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To contact me, please click here: Rep.TravisNelson@oregonlegislature.gov
Happy Holidays from House District 44
Happy holidays! As the year winds down, I wanted to share a quick hello and a snapshot of what I’ve been up to over the last few months. There’s been a lot happening, so if you’d like to jump around, feel free to use the table of contents below to head straight to what interests you most:
Save the Date: First Town Hall of 2026
I will be joining Representative Sanchez and Senator Frederick for a town hall to discuss the upcoming 2026 Short Session. We have a date and time, but we are still settling on a location, and I will be sure to send those details as soon as we know!
When: January 31st at 12pm
I have attended several tours in and around House District 44 since my last newsletter. I try to get to as many tours during the interim as my schedule allows. Tours are a great opportunity for my staff and I to get out of the office and learn firsthand about issues that come up during the legislative session.
Below are the tours I have attended and some of the information I learned along the way.
North Portland Safeways
Over the past few years, North Portland has seen closure of the Safeway on Hayden Island, Walmart in Delta Park, and the Green Zebra on Lombard. Recently, I’ve heard growing concerns about additional Safeway locations in North Portland facing similar challenges.
I reached out to the store managers at the Safeway locations on MLK and in St. Johns to learn more about what they’re facing. They shared both the bright spots and the serious challenges and made it clear that shrink remains a significant issue. Without sustained improvements, more store closures could be on the horizon.
I’ve committed to being a partner at the state level and offered to help facilitate conversations with other levels of government if needed. Access to groceries is essential, and we can’t afford to lose more neighborhood stores that people rely on.
If you live in North or Northeast Portland, I encourage you to shop locally when you can. Our neighborhood grocers need the community’s support more than we may realize!
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Oregon Humane Society
I was excited to get a tour of the Oregon Humane Society in North Portland to learn about pet adoptions, services and resources for pet owners, and their animal forensic department.
Oregon Humane Society offers way more services than I realized! In addition to adoptions, they offer many resources for current pet owners. If you own pets and need some help, here are some helpful resources that they provide:
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Training Classes
They offer several classes including puppy training, basic dog training, reactive dog training, kitten and cat training and more.
Veterinary Care
Their Community Veterinary Hospital offers core medical services such as preventative care, spay/ neuter, dental and urgent care. However, due to high demand for their services, they are not accepting new patients for dental and preventative care as of January 1, 2026. The clinic is open 7 days a week from 7:30am-5:30pm.
Dog Behavioral Resources
They have a wide variety of information guides to assist with issues with dog behaviors. You can also call their Behavior Help Line at (503) 416-2983. You will need to leave a voicemail, and someone will call you back to offer suggestions.
Rehome Your Pet
If you ever need to find a new home for your pet, you can surrender them to the Oregon Humane Society. They will have you fill out a Pet Personality Profile for your dog, cat, or small pet and schedule an appointment.
Lost and Found Pets
Their website has links to county animal services if you have lost your pet or found a stray pet. If you are in Portland, this is Multnomah County's lost pet page.
They have noted that there is a scam targeting owners of lost pets. The scammer will say they are from Oregon Humane Society and demand payment for your pet that is injured. The call might even look like it is coming from the actual main phone number. If you receive one of these calls, do not make payments via Zelle or Venmo over the phone. Instead, hang up and dial their main number at (503) 285-7722.
Education for Kids
They offer several after school programs, summer camps, tours and field trips for kids that are interested in animals!
Humane Law Enforcement
Something unique about the facility in North Portland is their Animal Crimes Forensic Center which is one of only two facilities like this in the nation. This facility allows the collection and analysis of evidence to help with cases against animal abusers and in other crimes. Oregon Humane Society’s Humane Special Agents are sworn police officers that are trained to investigate allegations of animal cruelty crimes. They are authorized to issue criminal citations, author search warrants, and assist other law enforcement agencies in investigation, crime scene processing and evidence collection. These officers work closely with state and local law enforcement but are fully funded through donations. Veronica, who gave us the tour of the facility, has a clear passion for protecting the wellbeing of animals and I look forward to learning more from her about policy changes to improve Oregon’s law on animal abuse and neglect.
You can report animal cruelty if you believe you have witnessed a crime involving animals, animal abuse, or neglect by filing an online report or by calling (503) 802-6707.
How You Can Help
There are so many dear animals waiting for a safe, loving home. If you are looking for a new furry family member, there are over 100 available pets for adoption on their website. There are also several licensed animal rescues throughout the state. You can search for these licensed rescues on the Oregon Department of Agriculture's website.
If you are not ready for a permanent furry friend, you can foster a pet so the animal doesn’t have to wait in the shelter for their forever family. If you want to help animals in foster care but cannot foster yourself, you can purchase supplies to help foster parents from the Portland Wishlist or the Salem Wishlist.
Oregon Humane Society has several ways to volunteer for adults and youth. I was surprised to hear that one volunteer task is taking some of the high energy dogs out for a run. That sounds like a great opportunity that everyone benefits from!
If you are able, donations can make a huge difference for these animals!
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Open Door House of Prayer
I recently visited Open Door House of Prayer to learn about their history, current efforts, and their goals for the future. I wanted to share their story because they are currently fundraising to make repairs to their church so they can continue to serve the community.
Open Door House of Prayer was founded in 1962 by Pastor Ealer Martin and has supported North Portland for decades despite the challenges she faced as a woman of color in ministry. For many years, the church was a thriving gathering place where entire families came because they felt a true sense of belonging. The neighborhood often echoed with soulful music and the welcoming aroma of home-cooked meals.
Pastor Ealer, her husband Frank Martin Sr., and their children—Frank Jr., Clarence, and Patsy—sustained the ministry through service and sacrifice. Patsy Martin, the last President and only daughter of Pastor Ealer, passed away on September 30th of this year after a difficult health journey. Before she left, she chose her successor to be her niece, Jo’Rita Martin, believing she could rebuild and carry the family’s legacy forward.
Following the loss of these key leaders, the church has struggled to maintain its historic building at 348 N. Fremont. But today, her son and two granddaughters, with Jo’Rita Martin as President and Overseer, are working to restore it and strengthen its presence in the community. Open Door is one of the few remaining Black-founded churches in North Portland still located in its original neighborhood, making its preservation vital.
The church is committed to expanding essential services such as:
-Health support
-Food assistance
-Emergency supplies
-Childcare
-Mental health resources
-Shelter
-Meeting spaces
-Personal development
They need to raise over $500,000 to begin renovating—for starters—the most critically damaged areas of the lower level of the building, including the kitchen, bathrooms, and aging water piping. These repairs will help them fully reopen and continue serving Portland families for years to come. If you would like to donate, email pdxopendoor@gmail.com.
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211info
I have been sharing 211info as a resource in my newsletters since joining the legislature and finally had a chance to visit their office which is located in House District 44. I got to listen in on a phone call to hear firsthand how 211 employees connect Oregonians to resources.
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They also shared data specific to the legislative district (see below). They have received over 93,000 contacts (phone, web, text and email) from folks in Multnomah County since since January 2025. The top needs for folks in North Portland in 2025 have been housing, utility assistance, health care and food assistance.
Housing 57.96%, utility assistance 11.1%, health care 5.79%, food/meals 5.66%, family and community support 4.55%, information services 3.18%, clothing, household and personal needs 3.17%, income support/assistance 3.16%, transportation 2.3%, disaster services 1.09%, employment 0.98%, other government/ economic support 0.44%, education 0.39%, volunteer/ donations 0.23%
Demographics of contacts from folks in North and Northeast Portland
Age Groups: under 19 is 58.89% and 60+ is 12.10%, 30-39 is 9.33%, 40-49 is 7.56%, 20-29 is 7%, 50-59 is 5.12%; Gross Income: under $4,012 is 96.95%, Health Insurance Status: Medicaid 73.51%, none 9.05%, private 5.37%, Medicare 5.2%, combined Medicaid & Medicare 4.9%, other (VA) 1.96%; Race: Black/African American 41.02%, White 34.84%, Hispanic/Latino 7.77%, American Indian/Alaska Native 5.81%, other 4.43% Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian 2.82%, Middle Eastern/Western European 1.91%, Asian 1.39%; Gender Identity: Female 66.14%, Male 32.95%, Transgender Female 0.47%, Transgender 0.44%; Homeless: No 63.8%, Yes 36.2%
Mass Timber and Housing Innovation Campus Tour
My staff joined other legislators to tour the mass timber and modular home project located at Port of Portland’s Terminal 2. The Mass Timber and Housing Innovation Campus is currently in phase one. They are preparing for seismic fitting the facility with barrier that goes down 120 feet into the ground that will keep buildings from going into the river with a large earthquake.
During the tour, they heard from three of the entities that are currently occupying spaces or will be part of the campus upon completion.
Zaugg Timber Solutions
A company based in Switzerland that started in North American in 2020 by building the first Modular Multifamily Mass Timber Prototype in the US. Once fully operational, they will create 70 jobs at the facility. They will be creating 700 modules per year when fully functional.
University of Oregon's Acoustic Research Laboratory
The Oregon Acoustic Research Laboratory (OARL) will conduct acoustics tests of mass timber construction products to ensure that they meet local codes. At this time, most of the mass timber markets are on the west coast, but the testing labs are mostly on the east coast. This lab will increase the testing capacities to assist the growing mass timber industry.
The Port of Portland approved their lease application in January, and they have recently had permits approved. This project is projected to be complete in Spring of 202!
Single Widget
Single Widget’s research and development lab is currently occupying one of the facilities at T2. On the tour, they got to see some of the products that are being tested. The finished product will be Wood Wool Walls that are fire resistant, mold free and are lower cost than traditional drywall. Their process is to shred logs that are too small for most of the timber industry into fettucine noodle sized strings and use concrete to bind it into sheets. For their research, they are testing different types of timber and formulas to see how the products hold up under different situations.
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In addition to tour, I have been trying to attend events as often as my schedule will allow.
State of Reform
I was part of a legislative panel at the State of Reform Health Policy Conference in Portland, along with Representative Diehl and Senator Patterson.
We discussed healthcare challenges in Oregon related to the impact of the “Big Beautiful Bill”, insufficient workforce, lack of access, & new Medicaid (OHP) constraints.
We will have to make many tough choices in Oregon due to the disastrous changes at the federal level. It’s my hope that those changes won’t be borne by the poor, working class & marginalized.
Denying affordable healthcare is a POLICY CHOICE!
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Wage Theft Bill Signing
I was very proud to join my legislative colleagues and Governor Kotek for the ceremonial signing of SB 426 at the Carpenters Union Hall. I signed on as a sponsor of this bill because wage theft needs to end.
SB 426 strengthens protections for workers and reinforces accountability for employers who exploit loopholes at the expense of working families. When workers are denied wages that they’ve rightfully earned, the harm ripples beyond the individual and it affects families, communities, and our local economies.
There is real power when we come together, and even greater power in collective bargaining. When workers organize, when labor speaks with one voice, and when government listens, we create a system that works not just for profits, but for people!
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Welcome Representative Lamar Wise!
Eyes of Hope Mobile Clinic
I was able to stop by the VSP Vision Care's Eyes of Hope Event to learn more about the services they offer. Their mobile clinic travels the U.S. to provide vision care for communities in need in partnership with local charitable organizations and VSP network doctors.
They partnered with Visionworks, Pacific University College of Optometry, and Casey Eye Institute. The clinic provided eye exams and glasses to approximately 50 individuals in Beaverton. To date, VSP has assisted more than 22,000 Oregonians through its Eyes of Hope program which brings access to eye care and eyewear where it’s needed most.
Center for Black Student Excellence Public Hearing
Teacher for the Day
I was invited to participate as an "Educator for a Day" at Roosevelt High School. Here, I shadowed Mrs. Rodgers through two AP English classes and had a chance to engage in thoughtful discussion with the students about HB 2555. This is one of bills my office passed last session to keep the Family Sentencing Alternative Program permanent. I am always impressed and hopeful when I interact with students and looking forward to being invited back again next year!
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Advanced Practice Providers on Strike at Legacy
My staff joined advanced practice providers (APP) in solidarity on the picket line at Legacy Good Samaritan. Physician associates, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and clinical nurse specialists are on strike after months of bargaining. Mediation began on December 8th, but Legacy would not return to the bargaining table until December 18th. I joined other legislators in a letter to Legacy leadership encouraging them to resolve the strike and meaningfully address APPs’ concerns about patient and community health and safety.
I am disappointed to learn that striking workers will be losing their health insurance at the end of the month. Both sides returned to the bargaining table yesterday, December 22nd. I deeply respect the work these providers do for our community and support efforts to reach a fair agreement!
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Pride Night with the Blazers
I had a blast at Pride Night with the Portland Trail Blazers. It is always fun attending games but even better when they make space for my community to be celebrated. The night was made even better with the Blazer's one point win over the Kings in the last second of overtime! Many things can change with over 50 games left this season but I am hopeful that the Blazers still have a shot at the play in tournament for the finals. It has been a wild season for this team, but I am optimistic about the future of the franchise. I am looking forward to seeing more games this season!
I have to give a shout out to the Rip City Remix who still have plenty of home games left this season at the Chiles Center in House District 44.
I heard the concerns from the community about the North Portland Drop-In Center in St. Johns and have been sharing these concerns with Multnomah County. Yesterday, I visited the site to see the facility firsthand and speak with the staff directly.
I learned that the previous Point in Time Study said St. Johns had about 75 people experiencing homelessness. Anyone who lives in or around St. Johns knows that number is significantly less than reality. I was shocked when I heard that number. The day center was built based on these numbers, but the center actually serves about 125 people regularly. The people they serve range from chronically homeless to folks who are in danger of losing their housing in North Portland.
The center offers several services to assist folks with a variety of needs. Their clients have access to laundry, showers, storage, food donated by local food shares and bakeries, mailboxes, and connections to services. If the staff cannot assist with a service, they connect the client to other organizations that offer those services. Since opening in July, the staff have been able to connect 28 people to emergency shelters, helped 3 people secure permanent housing, and have more folks who are in the process of getting into housing.
I believe the center does offer much-needed services to vulnerable members of our community, but I understand the concerns of the neighbors and businesses around the center. I learned that the Good Neighbor Agreement (GNA) is almost completed. I let them know that I have heard concerns about the GNA taking so long to complete. They informed me that they are trying to have a collaborative process and have added stakeholders to that process. They said there will be an event in January for the community to learn about the GNA and how to work with the center to address concerns. I have also been assured that there will be ongoing Community Advisory Group meetings after the GNA is completed.
The staff and the county told me that they are working to address concerns from the community. I was told the encampments in November were a problem, and staff were able to escalate the issue with the city to have them removed. They are working on addressing other concerns as well by increasing security measures. They said their private security will be patrolling on foot next to the center from 6 pm to 11 pm and will be installing cameras to monitor illegal activities. They told me there will be a community meeting with their clients to talk about how they can help the center by discouraging bad behaviors from others.
I shared concerns about the garbage around the center, and they flagged an issue with the lack of garbage cans in the area. I have already reached out to the city to see what can be done to add a garbage can on N New York and to see if there can be additional trash clean up in the area. They also shared that they are trying to get the bench near the bus stop removed to help with some of the sleeping on the street. I have reached out to Trimet to escalate their request.
After my visit, I feel better about the center, but I will do what I can to keep them accountable to the community. I will be tracking the implementation of the Good Neighbor Agreement and will continue to share community concerns until we can make this center work for the clients they serve and St. Johns neighbors and businesses.
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I am still in contact with ORBC about the Bottle Drop in North Portland. I do not currently have a significant update on the replacement for the Delta Park Bottle Drop replacement location but they have released the following statement:
“OBRC listed the former Dollar Tree property in St. Johns for sale in October 2025. The Delta Park Redemption Center will close in the summer of 2026 after having served the North Portland community since 2015. The Dollar Tree in St Johns was intended to replace the Delta Park Redemption Center. OBRC remains committed to providing convenient, reliable options for Oregonians to redeem beverage containers in North Portland and is exploring other solutions to meet that need. No viable alternative site has been identified.”
They are still looking for someone to purchase the old Dollar Tree location. Please share with businesses, developers or organizations who might be interested in purchasing the site.
Many bills passed during the legislative session take effect on January 1st of the following year unless an emergency clause or specific effective date is included. Below are the bills I sponsored that will go into effect on January 1, 2026.
Chief Sponsored Bills:
Regular Sponsored Bills:
Worker Protections
Consumer Protections
Protecting Rights and Government Accountability
Access to Health Care
Housing
Veterans and Emergency Management
For the Kids
I’ll be back in the Capitol for January Legislative Days and will update you on my priorities for 2026 shortly after. I know that we will have difficult work to do this session but my office is preparing for the challenge.
In the meantime, I’m looking forward to spending time with my family during the holidays and getting some much-needed rest before the next legislative session begins. I hope everyone is able to spend some time with their loved ones.
Let us remember that we are all in this together. Wishing you happy holidays and I will see you all next year, in 2026!
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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