Portland Council demands investigation into Zenith's franchise agreement and city staff actions

The Portland City Council convened on March 19, 2025, to address significant concerns regarding the city's dealings with Zenith, a corporation involved in a controversial franchise agreement. The meeting featured heated discussions about transparency, accountability, and the integrity of city processes.

Deputy City Administrator Olivera faced criticism for claims that the city had consulted with community advocates during the 2022 negotiations with Zenith. Opponents argued that these assertions were misleading, citing ongoing litigation involving Zenith and the Columbia River Keeper, which raised questions about the legitimacy of the city's actions. Critics contended that the city had pursued a secretive agenda, failing to disclose Zenith's past violations, including unauthorized modifications and lobbying activities.

Public testimony included voices like Krisha Velacruz, a climate justice organizer, who urged the council to pass a resolution demanding accountability from corporations operating in the city. She expressed concern that failing to act would set a dangerous precedent for corporate behavior in Portland.

Councilor Dunphy proposed an amendment to the resolution, emphasizing the need for an investigation into Zenith's franchise agreement without the necessity of hiring an external reviewer, citing budget constraints. This amendment sparked further discussion among council members about the city's ability to revoke permits and the importance of maintaining public trust in city employees.

Councilor Novick expressed reservations about the resolution's language, suggesting it implied wrongdoing by city staff. He advocated for a more straightforward approach focused solely on investigating potential violations of the franchise agreement. In contrast, Councilor Moragio defended the need for scrutiny, highlighting the significant impact of the franchise agreement on the community and the necessity of ensuring ethical conduct among city officials.

Ultimately, the council voted to approve the amendment, reinforcing the call for an investigation into Zenith's operations while navigating the complexities of public trust and accountability. The meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency and a recognition of the critical role city employees play in governance. The council's actions signal a continued effort to address community concerns and uphold ethical standards in city dealings.