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$18 minimum wage, short-term rentals are on the ballot in Portland

$18 minimum wage, short-term rentals are on the ballot in Portland

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


In November, Portland voters will have the chance to weigh in on five citizen initiatives, including a proposed $18 minimum wage.

According to the Portland Press Herald, four of the five questions were brought forward by the Democratic Socialists of America’s Livable Portland campaign, which collected at least 1,500 signatures to get each question on the ballot.

In addition to raising the minimum wage, voters will also be asked whether they support strengthening protections for tenants, reducing the number of short-term rentals in the city, and putting restrictions on cruise ships coming into the city.

The Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce has criticized the push for an increased minimum wage, saying it would raise the cost of running a business at a time of high inflation.

A fifth referendum would introduce additional regulations for short-term rentals, including a measure to prevent evictions for the purpose of immediate conversion to short-term rentals.

Election day is November 8.

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