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

(She/Her) loretta.smith@portlandoregon.gov

Instagram @Councilorlorettasmith

Message from Councilor Smith

Happy Tuesday! I hope you all had a joyful and restorative Fourth of July weekend! The Smith team took this time to pause, reflect, and reassess, both as individuals and as public servants. These intentional pauses are essential for staying aligned with our mission: to serve District 1 with clarity, compassion, and purpose. Rest is resistance, and reflection is strategy. This season of recalibration is helping us step into the second half of the year with renewed energy, committed to amplifying community voices, showing up where it matters most, and tackling the tough conversations ahead. From reimagining how we fund our parks to advocating for long-overdue transportation investments, our goal is to engage more deeply, listen more intentionally, and ensure every District 1 resident feels seen, supported, and empowered. – Councilor Loretta Smith Portland City Council – District 1

District 1 In Focus

Highlighting What Matters Most in Our District.

Parks Levy Update

City Council is actively preparing to refer a new Parks Levy to the November ballot, aimed at supporting the long-term health and sustainability of Portland’s parks. This levy funded through property taxes directly supports the operations and maintenance of the parks we all rely on for recreation, community, and climate resilience.

Why this matters:
Our parks are currently facing deep budget cuts, and the existing levy is set to expire. Without a new and more robust levy in place, Portland Parks and Recreation could see a 50% reduction in operational funding, impacting services, staffing, and park upkeep across the city.

What’s next:
The levy will be voted on at the July 16th council meeting and referred to the November ballot. This is a critical moment to follow the conversation and share your thoughts.

How to get involved:
➡️ Attend or watch upcoming work sessions
➡️ Speak up! call, email, or write to your Council office
➡️ Let us know what your local parks mean to you

Whether you're a homeowner, renter, business owner, or community member who simply loves using the parks,
YOUR VOICE MATTERS!

Transportation Funding + What’s at Stake

Last week, the Oregon Legislature failed to pass HB 2025, and the consequences are hitting close to home. District 1 is already behind on infrastructure, and without dedicated funding, critical transportation projects are now at risk.

Why it matters for District 1:
Programs like SIPP (Sidewalk Improvement and Pavement Program) which support walkability, safety, and equitable access. This inaction deepens infrastructure disparities and stalls progress on the improvements our community needs most.

Impacts Include:

• Delayed street and sidewalk repairs

• Postponed active transportation and traffic safety upgrades

• Increased safety risks and mobility challenges for residents

How we move forward:
District 1 deserves safe, accessible, and future-forward transportation. We’re committed to advocating locally but we need state-level leadership to act.

How you can help:
📣 Let your voice be heard. Contact the Governor’s Office and share why safe, inclusive transportation matters to you and your neighborhood.
📬 Tell them District 1 can’t afford to fall further behind.

Community Engagement & Events

Showing Up, Listening Deeply, and Leading With You!

I’ve had the privilege of being in rooms filled with purpose, pride, and people ready to make change. These moments are the heartbeat of my role and they remind me why I do this work.

31st Annual Good In The Hood Festival

I had the pleasure of joining thousands of Portlanders at the 31st Annual Good in the Hood Multicultural Festival at Lillis-Albina Park. This vibrant event featured a lively parade down MLK Boulevard, live performances, and a variety of family-friendly activities including free haircuts, bike giveaways, and interactive crafts. Good in the Hood is more than a festival, it’s a testament to our community’s resilience and diversity. Participating in this event reinforces our commitment to unity and cultural celebration.

Community Spotlight

Every Week, One Voice. One Story. Large Impact.

Honoring Sonja McKenzie’s Service As Sonja McKenzie’s eight-year term on the Parkrose School Board came to a close in June, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude and highlight the significant impact of her leadership. Key Accomplishments & Leadership Highlights: Advocate for equity and resilience: Sonja stood strong during the uncertainties of the COVID‑19 pandemic and confronted incidents of racism in schools with integrity and compassion Trailblazing leadership in education: She served as President of the Oregon School Boards Association (2023–2024), the first African‑American woman to do so and chaired the Pacific Region of the National School Boards Association, amplifying Parkrose’s voice at state and national levels. Commitment to diversity and inclusion: As Chair of NSBA’s Pacific Region and a founding member of Oregon’s School Board Members of Color Caucus, she led systemic change on equity and representation. Champion for literacy and lifelong learning: Appointed by Multnomah County Library Foundation in 2021, Sonja has been instrumental in library revitalization efforts, including plans for a flagship Gresham branch to deepen access to learning for all families. Local & regional influence: Her service extended beyond Parkrose, to roles on the NSBA Action Center, OSBA’s DEI team, and ongoing engagement with city, county, and state decision‑makers to secure resources for students. From film school in Texas to inclusive education in Portland, Sonja’s path reflects her belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. As a community engagement coordinator, certified volunteer administrator, and mom of four Parkrose graduates, she brought heart, vision, and expertise to every role . Thank you, Sonja, for your unwavering dedication, fierce advocacy, and transformative leadership. Your legacy continues in stronger school policies, enhanced community trust, and the lives of countless students and families you’ve uplifted. 🎉

Results In Real Time!

At the heart of everything we do is a simple but powerful belief:
District 1 deserves leadership that is intentional, transparent, and community centered.

We’re excited to share that the Portland Children’s Levy has been restored, a vital step in ensuring that children and families in District 1 and across East Portland have access to the support they need. The Children’s Levy is designed to fund free and affordable programs that provide early childhood education, after-school support, mentoring, hunger relief, and more. These programs are delivered by trusted, community-based organizations who understand the unique needs of our neighborhoods. In District 1, this funding means expanded access, deeper investment, and the resources to help our kids thrive. Let’s move forward informed and united ensuring every child and family in District 1 can access the opportunities they deserve.   Congratulations to These East Portland Changemakers: Triple Threat Mentoring (Nike Greene) – $500,000 HOLLA (Eric Knox) – $410,000 Elevate Oregon (Donell Morgan) – $400,000 ELSO – Experience Life Science Outdoors (Sprinavasa Brown Turner) – $300,000 Ethiopian Eritrean Cultural and Resource Center / Tomorrow’s Leaders (Yonas Kassie) – $400,000 CAIRO – Center for African Immigrants & Refugees Organization (Abdikadir Bashir) – $400,000 A heartfelt thank you to Eric Knox, for his passionate and unwavering dedication to supporting incredible organizations like HOLLA School. I was fortunate to visit HOLLA prior to joining the Council, and I witnessed firsthand the powerful, transformative work happening there. I also want to give a big shoutout to Nike Greene, Donell Morgan, Sprinavasa Brown Turner, Yonas Kassie, and Abdikadir Bashir, leaders who are building a coalition of care that ensures our babies are nurtured and supported in outer East Portland. The restoration of these funds is not just a financial decision, it’s a moral and community-centered one. It reflects our shared belief that every child, regardless of ZIP code, deserves opportunity, dignity, and support. Let’s keep this momentum going together. 📚 Explore the full list of funded organizations and programs here:

Looking Ahead

Tuesday, July 8
🕘 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Arts & Economy Committee

🕑 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Community & Public Safety Committee

Stay Connected

Instagram: @LorettaSmithPDX
Website: portland.gov/council/smith
Email: district1@portlandoregon.gov