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To contact me, please click here: Rep.TravisNelson@oregonlegislature.gov
Mid-Session Update
We just wrapped up the third week of session, and the pace is picking up quickly. Final bill deadlines are approaching, and longer floor sessions are now underway. The days have been full and focused.
I’m pleased to share that HB 4093 (disability protections) and HB 4094 (vacation payout) have officially moved out of committee and have headed to Ways and Means. That’s an important step forward, and I’m grateful for the thoughtful conversations and support that helped get them there. I’ll keep you updated as they continue through the process.
Black History Month with the Blazers
I joined Representative Wise, Representative Isadore and other Black elected officials for the Blazer’s Black History Month celebration game. It was an exciting game to watch as we beat the Grizzlies for the second day in a row!
The Moda Center is an important asset to the community in NE Portland. You may have heard about the legislative proposal to help fund renovations to the aging building. I am concerned about losing the Blazers to another city because the arena hosts over 1.6 million visitors, sustains more than 4,000 jobs, and contributes roughly $670 million to the state’s economy every year.
Additionally, the arena is heavily integrated into redevelopment in this historically Black neighborhood. The Portland Trail Blazers and Albina Vision Trust have partnered to form the Albina Rose Alliance which is working to accelerate restorative development in Lower Albina. This area has long been the cultural heart of Portland, serving as the historic center and spiritual home of the city’s Black community.
Urban League’s Black Legislator Lunch
It is always a pleasure joining the other Black legislators at the Urban League Black Love Day Lunch during session. This was an opportunity to celebrate and connect with Black leaders and guests.
The Urban League of Portland is a civil rights organization founded in 1945, with a long legacy of advancing opportunity and equity, especially for Black Oregonians. While the Urban League’s roots are in Portland, their work is statewide. They show up in communities across Oregon—urban, rural, and everything in between.
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Remembering Avel Gordley
This week we took a moment of silence to honor the great Senator Avel Gordly. I am deeply saddened by her passing. One of my favorite pandemic memories was participating in the outdoor "drive by celebration" in her honor. She was an activist, community organizer and the First African American woman to be elected in the Oregon State Senate in 1997after serving the previous 5 years in the Oregon House of Representatives.
There would be no Representative Nelson if Senator Avel Gordly had not first paved the way.
Rest in Power Senator Gordly.
Update on Parks in the District
Creating safe spaces for recreating in the district has been one of my priorities since join the Legislature. I am proud to have secured funding for two projects in North Portland. Below are updates on those projects and information on how you can engage in giving feedback to Portland Parks and Recreation.
North Portland Aquatic Center
Members of the community had an opportunity to look at renderings of the final design and engage with Portland Parks and Recreation staff as well as the design and construction teams working on the project. Staff shared a presentation on the final stages of this project. I encourage you to take a look at the presentation and give feedback with their survey that is open until March 3rd.
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George Park
While I attended the NPAC community event, I got a brief update on the George Park Project which is in the final stage of community engagement. You can watch a video update on the project and take a survey to give feedback on this project. The survey is needed by 9am on March 2nd.
Willamette Blvd.
You may have seen my recent comments on Facebook regarding proposed changes along Willamette Boulevard. I have heard concerns from residents not only about neighborhood impacts but also about their involvement of the process. These conversations matter, and I met with leadership at PBOT to learn more.
I want to be clear that there is a lot in this project that I think is beneficial to the community. My biggest concern is related to how diversion from Woolsey will impact narrow residential side streets in University Park and Arbor Lodge. PBOT will be providing me with more data on diversion modeling which may help ease these concerns. We also discussed ways the bureau can better engage with the Black community which has faced a long history of exclusion from the process. It's important we continue the work of repairing harm and rebuilding trust. PBOT has made commitments to better engage with the Black community in the future.
The City of Portland plans to improve information sharing with legislators for better communication with their constituents. I am committed to staying engaged to make sure community feedback is part of the ongoing dialogue.
Meeting with Constituents
One of the most meaningful parts of this work is meeting directly with constituents. Over the past two weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to sit down with neighbors, advocates, and local leaders to discuss the issues that matter most to them. These conversations shape my priorities and guide my work in Salem.
I always try to make time to meet with students and other young folks who are engaging in the political process. I met with students from PPS to hear their concerns about education funding and in support of HB 1574.
My staff and I had several meetings with unions and other stake holders. I enjoyed the chance to meet Councilor Kanal at the Capitol as well to talk about issues impacting the City of Portland.
Over Halfway There!
We are just past the halfway point of this session with March 8th quickly approaching. That is the day that the Oregon Constitution says that the session must end. I have a lot of work to do before then, but as we say, it's not over until it's over!
Thank you for staying engaged.
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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