In-District Time (a.k.a. my FAVORITE TIME)
Thursday was a highlight for me because I got to be in-district all day! Here’s a peek at my day:
First, I attended the David Campbell Memorial Service at Lone Fir Cemetery in District 3. Lone Fir is listed on the National Register of Historical Places and was the unmarked burial ground for thousands of Chinese people who lived and died in Portland from the 1860s to the 1950s. Their portion of the cemetery stands as a living reminder to the exclusion and erasure that many of our Asian American communities have experienced since their arrival in the United States.
This event honored a District 3 constituent, AJ Mounsey, a Portland firefighter who received an award for his bravery in saving multiple people who had carbon monoxide poisoning. He is also known as SE Little League Coach AJ to my own kids!
My second stop was the Free Lunch and Play kick-off. I had the joy of joining Portland Parks & Recreation at the newly expanded Parklane Park for the kick-off of Free Lunch + Play—a cornerstone of the city’s Summer Free for All programming. This initiative provides free, nutritious meals and inclusive, family-friendly activities at parks across Portland all summer long. At the kick-off, families enjoyed Arts in the Park crafts, lively games, music, and free roller skating with the Rose City Rollers. Programs like this strengthen our neighborhoods by making sure every child has access to food, fun, and community all summer long. Here is the 2025 summer schedule!
I then had a couple constituent meetings. One focused on how to support small businesses in our District. The other was with a high schooler who wanted to talk about ICE activity in our city. I love getting the chance to connect with constituents!
My final stop on Thursday was a truly special one—PDX Commons, a vibrant senior co-housing community in Southeast Portland. I brought the whole crew: my kids, partner, and parents, and we were all warmly welcomed by the residents for a delicious communal dinner and a thoughtful tour. PDX Commons is home to around 35 residents who are reimagining what it means to age in community. It’s a thriving, intentional space where older adults live independently while actively supporting one another and staying deeply connected to the broader Portland community.
Spaces like this show us what’s possible when we invest in housing that prioritizes connection, dignity, and care. Aging in place shouldn’t be the exception—it should be the expectation!
Revisiting Our Vote on the Portland Children’s Levy
This week, City Council voted to reverse our earlier decision to remand the list of recommended grants from the Portland Children’s Levy. I voted in favor of reversing that remand. I want to be transparent: I didn’t fully understand the ripple effects our initial vote would have. And when I do get new information, I believe it’s not only okay to change course—it’s necessary.
Those who know me know I lead with humility and a commitment to accountability. I will always strive to act in alignment with my values and to correct courses when needed. This reversal was about doing just that—making sure we prioritize the well-being of Portland’s children and families.
Modernizing Our Noise Ordinance
On Wednesday, City Council voted to amend Portland’s noise ordinance to promote greater fairness and consistency in how noise regulations are applied across our city.
Thank you to Councilor Jamie Dunphy for championing this long-overdue update. We’ve seen firsthand—like last year’s targeting of a local business under the so-called “smell ordinance”—how outdated or unevenly applied regulations can lead to unjust outcomes.
This amendment is a step toward ensuring our policies are rooted in equity, transparency, and common sense.
A Big Win for Portland Street Response
I’m thrilled to share that our City Council voted this week to formally support and expand Portland Street Response—recognizing it as a co-equal branch of our first responder system and establishing the new Portland Street Response Committee.
This is a promise I made during my campaign, and I couldn’t be prouder to vote yes on making it real.
Portland Street Response is a vital, compassionate part of our public safety network. It sends trained professionals—not armed officers—to respond to people in crisis, particularly those experiencing mental health challenges or houselessness.
This is a necessary step forward in rethinking public safety—one rooted in care, evidence, and common sense.
Preschool for All: From Vision to Vital Program
Just five years ago, I was out on street corners collecting signatures to get Preschool for All on the ballot. Back then, it was a bold idea. Today, it’s a lifeline for families across our region—and one many can’t imagine living without.
This week, when P4A came under threat in Salem, our community showed up and fought back hard. And on Monday, during the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee meeting, I spoke to the urgent need to fully fund and expand P4A—especially in East Portland, where the need is greatest and the promise is still unfolding.
Councilor Loretta Smith reminded us that District 1 has the highest percentage of children in the city. While P4A is led by the County, Portland families are relying on us to work across jurisdictions and deliver on the program’s full potential. You can listen to me talking about all of this on the dais here.
We can’t afford to stall or scale back—not when we’re just beginning to see the impact. Let’s stay focused on building the systems of care, stability, and opportunity that every child in our city deserves.
Mixed-race and Black Affinity Groups
Our District Coalition, SE Uplift, is a space that hosts a variety of awesome affinity groups. Did you know there’s a mixed race affinity group and a Black affinity group that meets there? Reach out to our office or SE Uplift to get more info about how to join.
What Portlanders Shared
This spring, thousands of Portlanders took part in a citywide survey—and now, North Star Civic Foundation is excited to share the preliminary results with you. The report reveals what people across our communities are thinking about safety, housing, local government, and the future of our city. These findings are already sparking powerful conversations, and they’ll help shape the priorities we push for together.
📊 Read the preliminary report here: PDX 2025 Preliminary Report
Let’s keep building a Portland that works for all of us.
Thank you for reading!
Until next time,
Teacher Tiffany
she/her
councilor.koyamalane@portlandoregon.gov
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