Portland Officials Propose to Re-Ban Public Drug Use, Governor to Declare ‘Fentanyl Emergency’

A task force set up to combat issues such as homelessness, public safety, and drug use has proposed ten recommendations to solve Portland’s problems.

Tina Kotek speaks during Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Penn., on July 25, 2016. ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images

Portland’s Central City Task Force (PCCTF) has proposed to restore a ban on illicit drug use in public areas as part of the city’s long-term plan to solve its “most pressing challenges.”

The PCCTF was launched in August to address issues like homelessness, public safety, drug use, and crime in Portland after the Oregon Health Authority warned in May that, on average, three residents are dying every day from an unintended drug overdose.