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To contact me, please click here: Rep.TravisNelson@oregonlegislature.gov
It's Been a Busy Summer!
I don't know about you, but this summer is flying by! There is so much going on right now, so I wanted to take an opportunity to share some important information and update you on the work I have been doing this summer.
First, I want to share the exciting news that I was appointed as the new Chair of the House Human Services Committee by Speaker Fahey on July 23rd. Since then, I have been meeting with members of both human services committees, state agency staff, committee staff and stakeholders to prepare for September Legislative Days. I am glad that I will have Representative Annessa Hartman, who chaired the House Committee on Early Childhood and Human Services since 2025, serving as my Vice-Chair to guide me while I find my feet.
This role comes with significant responsibilities, as the Human Services committees oversee vital programs such as SNAP (food stamps), aging and disabilities services, and foster care. We lead policy work that impacts some of the most vulnerable in Oregon. I look forward to serving in this role as we have challenging times ahead.
In addition to this added responsibility, I remain committed to serving the constituents of House District 44. Please continue reading for more information on things impacting North Portland and the rest of Oregon.
SAVE THE DATE: Fall Town Hall
I will once again be joining Senator Lew Frederick and Representative Tawna Sanchez for a Fall Town Hall on Wednesday, September 2nd at 6pm at the Albina Library. I look forward to seeing you there!
I-5 Closure Starting on September 11th
Starting on Friday, September 11th, all lanes of I-5 southbound at the Rose Quarter will be closed for up to FIVE weeks while ODOT crews make critical bridge repairs. You may remember back in Spring of 2024 when ODOT needed to close southbound lanes due to a bridge joint failure which caused a hole in the bridge. This current closure will be addressing those infrastructure issues as we move closer to the next phases of the Rose Quarter Improvement Project. They will repair and reinforce weak areas, replace bridge joints, and resurface the concrete deck.
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This closure will have regional impacts but will impact those of us in North and NE Portland the most.
I highly encourage you to start making plans now for how you will navigate these closures. If you can, avoid driving near these road closures. I know that this is not possible for all of my constituents, which is why having a plan is going to be so important.
There are designated detour routes on I-405 but as many residents in this area know, many drivers will use side streets as well. I suspect that the surrounding neighborhoods will see a significant increase in vehicle transportation. My hope is that commuters will be taking alternative transportation or will be working from home if possible.
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These repairs are necessary for safety, but I want to recognize that this will be a challenging time for those living around the Rose Quarter and for those who need to commute for work through this area. I am hoping that the project wraps up before five weeks and that the impacts to our community are as minimal as possible.
Emergency Blood Shortage
I recently met with the Red Cross Cascades to learn about the work they are doing in Oregon and learned that they are currently in an emergency blood shortage. Their blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. They explained that summer months are usually a harder time to get donations with people out of town for vacation. Then you add that many folks are getting out in nature to enjoy outdoor recreation which also leads to more injuries and the increased need for blood. Adding this year’s historical wildfire season has made this year even worse than usual.
They are in urgent need of blood donors, especially those with types O+ & B- blood, and platelet donors to help ensure lifesaving medical care is not delayed for patients. If you are able, you can schedule a donation online.
We also discussed the need for blood donations in the Black community. I look forward to partnering with them in the future on blood drives that include Sickle Cell Trait and A1C testing for blood donors.
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Addressing Racism as a Public Health Crisis
In 2022, I was proud to take part in passing House Bill 4052 which tasked the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) with launching a mobile health unit pilot program and the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office (OACO) with creating a community process to bring policy recommendations to address racism as a public health crisis. A report on those recommendations was due this past June.
The report has been covered by local and national news outlets:
I was asked by OACO to take part in an informational video on this report.
As a Chief Sponsor of the initial legislation and several bills in the 2025 legislative session based on some of the recommendations, I believe it is important to continue to do this work. For many people of color, there is distrust that the government will take action on their policy recommendations. I am committed to continuing to introduce bills based on the recommendations. I have also encouraged my colleagues to read the report and connect with community based organizations that took part in this process.
If you would like to learn more about this work, I encourage you to read the reports from OHA and OACO:
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Frog Ferry River Tour
I had a great time getting out on the river to learn more about Frog Ferry and how the legislature can help make this proposal a reality. If you are unfamiliar, it will bring a zero-emission passenger ferry to the Willamette River that will eventually have stops from Oregon City all the way to Vancouver. They plan on launching a Pilot Project in 2028 that will go from RiverPlace in downtown to St. Johns for just $3.50 per passenger. During our tour, we traveled at about the same speed of the ferry and got from RiverPlace to Cathedral Park in less than 25 minutes. That is way faster than driving from downtown to St. Johns and you get to enjoy the river views. It is time that Portland has a passenger ferry like our neighbors to the north.
I have supported this project for a while but getting to see the route in person has gotten me even more energized to advocate for funding at the state level. I was joined by Representative Nosse and Representative Isadore who were also excited by this project. I look forward to working with them and other legislators during the 2027 session to identify funding from the state.
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Getting Out in Community
Although my day job has kept me pretty busy these last few months, I have taken as many opportunities as my schedule allows to get out in the community for tours and community events.
Freeland Spirits at PDX
I am proud of having PDX in my district and take every opportunity I can to visit. So, I had to come for the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Freeland Spirits new airport tasting room.
Juneteenth Parade
It is always a lot of fun walking in the Juneteenth Parade. This year, I was joined by fellow commissioners from the Oregon Commission on Black Affairs, State Representative Sue Rieke Smith, State Representative Andrea Valderrama, friends and family. We were right behind Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, so we had a chance to see each other for the first time in a while.
I am looking forward to next year!
Worship in Pink
I had the honor of joining a room full of women who connect through faith-based organizations to educate and advocate for women with breast cancer.
Paving the Way for Black Homeownership
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Representative Lamar Wise and I spoke at the National Association of Real Estate Brokers' Paving the Way for Black Homeownership Conference about the importance of breaking down barriers to homeownership for Black Oregonians.
We also connected with Oregon Realtist's President, Qualen Carter, about ways to connect with elected officials as they advocate for resources to make homeownership possible for our community.
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Sunday Parkways is Back!
The North Portland Sunday Parkways was back for the first time, since the start of the pandemic! I couldn't miss the opportunity to join. During “Parkways” the city closes miles of road to motorized vehicles. to give an opportunity for people on bikes, unicycles and scooters to take advantage of the car free route!
This year, I joined Black Men’s Wellness Portland on their bike ride. They do fantastic work in the community, organizing events designed to get Black men healthier and provide opportunities to enjoy the outdoors in community!
Happy to report that I completed the entire loop!
Celebrating with PRIDE
Summer is also the season of LGBTQIA+ Pride! As one of the few LGBTQ+ members of the legislature, it brings me joy to celebrate my community.
Darcelle Plaza Ribbon-cutting Ceremony
It was such a moving experience to see the ribbon cutting for Darcelle XV Plaza and hear from Darcelle's family and friends. Darcelle XV Plaza is officially open and will be a space for the community to gather and have events. I ran into Representative Wise at the event and saw Representatives Nosse and Sanchez in the crowd as well.
While at this event, I was able to surprise Poison Waters with a ceremonial copy of HR 3 which celebrated Oregon's history of Black Drag. I also announced that I will be bringing back a version of HCR 32 which was a 2023 resolution celebrating the life and legacy of Darcelle. We were not able to pass the resolution then due to Republican walkouts. My office has connected with Poison Waters and Darcelle's family to update the resolution with recent events and the impacts on the community even after death. I look forward to bringing that resolution in 2027 in partnership with fellow legislators.
These photos courtesy of Portland Parks and Recreation.
Portland Pride Parade
Similarly to the Juneteenth Parade, I always look forward to the Portland Pride Parade. I joined other Multnomah County Democrats and one of my most active constituents, Tom!
After the parade, I also had the opportunity to surprise Kourtni Capree with a ceremonial copy of HR 3 which celebrated Oregon's history of Black Drag. Passing this resolution was not just about honoring our community's past but it was also an opportunity to continue to celebrate those who are still out there creating joy.
Looking Forward to Legislative Days
September Legislative Days will be September 8th to the 10th. I have a packed Wednesday schedule with committees from 8:30am to 8pm but I am excited to get a preview of the 2027 session.
I look forward to seeing you at the Fall Town Hall on September 2nd.
As always, please reach out to my office if you need assistance with state agencies or have ideas for policy changes.
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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