Portland is Stronger Together

This past weekend, tens of thousands of Portlanders joined millions nationwide to raise our voices and rally for public education, reproductive rights, free expression, LGBTQ+ rights, veterans, Social Security, and a long list of communities, issues, and programs the federal administration has placed under threat. 

I’m proud of Portland. Our community showed up in unprecedented numbers, and I’m grateful for the quick thinking, collaboration, and responsiveness of Portland Police engagement officers as they coordinated with organizers, directed vehicles away from marchers, and protected public safety and our right to make our voices heard.  

To our city, I say this: We will not compromise our values. We are a Sanctuary City; we have dedicated ourselves to a shared mission of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion, protecting free speech and expression, and steadfastly supporting our LGBTQ+ community. This weekend reminded us how strong and capable we are when we come together. 

Portland is a beacon of freedom. Our ethos is creativity, free expression, intentional living, and green leadership. The federal administration stands for fear and graft and can’t help but tie themselves in knots in problems of their own making. They are stuck in a cycle of “bluster, bluff, defeat, and retreat,” while our decisions are driven by compassion, pragmatism, and servant leadership.  

Our shield against federal overreach is our ability to solve our own problems. That’s why we must unify around public safety, end unsheltered homelessness, and unlock our unmet economic potential. Despite the grandiose threats, we’ll continue to fulfill our obligations, and we expect the federal government to do the same. 

My upcoming budget will reflect our beliefs and values, setting the stage for Portland’s next chapter. I’m grateful for your support in all we’re trying to accomplish together. Thank you for coming together last weekend and every day.