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To contact me, please click here: Rep.TravisNelson@oregonlegislature.gov
More Tricks than Treats this Halloween?
Halloween is a time for fun and community, but it’s hard to ignore that many of our neighbors are struggling right now. Because of what’s happening in Washington, hundreds of thousands of Oregonians, including children, might not get the food assistance they count on next month.
That doesn’t sit right with me. No family should have to wonder where their next meal will come from or have financial insecurity when buying food to eat. My House Democratic colleagues and I are going to continue to do what we can to make sure Oregonians get the help they need. As we celebrate the spooky season, I encourage us all to stay engaged where we can within our communities and support each other.
At the end of this newsletter, you’ll find some resources for families, immigrants, and anyone who could use extra support. It's important we all remember we are not alone in this, and we’ll keep showing up for one another.
I was pleased to hear that Governor Kotek declared a food emergency and directed $5 million to food banks. My office has been receiving updates from the Governor’s office as we prepare for the impacts to Oregon.
As I continue working my day job, I have also been staying engaged in the community, preparing for the 2026 legislative session, connecting with stakeholders, and working alongside community members to shape my legislative priorities. The feedback and conversations happening right now are what will guide the work ahead in Salem.
North Portland Aquatics Center Update
I wanted to share the Fall 2025 Update from Portland Parks and Recreation for this project. In their August and September community engagement phase, they heard from over 600 Portlanders on design preferences. They are taking that feedback and talking to PP&R staff for a final design. Here are the summaries from community engagement:
The next community engagement phase will be in early 2026 to get feedback on the preferred design. You can sign up for updates on this project here.
Getting Out in the Community
With everything going on at the federal level and how the President is talking about Portland, it is even more important to get out into the community.
Halloween Walk in St. Johns
This year’s St. Johns Halloween Walk and Pet Parade was too much fun! Lots of laughter, creativity, and community spirit as neighbors came together to celebrate in the heart of North Portland. This is just one of many things that makes our neighborhoods so special in N and NE Portland!
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Black Leader's Event with Kids at the Albina Library
It was a pleasure to be invited to speak on a panel for Black middle school youth alongside Senator Frederick and other community leaders. Seeing their curiosity and confidence reminded me why mentorship and representation matter so much.
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CATT Opening
I joined other elected officials at the at ribbon cutting ceremony for the CATT Beaverton Recovery Center. The Center for Addictions Triage and Treatment (CATT) is a project to increase addictions treatment capacity in Washington County. It will add 86 new treatment beds, a peer drop-in center and other programs.
The Beaverton center will officially open on November 17th with sobering beds available in 2026.
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Public Health Award
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It was an honor to receive recognition in my work on the a public health award from OCLHO (Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials). Health is my passion and as Vice-Chair of the Health Care Committee I will always continue to fight for a healthy and affordable Oregon. |
Volunteering at the Oregon Food Bank
Shout out to #TeamNelson for volunteering at the Oregon Food Bank during their lunch this week! This is one of many small ways we can all give back and stand with our community. There is a lot of uncertainty right now, and lending a hand reminds us how connected we all are right here in our communities.
This is Oregon's largest food bank, right in the Cully Neighborhood. With only a $400,000 annual budget, this location serves over 45,000 household per year (with enough food for 4 individuals per household!)
I know that many in our community are looking for ways to help with food insecurity with the loss of SNAP for so many Oregonians. Here are two ways you can help the Oregon Food Bank:
You can also use the Food Finder map to contact your local pantry to see what they are needing.
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Protecting our Community and Oregon’s Critical Energy Infrastructure
My staff recently joined legislators and community advocates for a tour of the Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub in Northwest Portland. This is a site I’ve been deeply concerned about and worked to address in past sessions. The Hub stores more than 90% of Oregon’s gas and diesel and 100% of its jet fuel, yet most of its 600 tanks were built before seismic standards existed. Many are at risk of failing during a major earthquake event.
Nearly all of Oregon’s fuel is stored at the CEI Hub in Portland and distributed statewide by tanker trucks and a pipeline to Eugene. Deliveries go out every few days to keep hospitals, gas stations, and emergency services running. If the Hub were disrupted, Oregon’s fuel supply would run out within days.
Located on unstable ground in a high-risk zone for fire, landslides, and flooding, the Hub poses a serious threat to our communities and waterways. Experts warn that a major quake could spill up to 200 million gallons of fuel into the Willamette and Columbia Rivers and cut off Oregon’s entire fuel supply. An event could also cause clouds of toxic fumes which could result in severe casualties.
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This issue continues to remain one of my top priorities for the 2026 legislative session, and not just for our district, but for the entire state. We must continue pushing for stronger safety standards and investments to prevent catastrophe before it happens. Acting now can save thousands of lives. I will continue to advocate for this funding with colleagues from both sides of the aisle, as this will impact people living in every district of Oregon.
The tour also gave my staff the opportunity to talk to other legislators about the North Portland emergency route issue. My office is continuing to look at the options we have to start addressing the seismic issues with the bridges over “the Cut” in St. Johns.
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Resources Guides
My office has compiled several resources guides for food assistance, immigration services and free or low-cost dental programs.
Feel free to share these resources with others who may need them.
Food Assistance
Below are resources for our community while SNAP benefits are not available.
Immigration Resources
My office stands with Oregon’s immigrant and refugee communities. During these difficult times, we’re sharing resources to help ensure everyone has access to safety, information, and support. My office is always available for those who have concerns or additional questions.
Dental Resources
We all know that it isn't just kids that eat Halloween candy! With increased sugar intake, you might want to consider making a dental appointment. Did you know that many colleges and dental schools offer low or no cost dental services? Below are dental resources for both kiddos and adults.
PCC's Community Dental Resources
- PCC’s dental clinic is not currently taking new patients, but they have compiled this list for urgent dental concerns.
OHSU Dental Clinics offer several payment options with lower cost services.
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OHSU's Russell Street Dental Clinic is located on North Russel Street. They serve people who have low or no income, are uninsured and folks who have HIV.
- Learn about their upcoming Kids Day by calling 503-494-6822.
Mt. Hood Community College's free dental hygiene clinic offers services including full exams, X-rays, dental cleanings, oral cancer screenings and other dental services.
- Schedule an appointment by calling 503-491-7176.
Concorde Dental Clinic provides no cost dental cleanings for adults and children. Services include cleanings, sealants, X-rays and other dental services.
- Schedule an appointment by calling 971-369-0650 or email PortlandDental@concorde.edu
Other Dental Services
Multnomah County Health Department serves patients on the Oregon Health Plan who have CareOregon Dental.
- Schedule an appointment by calling 503-988-5558.
Happy Halloween!
I hope you get the chance to enjoy time with friends, family, and neighbors. Stay safe, have fun and remember, today is THE DAY for a few extra sweet treats 😉
I Boo-lieve in our community!
Here’s to keeping Oregon all treat and no tricks!
Best,
 Travis Nelson
State Representative
House District 44
Capitol Phone: 503-986-1444
Capitol Address: 900 Court St. NE, H-275, Salem, Oregon 97301
Email: Rep.TravisNelson@oregonlegislature.gov
Website: http://www.oregonlegislature.gov/nelson
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