Alan Sylvestre / OPB
Portland Mayor Charlie Hales said he will declare a "state of emergency" on homelessness this week, the day after the Los Angeles City Council made a similar move. This will allow him to waive city zoning laws that restrict the location of homeless shelters. He will ask the city council to vote on the declaration in October.
Also this week, the mayor announced his "Business Climate Challenge," asking local companies to reduce energy use and carbon emissions in a variety of ways.
All of this comes two weeks after State Treasurer Ted Wheeler announced he'll challenge Hales in the 2016 mayoral race.
We talk with the mayor about homelessness, climate change, development and more.
Editor's Note: The map the mayor mentioned showing where homeless shelters can be legally located is here.
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- Charlie Hales: Portland City Mayor