Up until recently, the King neighborhood has been marginally affected by the monthly Last Thursday event on Alberta. As attendance continues to grow to 10,000 its impacts spread over an increasingly large area as people drive in from elsewhere and park in the neighborhoods. Complaints of public drunkeness and numerous associated “livability” crimes dog the event. Magnus Johannesson, the founder of the event and the non-profit organization tasked with organizing its future, believes that the least intervention is best and that the best path is to let Last Thursday be unregulated.

The question is whether and how Last Thursday takes responsibility for its impacts. Currently, the City of Portland spends many thousands of dollars in overtime pay to staff extra police for the event. The King, Vernon, Sabin, and Concordia neighborhoods need to individually and collectively decide how to best advocate for their citizens’ interests regarding Last Thursday so that it is not a burden on the residents or the City of Portland and the event is a net postive for everyone, not just the businesses and attendees.

There is a Last Thursday meeting – open to public – on 5/19 (Tues) at 3pm at the NE precinct, 449 NE Emerson St.

(503) 823-5700