There are three projects Sten wants to see through before he leaves, he says:

• The Homeless Access Center

Sten says he’s confident this can be worked out, despite new neighborhood objections to the project. He’s meeting with the neighborhood this week, to discuss the location of the center (the neighbors want a parking lot that’s not up for sale, and the city’s leaning toward the “Dirty Duck” block across the street). “I think we’re going to get one of those worked out,” Sten says.

• Veterans Housing in North Macadam

Sten’s pushing for the first affordable housing planned for the South Waterfront district, and he wants it set aside for veterans.

• Urban Renewal for Schools

Sten’s been exploring using urban renewal money from the Pearl District to build a school in outer East Portland. He says he’s expecting a committee to come back to council about that project in February, and he’ll “make sure” that the project’s wrapped up before he goes.