Portland City Council Increases Settlement in Albina Displacement Lawsuit

In a historic move, the Portland City Council has unanimously voted to increase the settlement for a group of Black homeowners and descendants of the Albina neighborhood, raising the amount from $2 million to $8.5 million. The settlement compensates individuals displaced by urban renewal projects dating back to the 1960s.

Related: City of Portland reaches agreement in Albina displacement lawsuit | Portland.gov

The increased settlement was proposed by Councilor Loretta Smith following an unprecedented mid-session executive meeting. Councilor Candace Avalos seconded the motion, and the council approved the agreement with full support.

"We have a new council today. We have new ears. We have new eyes. And our response must be deliberate, comprehensive, and rooted in fairness and justice," Councilor Smith said during the meeting. "I urge each of us to consider, 'How can justice be adequately and appropriately quantified, and what measures can we implement to prevent future displacements?' So, our collective responsibility is clear: to advance efforts toward community recovery and healing and to pursue restorative justice that lays the groundwork for a more equitable Portland for everyone."

The City of Portland is self-insured for liabilities of this nature, and the cost will be allocated across all bureaus. The city's Budget Office will assess financial options and explore potential pathways forward.

The Citywill provide updates as they become available.