Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

(he/him) councilor.dunphy@portlandoregon.gov

Bluesky @councilordunphy Instagram @councilorjamiedunphy

A Message from Councilor Dunphy:

Hi Friends,

It’s been a while since we connected: welcome to my first OFFICIAL Newsletter as your Councilor for District 1. Many of you have been staying up to date since my campaign, many of you I am just getting to know in my role as your public servant. It’s been an incredibly busy first few months at City Hall, as we worked to select a Council President, form Policy Committees, and as I put together my incredible team. We’re dedicated to spending the next four years together working with you, our constituents, to accomplish great things.

As we approach this year’s budget process, we have a unique opportunity to reshape Portland’s government into a more effective and responsive system. We must prioritize the services that Portlanders depend on and our frontline employees, while cutting expensive outside contractor roles and inefficiencies in our city’s bureau system. I am committed to making systemic changes in response to budget shortfalls, not falling into boom and bust patterns and business as usual. 

Our city is facing significant challenges, and while the media latches on to the risk of an “urban doom loop,” I believe this moment is an opportunity to make Portland better—not a crisis. We must take this time to become responsible stewards of public dollars, prioritizing investments that create a thriving, livable city. That means focusing on affordability, addressing the fentanyl crisis, and leveraging our incredible music, arts, and small business communities as a catalyst for economic growth and public safety.

For too long, Portland’s economic development has been dominated by large-scale initiatives on the west side that have overlooked our small business and creative communities. This new City Council structure gives us the chance to make meaningful changes by investing in our local economy and ensuring public funds are used effectively. We have the tools to build a city where people want to live, work, and play, and I am committed to ensuring that this budget process reflects those priorities. Let’s bring optimism and opportunity back to Portland—together.

Meet the Team:

Councilor Jamie Dunphy (he/him)

Jamie Dunphy is a seasoned public policy professional with 14 years of experience navigating complex governmental systems to deliver real results. He has served in key roles, including five years with U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and another five years as Senior Policy Director for former Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish. His deep understanding of Portland’s governance has enabled him to drive meaningful change at both the policy and community levels.

Jamie’s commitment to public service began while studying at Portland Community College and Portland State University, where he majored in Political Science. During that time, he worked in the David Douglas School District on gang prevention and crime reduction at the newly opened Ron Russell Middle School. His passion for policy led him to an internship with Senator Jeff Merkley’s office, where he was later hired to advocate for Social Security benefits, foreclosure prevention, veterans’ food assistance, and expanded access to Pell Grants for students with Modified Diplomas.

Though he initially thought his time in public service had come to a close, Jamie saw a unique opportunity to help revitalize Portland under its new form of government. He believes that in times of crisis, bold leadership is essential to enact transformative change—and he is ready to help restore and strengthen the city he loves.

Amani Kelekele (he/him) Joint Chief of Staff- Community Engagement

Amani Kelekele is a dedicated public servant and first-generation Congolese-American committed to fostering effective governance and community engagement. He began his career in public service as an intern for former State Representative Alissa Keny-Guyer while completing his undergraduate studies at Concordia University, where he earned a degree in Social Work with a minor in Political Science.

Recognized for his dedication and work ethic, Amani was later hired as a legislative assistant to Representative Keny-Guyer, where he deepened his understanding of state government and the legislative process during the 2019 (long) legislative session. During this time, Amani was also, in part, responsible for the establishment of Oregon’s first Legislative Black Caucus. He then transitioned to the Secretary of State’s Executive Office as Director of Constituent Services, overseeing all constituent correspondence and further honing his professional and technical expertise.

Amani is deeply committed to public service, prioritizing accessibility and responsiveness in government. Even when issues extend beyond his office’s jurisdiction, he diligently assists individuals in navigating the complexities of state and local government. Passionate about policy and governance, he remains eager to learn and serve at the highest level, continually striving to enhance the public’s trust in government institutions. Amani is beyond thrilled to be a part of this unprecedented restructuring of our city government with the best team there is.

Madeline West (she/her) Joint Chief of Staff- Policy

Madeline West is a dedicated community organizer, advocate and campaign strategist with a vibrant history of political engagement. Madeline brings extensive experience in electoral politics, policy advocacy, and grassroots mobilization to City Hall. She joins this role from her position as Development Director at Next Up, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young people in Oregon's democracy.

Madeline's journey into activism began in her youth and was re-ignited in 2016 by the Black Lives Matter and Standing Rock Movements. After these life-changing experiences, she became a core organizer for divestment and public banking initiatives in Los Angeles and Oregon, employing direct action, lobbying, and the legislative processes to promote financial systems that serve the public interest. 

Madeline’s work in political campaigns spans multiple levels of government, from local city council races to presidential campaigns. With a background in communication, political science, and theatre from Northwestern University, Madeline excels at crafting compelling narratives, mobilizing communities, and implementing strategic initiatives that center people-first policies. In her role at City Hall, she is committed to ensuring Portlanders' voices are heard in government and strengthening collaboration between community members, policy experts, electeds, and grassroots movements.

Eva Stanganelli (she/her) District 1 Administrative Specialist

Eva Stanganelli is a Licensed Master Social Worker who utilizes relationship building to work towards systemic change. She has spent the last five years working in direct service with low-income families. Most recently, Eva served as the Advocacy Director at Rose Haven Day Shelter and Community Center where she led program development and crisis intervention for unhoused women and children. On the District 1 Team, Eva provides schedule coordination, constituent support, and resource navigation.

Outside of work, Eva is a big crafter and loves to work with embroidery and felt. She also enjoys going on bike rides and playing with her cat.

Committee Assignments:

Councilor Dunphy is honored to serve on four key committees: Arts and Economy, Governance, Homelessness and Housing, and the Labor and Workforce Development Committee. In his role as the Vice Chair of the Homelessness and Housing Committee, Councilor Dunphy will collaborate closely with Committee Chair Councilor Candace Avalos and the Mayor’s Office to address the city’s housing crisis. His efforts will focus on building  partnerships with housing advocates and service providers to implement comprehensive support services, generating more affordable housing, expanding transitional housing programs, supporting anti-displacement strategies, enhancing housing stability, and fixing our disjointed permitting systems to get more housing built more quickly.

Stay Informed and Connect with Council:

Councilor Dunphy strongly encourages all community members to actively participate in the council processes that shape and inform the important decisions that impact our beloved communities. The City Council page on Portland.Gov serves as a valuable resource for learning about city government, staying informed on council agendas, registering to provide verbal or written testimony, and connecting directly with your councilor’s offices. Find more information on their website here: https://www.portland.gov/council

Upcoming Events:

• Budget listening session NEW LOCATION: Park Rose High School Theater, March 20th, 6pm. This is an event to hear from YOU, the public, so it will be a listening session- not a Q&A Format.