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To contact me, please click here: Rep.TravisNelson@oregonlegislature.gov
Thank Goodness Spring Has Sprung!
I am thankful for longer days with more sunlight because winter can be a tough time for those of us with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). I support year round daylight savings which was approved by the Legislature in 2019 because of the health impacts. There have been several studies that changing our clocks twice a year has a negative impact on our physical and mental health. The spring change can be especially difficult for those with migraines and sleeping disorders. Until Congress agrees to allow Oregon to make this change, we will still change our clocks for daylight savings.
If you are struggling with your mental health you can call the 988 lifeline for support.
I am personally glad that I have more opportunities to spend time in my garden because it helps with my mental health. I am also looking forward to spending more time at farmers markets, attending the St. Johns Parade, and getting out in the district!
Starting tomorrow, we will enter the “blackout period” for the House of Representatives. This is the 60 days before an election that we are not allowed to use mass communications for legislative purposes. You can still reach out to my office, but we are not able to send newsletters or engage in our social media during that time. This is my last opportunity to share updates and information with you until after the Primary Election on May 19th.
Tributes to Two Pillars of the North Portland Community
We lost two significant North Portland community leaders on February 16th, and I would like to take a moment to honor both of them.
Avel Gordly
On March 17th, we gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Senator Avel Gordly. Flags around the state were ordered by the Governor to be at half-staff in honor of Senator Gordly.
I spoke on the House Floor during Black History Month to highlight the impact that Senator Gordly had on the state of Oregon and Black legislators. I do not believe that I would be the first Black LGBTQ man to serve in the legislature if Senator Gordly had not paved the way as the first Black woman to serve as a Senator in Oregon.
I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate on a Resolution to honor Senator Avel Louise Gordly in the 2027 legislative session.
If you would like to make a donation to honor Senator Gordly, her family highlighted the following charities:
The celebration was attended by many who were impacted by Senator Gordly. It was a pleasure to spend some time with Justice Adrienne Nelson, Senator Khanh Pham and Representative Shannon Isadore.
Mike Verbout
If you attended Roosevelt High School, then you likely knew Mike Verbout! He was not only a proud graduate but served as the President Roosevelt High School Alumni Association. Mike had a long career in education at both Beach and James John and volunteered for several education related boards, task forces and organizations. Mike was also active in the Salvation Army as a board member and played the trombone for their marching and brass bands. He was truly a life-long civil leader in North Portland.
I only had the honor of meeting Mike a few times, but he engaged with my office often. He was a fierce advocate for education, community engagement and preserving the history of St. Johns. My staff attended several of “The Gatherings” that he hosted before the pandemic as a way to learn about what was happening in the district. I also spoke with Governor Kotek who has fond memories of working with Mike during her time as Representative for House District 44.
I was saddened to not be able to attend his service last month, but I have asked my staff to start working on a House Concurrent Resolution to honor Mike in the 2027 legislative session. We have started reaching out to stakeholders to collect information for the resolution. If you would like to be a part of the resolution process, please email my office.
Photo from North Peninsula Review's article by Mark Kirchmeier.
News from Around the District
There is a lot coming up in House District 44! Here are a few timely updates that I would like to share with you.
Portland International Raceway is About to Get Noisy Again
If you live in North Portland, you know that the nice weather means that Portland International Raceway (PIR) will start holding races more regularly. Noise from the races will start to pick back up again so I have a few updates to share.
Noise Variances for 2026
I recently received my notice in the mail that PIR has several events that applied for a noise variance, and I wanted to make sure you are also aware.
The four events applying for Noise Variance are:
- July 9-12 FoPIR 65th annual Rose Cup Races - 112db
- August 6-9 Portland Grand Prix IndyCar - 115db
- Sept 5&6 SOVREN/ABM Columbia River Classic - 110db
- Date TBD - 112db
Share your thoughts!
You have the right to offer public comment on the Variance Requests at the Noise Review Board Meeting on March 25th at 6pm.
You can also submit written testimony by 5pm that day by emailing variances@portlandoregon.gov.
You can sign up to get updates about the Noise Program by subscribing to the Noise Program Updates & Noise Review Board Newsletter.
Noise Study Getting Started
You may have seen the update in the Kenton Neighborhood Association newsletter about the noise study being conducted at PIR. I was excited to hear about the collaboration with the Kenton Neighborhood Association, students at Portland State University, researchers from Oregon State University, and Neighbors for Clean Air to study the health impacts of noise from PIR on the nearby neighborhoods.
They are placing noise monitors this month to get baseline data to compare with the noise levels during racing events. In May, they will have surveys for residents to learn how the noise affects them, including sleep, stress, concentration, and overall well-being. They expect the results of the study to be out this summer. This report can give clearer data that can help inform future conversations about noise limits and possible solutions.
I look forward to learning more from this study as I have continued conversations with the City of Portland about PIR and the impacts on our community.
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Bottle Drop Update
You may have already heard the news that the Delta Park BottleDrop will close at the end of July. ORBC has informed my office that they will be working with the retailers in the zone impacted by the closure on ways to get green/ blue bag drop offs at those locations.
The former St. Johns Dollar Tree is still on the market. I know that there have been many ideas out there for how this space could be used. If you or someone you know is interested in this property, please take a look at the property information.
I have asked ORBC to keep my office in the updated and I will share that information when I am able.
Interstate Bridge Replacement Cost Estimate
On March 17th, Governor Kotek joined Washington’s Governor Ferguson in a statement on their commitment to replacing Columbia River Bridge with information on the updated cost estimate for the project. That same day, the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program's Executive Steering Group held their meeting to go over the details of the 2026 Updated Cost Estimate.
The current estimated cost for the project will likely be around $14.4 billion which is up significantly from the 2022 estimates. These increases are due to project delays, rising construction costs and some design changes. The timeline for completion of the 5-mile total project was also extended. Although the full project will be completed in 2045, the new bridge will be open to traffic six to seven years after construction starts in 2028 with light rail service starting in 2036.
The next steps in this process will the completion of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process with a final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement which will come out later this year. The requests for construction proposals will also go out this year. Once a contractor is selected in 2027, the design and cost negotiations will begin.
I know that many of my constituents have concerns about this project and the impacts on our community. I have asked folks at ODOT and the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program for information on their community engagement plan and their plans to mitigate impacts on the folks living near the bridge. I will continue to follow the project implementation closely and advocate for my constituents who are the most directly impacted. I will share any future information as this project moves forward.
If you would like to learn more about this update you can watch the meeting on YouTube and read through the presentation slides.
Supporting PCC Employees
I stand with the PCC Federation of Classified Employees and the PCC Federation of Faculty and Academic Professionals in their efforts for a fair contract. The strike resulted from ten months of failed negotiations.
I am concerned by what I am hearing about the current administration and Board of Directors' decisions to prioritize college reserves and non-student-facing priorities over fair pay and benefits for college employees. I have heard that the workers remain committed to reaching an agreement with the PCC administration based on a fair cost of living adjustment that keeps up with inflation.
The workers are prepared to continue striking until an agreement is reached and I hope that a fair contract is agreed upon soon. I am glad to see that an Unemployment Insurance Q&A is scheduled for employees. The Oregon Employment Department’s Unemployment Insurance benefits for striking workers webpage has a note that PCC employees might find the “Reporting hours and earnings” and “Will the school break affect my benefits?” sections specifically helpful.
I will be joining the picket line at Cascade to show my support. If you would like to show your support, you can sign up to help at www.pccstrike.com.
PCC provided my office with the following information for students during the strike:
Students will still receive final grades this term. Coursework completed during the strike will count, and instructors will assign grades once the strike ends. The college may extend deadlines if necessary to give students and faculty enough time to finish coursework and grading.
Instructors will inform students via D2L or email about course completion, and any final exams will be held during regular class times or scheduled make-up sessions.
The deadline to withdraw or change grading options has been extended to March 20 to give students more flexibility.
PCC will continue providing advising, financial aid, and other student services, and will process Spring financial aid as soon as Winter grades are finalized.
Resources for Students:
Attending Events
I have only been able to attend a few events with the legislative session wrapping up. I am looking forward to being able to attend more events in the coming months.
A Night of Pure Imagination!
I had a blast at the annual auction for Holy Redeemer Catholic School in North Portland. This year's theme was Willy Wonka!
Thank you Grant for inviting me to this event!
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson
I had the honor of joining Senator Margaret Carter, Nkenge Harmon Johnson from Urban League, and students from Roosevelt at the Everybody Read's event with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Talk to You Later
Keep an eye out for my next newsletter shortly after the primary election. During this time, feel free to reach out to my office directly if you have anything you would like to share. Your input continues to shape the work we do and helps ensure that we are serving our community as effectively as possible.
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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