Feature of the Week
Council Updates
On Wednesday night, Portland City Council discussed the “Slow the Inflow” resolution, which is focused on funding eviction prevention and other types of rent assistance, affordable homeownership opportunities, and affordable housing development.
We heard from so many community members through written, in-person, and online testimony. The testimony, lived experiences, and stories were powerful and instructive. I am beyond grateful for everyone who took the time to share their perspectives and recommendations on how to make this legislation better.
We know that preventing eviction is the most cost-effective way to reduce homelessness and protect low-income renters, and we also know that a disproportionate number of people entering and experiencing homelessness are people of color, people with disabilities, people for whom English is a second language, and older adults. Once again, our systems are failing to meet our racial justice commitments, and are leaving the most vulnerable behind.
At a recent joint work session with Multnomah County, we heard that we are seeing an average inflow of 1,400 people entering homelessness per month, 1,000 of whom have never been homeless before. At the same time, we are only moving 1,100 people out of homelessness per month on average.
The discussion on this important issue will continue at next week’s meeting on Wednesday, January 28, and I’m looking forward to getting funds approved to help people needing immediate assistance. Other items being discussed in Council on Wednesday and Thursday next week include street renaming and data and privacy legislation. For the full agenda and links to testify see the Council agenda website.
MLK Jr. Brunch
The Urban League of Portland’s annual MLK Day Brunch is a powerful moment to come together in reflection and purpose, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy while recommitting ourselves to the work ahead. I was grateful to be with community leaders and advocates at Monday’s event, focusing on the advancement of justice and equity.
For 80 years The Urban League of Portland has worked for criminal justice reform, economic justice, education, environmental justice, food security, government reform, health, housing and homelessness, voting reform, and workforce development. Their efforts continue to shape a Portland that is more fair, more inclusive, and more rooted in dignity for everyone.
PSU Counseling Center
Thank you to Portland State University President Ann Cudd, Director Cynthia Carmina Gómez, Associate Vice President Kimberly Koops, and other staff for a wonderful tour of PSU’s Community Counseling Clinic this week! PSU is an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, and the meeting was a great opportunity to discuss shared priorities for advancing educational access for all communities. I was especially excited to see that, among other things, the program helps train future school counselors!
Creston Elementary
What a joy to spend time with the Student Council at Creston Elementary last Friday! These students spend their lunch time every week to come together, share ideas, and practice leadership, with support from Math Interventionist and Instructional Coach Matt Marchyok.
Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and sense of responsibility for their school community was inspiring to see. Huge thank you to Mr. Marchyok and to educators everywhere who create spaces for students to lead, feel heard, and shape a positive school culture!
Firefighter Memorial
The Portland Firefighter Memorial project would restore the Firefighter Memorial Triangle and honor Portland’s firefighters who have given their lives in service over the past 172 years. A redesign of the Portland Firefighter Memorial Plaza could include a memorial wall, the 151-year-old Messenger Bell (purchased by the city as a result of the conflagration of 1873, which leveled 22 blocks of the city of Portland), and interpretive panels. I enjoyed a tour of the Memorial Triangle last week with retired firefighter Don Porth, who serves as president of the David Campbell Memorial Association and is helping with planning for this project. His dedication and heart are inspiring, and I deeply appreciate his time and advocacy.
New Seasons Contract
I stand with the workers of New Seasons Market and members of UE Local 1010 to call for New Seasons to honor their recently ratified union contract. It is deeply concerning that immediately after workers ratified their contract, the company announced it would not provide the wage increases agreed to and indicated it would pursue this position through arbitration. New Seasons is a major employer in District 3, a community that values fairness and respect for working people. Companies that operate in our neighborhoods and profit from our communities have a responsibility to negotiate and act in good faith with their workers. Honoring a legally binding contract is the minimum standard.
Coming Up
Chances to Connect
The Roseway Neighborhood Association’s District 3 Town Hall with all three D3 City Councilors is this Tuesday, January 27. It will be at the Calvary Church, 3516 NE 71st Ave, from 7 to 9 p.m. Topics for the Q&A will include neighborhood involvement, housing and livability, transportation, small business vitality, and other priorities raised by community members. I hope to see you there!
The City Club of Portland is hosting a forum at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4 at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. I’ll be appearing with my fellow District 3 Councilors, and look forward to sharing updates and responding to audience questions. The event is free to the public, but to ensure a seat please register in advance.
Snowplow Naming
It’s time to name five more of the city’s snowplows! The Portland Bureau of Transportation has announced twenty finalists, and voters can choose their top six choices – using the ranked choice method of course. The deadline to vote is 5 p.m. this Sunday, January 25, and winners will be announced the first week of February.
Save Lloyd Center
Last week the link for SaveLloyd.com was incorrect, so I am re-running this item. My apologies!
A coalition of tenants and citizens seeking alternatives to the planned closure and demolition of Lloyd Center have many projects planned. The group has a new website (SaveLloyd.com), has initiated a petition, and is holding events to gather supporters who want to see the mall creatively reactivated rather than demolished.
The official plan for the mall’s redevelopment will be reviewed at a public meeting of the city’s Design Commission on February 5. The meeting starts at 1:30 p.m., with the Lloyd Center comments currently scheduled to begin at 5:15 p.m. You can register one week ahead to get the registration link.
Community Resources
Preschool for All Spots Available
There are still openings for this year’s Preschool for All (PFA) program! The family application for remaining spots for the 2025–26 school year is due by 11:59 p.m. Monday, January 26. Children who were 3 or 4 years old on September 1, 2025 and have a parent or guardian living in Multnomah County are eligible to apply for an open seat. That is also the last day to request changes to a submitted application or to request a transfer for this current preschool year.
Families can:
Applications for the 2026-27 year will open at 10 a.m. April 1. Sign up here to get a notification when the application opens.
Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund Committee
The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) Committee is looking for volunteer members. The committee makes funding recommendations to the Mayor and City Council, and evaluates the effectiveness of how PCEF is working to achieve its goals. PCEF seeks to prepare the most impacted Portlanders for a changing climate, while helping the city reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Learn more or apply here. |
