On St. Patrick’s Day, Mayor Ted Wheeler announced that an emergency order to ban eviction of tenants who fall behind on rent due to corona-virus-related challenges has been signed.
Under the order, tenants will have until late September to pay the rent owed. Letters of proof will be required (from an employer, school, doctor or other source) to verify hardship.
Under the city’s State of Emergency, Portland-area utility providers are suspending automatic service shutoffs in the event of nonpayment.
Portland Water Bureau is offering financial assistance in the form of payment arrangements, bill discounts, crisis vouchers and The Utility Safety Net program. More details at portlandoregon.gov/water/69504 or contact Customer Service at PWBCustomerService@portlandoregon.gov or 503.823.7770.
The City of Portland will convene a COVID-19 Economic Impact Task Force to generate ideas for a stimulus package to help small and large businesses. Steps may include asking lending institutions to consider extending loan repayment terms based on circumstances.
Prosper Portland is making $150,000 available in the form of grants to help vulnerable businesses. Visit prosperportland.us/covid-19-business-resources or contact the City at cityinfo@portlandoregon.gov or 503.823.4000 M-F, 8 am-5 pm.