Legislation Possible for Surveillance Pricing
Oregon Democrats plan to introduce legislation next year banning so-called “surveillance pricing.” The practice uses personal information—including purchase history, location and online activity—to determine how much an individual consumer might be willing to pay. Portland Representative Willy Chotzen says companies could potentially charge someone more based on circumstances suggesting they’re desperate to make a purchase. Supporters of personalized pricing argue it could also provide discounts to lower-income consumers. But a recent Oregon Values and Beliefs Center poll found nearly 80 percent of Oregonians consider individualized price variations unacceptable. Seattle recently became the first U.S. city to ban the practice, while Portland is considering a similar ban.
City Council Meeting This Evening
The Florence City Council will revisit a controversial land use proposal this evening during the second reading of Ordinance 7, Series 2026. The measure would redesignate and rezone about 5.85 acres near Rhododendron Drive from Business Industrial Park to Medium Density Residential. Although the public hearing closed September 14th, the applicant has asked the council to reopen the record to address concerns raised during deliberations. City staff recommends denying that request and moving forward with adoption of the ordinance. The council meeting begins at 5:30 at City Hall and also includes several community proclamations, an airport master plan grant application, and the city’s annual economic development report.
Razor Clamming Stopped
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Oregon Department of Agriculture have closed razor clam harvesting along the entire Oregon coast after recent testing found domoic acid levels above the safety threshold. At the same time, mussel harvesting has reopened and is now allowed coastwide after toxin levels dropped below alert levels. Bay clams and crabs also remain open coastwide. State officials will continue shellfish testing at least twice a month and remind harvesters to check the Shellfish Safety Hotline before heading to the beach.
