OPB Statement: Dismissal of City of Portland lawsuit against OPB and Reporter Monica Samayoa

September 11, 2024

OPB is pleased with the decision by Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Heidi Moawad to dismiss a lawsuit by the City of Portland against OPB and our climate reporter, Monica Samayoa. It is a tremendous victory for OPB and for public records requesters in Oregon. The ruling supports OPB’s unwavering belief that local public bodies should not sue requesters. The harm is too great, and the impacts last too long.

OPB is a public service journalism organization, and our work is rooted in the relentless pursuit of truth and transparency of Oregon’s public bodies. The city’s action was unwarranted, aggressive and an attempt to thwart that transparency. Open and easy access to public records— including those pertaining to the voter-approved, taxpayer-supported Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund – is fundamental to protecting the public interest. We believe the people of this region should have the information, facts and context necessary to hold public officials and institutions accountable.

We are grateful that the court found in favor of OPB, Ms. Samayoa, and most importantly, the public interest.