center lease, with the team seeking $573 million in public dollars for upgrades. Wildfire & Work Protections: Oregon’s wildfire emergency is triggering workplace rules tied to sick time and protected leave for smoke, heat, and evacuation impacts. State Politics & Ethics: A report says state Sen. Christine Drazan’s nonprofit paid nearly $100K to a consulting firm she and her husband own without a conflict-of-interest policy, raising oversight questions. Local Governance: Ashland voters will decide whether utility fee hikes need voter approval beyond inflation, after the council referred a revised measure. Ballot Measure Watch: Eugene’s Clean Energy Fund has qualified for the November 2026 ballot after signature certification. Sports & Community: Portland’s Trail Blazers lease debate and Oregon’s wildfire smoke disruptions also intersect with local sports and events, including WNBA-related attention around Portland.

Wildfire & Health: Smoke and heat are pushing Eugene-Springfield into unhealthy air again, with the Lane Regional Air Protection Agency reporting AQI around 118 (“orange” for sensitive groups) and forecasts calling for a slide into “red” later today before improving overnight. Wildfire & Safety: Senators led by Oregon’s Jeff Merkley are urging the CFTC to rein in prediction markets that let people bet on wildfires, warning it could encourage arson for profit. Local Economy: LAM Research plans a $1.7 billion investment in its Tualatin facility over 15 years under Oregon’s Strategic Investment Program, including partial property tax abatements. State Politics: Oregon GOP leaders are pushing a constitutional amendment to protect hunting, fishing, and farming rights after an animal-rights ballot effort failed. Agriculture Threat: A bipartisan bill would boost federal research funding to fight spotted lanternfly, with Oregon’s Ron Wyden among the sponsors. Community & Culture: Portland-area voters can now nominate and vote for the best farmers markets in 2026, with the Portland Farmers Market at PSU among the local favorites. Business & Jobs: Private-sector hiring in the U.S. slowed in July, with ADP reporting 44,000 jobs added—its weakest pace in six months.

Wildfire & Public Safety: A Spokane arson suspect appeared in court as fast-moving fires forced mass evacuations and destroyed hundreds of homes, with smoke and danger spreading across the Northwest. Wildfire Relief & Training: The Red Cross set up shelters for evacuees, and Oregon launched free training to help rural first responders better support older adults during disasters. Local Government: Four Madras Aquatic Center board members were recalled after controversy over budgets and meeting practices. Housing: Bend’s housing committee is urging new tools, including possible voter-backed subsidies, to hit state home-building targets. State Policy: Sen. Christine Drazan unveiled a plan to protect hunting, fishing, and farming rights in Oregon’s constitution. Economy & Trade: Oregon is among 25 states suing the Trump administration over new tariffs, arguing they’re unlawful and driving up costs. Grants: Oregon opened applications for a $10 million Regional Infrastructure Fund for small communities and tribes. Weather & Health: Washington County opened 24/7 cooling shelters as heat and wildfire smoke worsened. Sports: Pac-12 and Mountain West finalized a settlement ending their exit and “poaching” fee fight.

Tariffs Hit Oregon’s Economy: A new state report says Trump-era tariffs cut Oregon exports and helped drive a $442 million loss in the 2025-27 budget cycle, with Oregon importers paying nearly $3 billion in tariffs between March and December 2025. Legal Fight Over Tariffs: Oregon is among 25 states suing the Trump administration again, arguing the latest tariff move is a pretext to replace duties the Supreme Court struck down. Senate Probe of Epstein Ties: Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden released a report accusing major banks of ignoring red flags tied to Jeffrey Epstein, and he’s pushing for tougher due-diligence rules. Wildfire Season Pressure: As the West burns, fire veterans warn aggressive suppression tactics could endanger crews, after major fires forced evacuations in the Pacific Northwest. Heat Dome Research: Portland State University researchers are working on a measurable scientific definition of “heat dome,” after the 2021 Oregon heat wave’s deadly impact. College Football Buzz: The preseason Coaches Poll puts Ohio State No. 1, Oregon No. 2, and Georgia No. 3.

Tariff Court Fight: Twenty-five states led by Oregon and New York sued the Trump administration to block sweeping new 10% to 12.5% tariffs on 60 trading partners, arguing the forced-labor rationale is a pretext to revive duties the Supreme Court already struck down; the coalition is asking for an immediate halt and refunds for money already paid. Wildfire Betting Pushback: Oregon lawmakers joined a broader backlash against wildfire prediction markets, warning that contracts could create incentives for arson and profiting from disaster, as Oregon’s fire season keeps setting records. Local Economy & Jobs: WorkSource Oregon is rolling out on-site help for Eastern Oregon employers and workers hit by wildfires, offering support ahead of layoffs and connections to benefits and training. State Funding: Gov. Kotek opened applications for a $10 million Regional Infrastructure Fund for small communities and tribes, with planning and construction grants. Health Spotlight: Oregon ranks No. 1 for breastfeeding initiation right after birth, with 94% of babies receiving breast milk or colostrum early. Sports Odds & Deals: Polymarket and Kalshi extended Oregon-themed promo codes tied to WNBA and MLB markets, offering sign-up bonuses for new users.

Wildfire Strain in the Northwest: Washington has already surpassed last year’s wildfire totals, with nearly half a million acres burned and crews stretched thin as fires near the Colville Reservation drive evacuations and destruction. State Health & Safety: Oregon Tilth named Kellee T. James as its next CEO, aiming to lead the nonprofit’s next era for organic certification and advocacy. Healthcare Research: Estrella Immunopharma activated Oregon Health & Science University as a third clinical site for its STARLIGHT-1 trial, expanding access for patients in Portland. Business Tech & Resilience: ISOutsource released its 2026 IT Confidence Index, focusing on business continuity and resilience beyond basic cybersecurity. Oregon Business Compliance: Alpha IT highlighted common technology management challenges facing Oregon firms, from system reliability to data backup and workflow continuity. Finance & Payments: Alchemy Pay expanded its regulated U.S. footprint by securing a Michigan money transmitter license. Sports Betting Promotions: Kalshi and Polymarket updated Oregon-related promo codes for MLB trade deadline day, offering new-user bonus credits. Legal Accountability Push: Lawmakers renewed efforts to strengthen the Epstein Files Transparency Act with added enforcement options.

Wildfire & Smoke: Eastern Washington fires near Spokane have forced evacuations of about 60,000 people and destroyed at least 600 structures, with officials warning conditions won’t ease soon. Central Oregon Fire Aid: FEMA approved federal help for the Rowe Creek complex wildfire after earlier denials, with the blaze burning hundreds of thousands of acres and reaching 57% containment. Oregon Research: Oregon State University unveiled a low-cost, noninvasive AI camera system to track bumblebees using visual cues instead of hand-netting or lethal traps. Local Outdoors: Hood River is being touted as Oregon’s top “beach town” thanks to its Columbia River waterfront trail and multiple riverfront swimming spots. Policy & Energy: A report says DOE funding for climate and grid projects in Washington and Oregon was cut, with the agency citing political factors tied to voters and senators. Sports & Community: A Portland-area rally backed WNBA player Sophie Cunningham over her comments on girls’ sports, while Oregon’s wildfire hotline and recovery efforts continue to expand.

Sports & Culture: A politically mixed crowd gathered outside Portland’s Moda Center to rally for WNBA guard Sophie Cunningham, backing her stance on “protecting young girls” in sports and Title IX. Housing Costs: Oregon homebuyers are facing about $900 more per month as average 30-year mortgage rates hit 6.66%, pushing payments on a $500,000 home with 20% down sharply higher. Wildfire Recovery: The Bench Fire has left Warm Springs facing nearly a week without power or clean water, with rebuilding ahead even as containment grows. Energy & Tech: OSU researchers are using AI-powered camera traps to monitor bumblebees more accurately and with less harm than traditional methods. Local Economy & Science: Mazama Energy says it connected two deep wells through 629°F rock beneath Oregon’s Newberry volcano, a geothermal milestone aimed at more reliable, around-the-clock clean power. Climate & Weather: A Western heat wave is driving heightened wildfire risk as temperatures hover near record highs.

Wildfire & Evacuations: A Level 3 “Go” order was issued for families north of Heise as the Big Rock Fire surged, with federal land closed and officials urging people to leave immediately. Oregon Health Care Costs: Oregon’s individual marketplace coverage is getting more expensive again, with insurers asking for an average 17.5% increase for 2027 after 2026 enrollment fell and thousands dropped coverage when enhanced premium tax credits ended. Immigration Legal Aid: Oregon congressmen condemned federal moves that could end legal representation for unaccompanied migrant minors as a key contract expires and payments were withheld. Education & AI: A new commentary argues K-12 students shouldn’t be “beta testers” for AI, calling for stronger proof before schools expand use. Local Economy: Florence businesses are rallying for Oregon Albacore Month’s “10 Days of Tuna” campaign to keep locally caught fish in Oregon. Weather: A heat dome is driving record-breaking temperatures across the West, raising wildfire risk and public health concerns.

Wildfire & Drought: Oregon is on track for its worst fire year ever as record-low snowpack and repeated lightning outbreaks leave the state in drought conditions, with smoke impacts stretching beyond Oregon. Heat & Fire Weather: A West-wide heat dome is pushing dangerous temperatures toward tens of millions, while Oregon and Washington face extremely critical fire danger. Insurance Relief: Oregon issued emergency orders to pause some wildfire insurance cancellations and renewals for evacuees, as wildfire pressure mounts. Housing Permits: Clark County builders say approvals are too expensive and take too long, slowing projects even as demand persists. Manufactured Home Parks: A look at who owns manufactured home parks finds ownership often hidden behind layered LLCs, leaving residents with unclear accountability. Cannabis Research: Oregon State University research links frequent cannabis use with higher cortisol on waking, suggesting possible disruption of stress rhythms. Local Business & Jobs: A new $30M USDA-backed sawmill is planned for Clatskanie, aiming to bring at least 35 jobs. Sports & Portland: Negotiations over a proposed Moda Center renovation continue to strain relations between Trail Blazers ownership and Portland. Ocean Monitoring: Northwest ocean observatories are restarting with new glider missions off Newport, tracking low-oxygen conditions.

Oregon Data Centers: Gov. Tina Kotek has canceled a planned sale of 32 acres in Salem tied to a $5.1 billion data center, after public pushback over grid stability, electricity costs, and water use. Portland Arena Fight: Oregonians are weighing in as the city and the Trail Blazers clash over Moda Center renovation funding, with the team’s new owner Tom Dundon pressing for major public money while refusing to pay himself. Health Workforce Grants: Oregon Health Authority grants are funding a high-school “pipeline” for medical assistant certificates plus eye care and expanded mobile dental clinics in Clatsop County. Worker Safety Heat: A long-running push for an OSHA heat standard is still stuck, as advocates warn outdoor and indoor heat hazards keep harming workers. Local Fairgrounds Strain: Polk County says its fairgrounds may be forced to close unless voters approve a November property-tax levy for repairs and upgrades. Legal/Policy: A trade group NAW filed a federal lawsuit challenging Colorado’s extended producer responsibility packaging law, pointing to First Amendment and due process concerns.

Interstate Lending Fight: Federal banking regulators are backing the banking industry against an Oregon law capping interest rates on loans from out-of-state banks, warning it could disrupt interstate lending. Portland Arena Standoff: The Trail Blazers and Portland are finally meeting on Moda Center renovation funding, but the gap over a proposed 20-year lease and $573 million in public money remains “significant,” with a city council vote set for Aug. 12. Housing Build in Multnomah: Multnomah County is seeking proposals for engineering and repair work at the Abbey Creek embankment where it crosses NW Kaiser Road. Wildfire Smoke Forecast: WSU rolled out a 72-hour, zip-code air-quality map for Oregon and the region to help residents plan around smoke and hazardous conditions. Ballot Measure Fails: Oregon’s Initiative Petition 28, aimed at criminalizing hunting and fishing, missed the signature threshold and won’t be on the November ballot. Transit Cuts: TriMet plans bus service changes starting Aug. 23, including route swaps and stop eliminations in parts of the west metro.

Data Center Debate in Oregon: A pro-data center industry group behind a new ad push is drawing fresh backlash in Oregon, with critics arguing the messaging glosses over water, energy, and land impacts. Wildfire Response in Central Oregon: The Bench Fire is at about 22% containment near Warm Springs, with crews strengthening lines and prioritizing structure protection as suppression continues. Rural Infrastructure Funding: Wisconsin’s Gov. Evers and WisDOT announced nearly $30 million for 101 communities to repair culverts and small bridges, part of a broader push to keep rural roads safe for agriculture and forestry. Oregon Education Policy: The U.S. Department of Education is moving to cut off federal student aid for college programs whose graduates don’t earn more than peers without degrees, starting with rules that could affect schools in 2027. Salem Data Center Tensions: Salem residents are pushing back over a proposed $5 billion data center, citing transparency concerns tied to a city contract and environmental worries. Wildfire Scam Warning: Oregon emergency officials urge residents to donate only to trusted groups and verify contractors before sharing money or personal info.

Wildfire & Public Safety: Oregon’s Bench Fire remains active near Warm Springs with evacuation levels reduced to Level 2 “Be Set” in parts of the reservation as containment rose to 22%, while officials also warn of wildfire smoke health risks and urge residents to avoid donation scams during recovery. EMS & Health: Oregon Area Fire/EMS won American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold for faster, research-based care for heart attacks and strokes, highlighting the importance of calling 911 and staying on the line. Local Crime: Washington County deputies arrested Hillsboro’s Edward John Wilson on stalking charges involving at least five women and a child, and investigators say there may be more victims. Oregon Economy/Business: Arradiance acquired Lotus Applied Technology to expand rapid high-speed ALD capability from lab to production, and Oregon Connects launched a data-center ad push aimed at countering criticism. Politics & Elections: A Portland ballot initiative tied to shifting Clean Energy Fund money toward more police has triggered a dispute between state and city election officials over signature validity. Sports/Entertainment: Powerball climbed to $663 million, and Oregon-linked Polymarket referral codes are being promoted for MLB odds. Culture: An Oregon high school alum co-authored the novel “Love in Little Switzerland,” and Portland archaeologist James Keyser is spotlighted for work documenting rare ancient rock art on an eastern Oregon ranch.

Human Trafficking Crackdown: Oregon DOJ and Corvallis police raided Spring Foot Spa after neighbor complaints, alleging an unlicensed operation tied to prostitution and trafficking support; a 52-year-old New York woman was arrested. Robocall Fight: Oregon joined a 50-state push urging the FCC to tighten “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls and texts that cost Americans nearly $2 billion. Wildfire Relief Funding: U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden pressed FEMA after it denied Oregon Fire Management Assistance Grants for major fires, arguing the agency’s criteria appear to have shifted. Local Government & Housing/Spending: Multnomah County commissioners floated a new arena funding path for the Moda Center makeover, aiming to keep core services whole while changing how the county pays its share. Public Safety & Privacy: A Medford EMT lawsuit alleges a private ambulance company secretly recorded patients without notice, seeking $800,000. Business/Tech: Bethel School District in Eugene installed a Xerox IJP900 inkjet press, cutting summer reading print turnaround to about 16 hours. Fraud Watch: Oregon emergency officials warned wildfire recovery donations are being targeted by fake online fundraisers and scams.

Wildfire & Smoke: Oregon reported 1.5 million acres of active fire July 28, with 32 large wildfires, 23 homes lost, $144 million in suppression costs, and major evacuations and closures as smoke spreads. Local Emergency Response: The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs opened a community donation page and declared a state of emergency as the Bench Fire continues with evacuation levels still in place. Public Health: Sisters renewed warnings about wildfire fine-particle pollution, urging residents to watch the AQI and limit exposure when it spikes. State Budget & Services: ODOT says closing a $200M budget gap could mean cutting 548 positions, including 294 in the biggest tier, with knock-on effects for maintenance and DMV wait times. Housing & Homelessness: Central Oregon shelters face a “funding cliff,” with bed closures looming as state and federal dollars drop. Government & Tech: Salem saw overwhelming opposition to a proposed $5.1B data center, while Oregon’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Program is set to reopen Aug. 25. Consumer Safety: Oregon AGs and other states pushed the FCC to tighten “Know Your Customer” rules to curb illegal robocalls. Elections: An Oregon initiative to ban most hunting and fishing failed to qualify for the November ballot.