In this issue

• Hello from the City / Saludos de la Ciudad
• Resources and Engagement Opportunities
• News: Portland Children's Levy; Government Transition Advisory Committee
• Events
• Your Portland Moment

Lea más sobre la entrevista con Marisol Lozano-Peralta. 

Earthquake. Flood. Ice storm. Wildfire. In the event of a major disaster, Portland relies on first responders such as firefighters, police, and paramedics. But what happens if the roads are gridlocked and first responders are overwhelmed by calls for help? That’s where Marisol Lozano-Peralta steps in. She helps coordinate the city’s Neighborhood Emergency Teams, a critical part of Portland’s preparations in case of disaster.  

The Portland Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET) program is a city-supported volunteer initiative that trains community members to assist in emergency and disaster response. Managed by the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (PBEM), NET volunteers are trained in basic disaster response skills, including first aid, light search and rescue, fire suppression, and communication. In the event of a major emergency, NET members support their neighborhoods by providing critical assistance until professional responders can arrive, helping to build community resilience and preparedness throughout Portland. 

What does a community engagement specialist do? My work consists of creating that bridge to connect the community members of the Spanish-speaking community with all the amazing information and resources that the city has available. I also prepare trainings and exercises for emergency preparedness. I work with a group called Unidos, which is a Neighborhood Emergency Team who all speak Spanish. I’m very proud of the work that we've done. 

Why would neighbors do this? Isn’t that why we have police and firefighters? What changed was the Mexico City earthquake in 1985. It was a devastating quake that knocked out the power grid and the roads. The firefighters and ambulance crews were totally overwhelmed. So ordinary people, neighbors, became the first responders. They were able to assist and save lives. That's why these Neighborhood Emergency Teams started to develop. Portland has been training NETs in English for some time. And now I'm proud to say that we're training volunteers who speak Spanish. 

Read more of the interview with Marisol Lozano-Peralta. 

 

Budget Listening Sessions  

• District 1: Thursday, March 20. (This meeting is over, but you can watch the recording and submit comments.) 

• District 2: Thursday, April 3, 6–8:30 p.m., Portland Community College Cascade Moriarty Auditorium  

• District 3: Tuesday, March 18. (This meeting is over, but you can watch the recording and submit comments.) 

• District 4: Tuesday, April 1, 6–8:30 p.m., Portland Building 

Portland Children’s Levy 2025 Community Report now available 

The Portland Children’s Levy (PCL) prepares children for school, supports them to be successful inside and outside of classrooms, and eliminates racial and ethnic disparities in children’s outcomes. Check out PCL’s 2025 Community Report to see children and families imagining new futures, and how Levy partners continue positive recovery from the pandemic. 

 

Government Transition Advisory Committee: Transition to a new form of government has been a success, but there’s still work ahead 

The City of Portland’s volunteer Government Transition Advisory Committee’s final recommendations to new City leaders represent their heartfelt contributions to the success of our new form of government. At its March 19 evening meeting, Portland City Council listened to a presentation of the committee’s final report and recommendations and voted unanimously to accept their report. 

 

Mayor Wilson proclaims March 31 to be Transgender Day of Visibility 

Transgender Day of Visibility is an opportunity for the Portland City Council and the city as a whole to recommit to building partnerships with Transgender and gender non-conforming communities to address challenges and invest in City infrastructure that furthers the work of uplifting the voices and needs of these communities. 

 

Portland advances centralized organizational structure to enhance efficiency and collaboration 

The streamlined structure consolidates six service areas into four, with core functions like communications, engagement, and equity undergoing realignment to unify approaches and optimize service delivery. 

Year round, the City of Portland is stronger because of our diverse workforce representing unique experiences and perspectives.

March was Women's History Month, a time for recognizing the contributions and talents of women in our workplace, from our frontline workers to city councilors.