Portland and Multnomah County's Weather Emergency Response Criticized

Recent winter storm highlights ongoing tension and need for improved collaboration.

Portland and Multnomah County's response to extreme weather events has been criticized as disorganized and inefficient, according to a 2023 analysis by consulting firm iParametrics.
The city of Portland recently stipulated that it would only provide staff for severe weather shelters if the county hired security guards, leading to a reduction in city involvement.
During a recent winter storm, the county sheltered up to 1,300 people but faced backlash when it closed all 12 warming centers based on an optimistically warm forecast, leaving many to navigate dangerous conditions.
Both the city and county have pointed fingers at each other for the shortcomings during the storm, with the county saying the city's reduced involvement impacted their ability to run the shelters, and the city criticizing the county's lack of cooperation.
Both entities agree that there are lessons to be learned and improvements to be made for future weather emergencies.