 I’m dedicating time to meet with District 4 constituents both virtually and in their own neighborhoods — to hear what’s on your mind and to provide information on a variety of issues. You can find all of my event listings here.
Please save these dates:
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Eastmoreland: 3-5 pm Thursday, August 14th at Eastmoreland Golf Course Bar & Grill, 2425 SE Bybee Boulevard.
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Arlington Heights: 11 am-1 pm Friday, September 12th at Hoyt Arboretum Visitor Center, 4000 SW Fairview Boulevard.
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Far Southwest: 11 am-1 pm Friday, September 19th in Room 310 of the Health Technology Building at Portland Community College Sylvania, 12000 SW 49th Avenue.
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Hillside: 11 am-1 pm Friday, October 10th at Hillside Community Center, 653 NW Culpepper Terrace.
 Please join me in welcoming the newest member of my team, Constituent Services Coordinator Devyn Melnychuk!
Devyn (who’s pictured here on the left with Chief of Staff Megan Beyer and Communications and Engagement Director Jimmy Radosta) comes to City Hall after serving most recently as a Legislative Assistant during the 2025 legislative session for freshman Representative Willy Chotzen. Prior to that, Devyn worked on various local political campaigns.
Devyn also brings experience from the aviation sector, having worked in air ambulance operations, charter management, and later dispatch and logistics for a Hillsboro-based company. Seeking more community-focused work, he transitioned into politics and local government.
On my team Devyn will support constituent services, outreach efforts, and a variety of office initiatives.
 I had a great time last month at the 46th Annual Hillsdale Blueberry Pancake Breakfast! Pictured here are Don Baack, president of the Hillsdale Neighborhood Association, flipping pancakes; Valeurie Friedman, publisher and editor of Hillsdale News, with neighborhood activist Jeff Jensen; members of the SWTrails PDX organization; and volunteers with the Neighborhood Emergency Team (NET), who educate the community about disaster supplies.
(NETs are Portland residents trained by the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management and Portland Fire & Rescue to provide emergency disaster assistance within their own neighborhoods. We can all make a difference by joining our local NET — learn more and get involved!)
 This week I met with representatives of the International School of Portland, the largest elementary school and preschool in downtown and the most racially diverse independent school in Oregon.
For almost 35 years, this urban oasis campus has drawn about 400 students who are fully immersed in Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, or Spanish classrooms — and 80% of its teaching staff come from outside the United States! I look forward to working with them to help create safe routes to the school and in the neighborhood.
 Last month I discussed fireworks, road safety, and many other issues with constituents in the Hillsdale and Hayhurst neighborhoods. Thank you to the recently revived Hillsdale Neighborhood Association and the Hayhurst Neighborhood Association for helping to spread the word and to our gracious hosts, PDX Coffee Club and Vermont Hills Church!
 Last month I had the opportunity to meet with Khanh Tran and Nate McCoy from the National Association of Minority Contractors-Oregon. NAMC-Oregon works to support expanding opportunities, advocating for equity, and providing contractor development training for minority-owned businesses.
We discussed upcoming regional construction projects such as the Interstate Bridge and the importance of advocating for underserved communities. I also shared insights into my role as chair of Portland City Council’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. It was a productive conversation, and I look forward to continuing our relationship.
 Happy Pride! It was great to see so many elected leaders and City bureaus showing up, which is now more important than ever.
Mayor Wilson’s proclamation states it clearly: “The presence, safety, and flourishing of LGBTQIA2S+ people are vital to the quality of life in Portland, a city that strives to be a safe harbor and affirming home for all…. Despite Portland’s inclusive reputation, the city has seen a rise in reported bias crimes…. National efforts to roll back civil rights … pose serious threats to the safety and dignity of LGBTQIA2S+ communities, especially youth and transgender individuals.... I encourage all residents to honor and celebrate the history, contributions, and vibrant future of our LGBTQIA2S+ communities.”
 District 4 sports fans are HYPED for the return of women’s basketball to the Rose City after 20+ years! Last month the WNBA expansion team unveiled its name — Portland Fire — with a huge launch party at Moda Center.
Special thanks to team owners Alex Bhathal and Lisa Bhathal Merage of RAJ Sports for making this transformative investment in our city’s future! The team is also fortunate to have tireless advocates like The Sports Bra’s Jenny Nguyen, Sport Oregon’s Jim Etzel, and Senator Ron Wyden.
You won’t want to miss the opening game next year. Join me in placing your season ticket deposit now!
 I was proud to extend a warm welcome to members of the Japan Urawa Red Diamonds Women’s Soccer Team, who recently visited City Hall as part of an international friendly match with the Portland Thorns. This was a unique opportunity to reinforce friendship with international guests while celebrating women in sports on a global stage! Arigatō!
 All Classical Radio is one of the nation’s top-rated classical stations and a wonderful space to enjoy live music right here in downtown Portland!
I recently led members of City Council’s Arts and Economy Committee on a tour. We enjoyed a free weekly in-studio concert in its state-of-the-art performance hall. Every Thursday at 3pm, the public is welcome to listen in on a live performance broadcast on the radio. Hosted by Christa Wessel, this episode previewed Broadway Rose Theatre Company’s production of the Cole Porter musical “Anything Goes” as well as Opera in the Park Portland’s free outdoor performance of Georges Bizet’s “Carmen.”
Our local arts community deserves your support! If you’d like to experience Thursdays @ Three at All Classical Radio, you can reserve your spot at allclassical.org/programs/thursdays-at-three.
 Last month I took friends and family to the recently opened Portland Aquarium to great acclaim! Mike Bennett has transformed a former coffee shop into another vibrant downtown destination on Southwest Broadway. Thank you for being part of our Central City revitalization!
 I hope you are enjoying some fun excursions this summer. Next month you’ll have the opportunity for amazing experiences without leaving downtown!
Portland’s first-ever Staycation Weekend, from September 12 to 14, encourages local residents to book rooms, dine out, shop at neighborhood retailers, and rediscover the heart of our city. There will also be an exciting lineup of events: live music from PDX Pop Now, Timbers soccer, Sunday Parkways, valet bike parking, limited-time menus, pop-up shopping, and many other activities that make our downtown vibrant. I plan to visit my favorite restaurants and support Portland Staycation!
 Last month City Council passed a resolution that moves Portland one step closer to joining the Swimmable Cities international alliance!
I proudly co-sponsored this resolution in the Arts and Economy Committee because urban waterways are vital to our cultural identity, our environmental protection, our physical health, and much more. Special thanks to Human Access Project’s Willie Levenson for championing our liquid public spaces.
It’s been wonderful to see so many folks beating the heat on Duckworth Dock! Be sure to check out District 4 swimming areas like Poet’s Beach, Tom McCall Bowl Beach, and Sellwood Park this summer — have fun and stay safe!
 This summer, the Safe Blocks Program invites you to Party On, Portland! Through August 14th, neighbors all across Portland will be hosting block parties to connect, celebrate, and build stronger, safer communities. These events are a great way to meet your neighbors, discover local resources, strengthen community bonds, and celebrate safety and unity.
Here are the block parties happening in District 4:
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Saturday, August 2: SW First Avenue between SW Gibbs Street and SW Whitaker Street, 10 am - 10 pm
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Sunday, August 3: Sellwood Park, noon - 5 pm
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Tuesday, August 5: 2219 SW Market Street, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
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Tuesday, August 5: Hamilton Park, 5 - 8 pm
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Thursday, August 7: 2070 NW Quimby Street, 6 - 8 pm
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Thursday, August 7: 207 SW Pine Street, 4 - 7 pm
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Saturday, August 9: 616 SW College Street, noon - 10 pm
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Wednesday, August 13: DeWitt Park, 5 - 8 pm
 Portland Mercury reports on Council passage of a resolution that I introduced in my Transportation and Infrastructure Committee that “lays the groundwork for long-term improvements in infrastructure, safety, and quality of life throughout Portland.” The action is needed because traditional funding sources, like fuel taxes, are drying up — and our ongoing poor street conditions “disproportionately impact vulnerable communities.” (Governor Kotek has announced a special legislative session August 29th to address transportation funding.)
The James Beard Public Market, which is slated to open downtown next summer, is more than halfway to its fundraising goal, having recently received multiple private gifts, $10 million from the Oregon Legislature, and a $2.68 million forgivable loan from Prosper Portland, which includes $1 million from City Council. Executive Director Jessica Elkan tells KOIN-TV: “I see the market as the anchor tenant to Portland’s renaissance…. Public markets transform neighborhoods.”
Congratulations to Ida B. Wells High School band director Nick Caldwell, who received $10,000 from Barry Manilow during the musical icon’s final Portland concert last month. The money will help purchase new percussion instruments — replacing some equipment that dates back to 1956, when the school was built! As he told KPTV, “It means a lot to know that a lot of people rallied together to help me get some money for the local band program.”
Finally, Bon Appétit has aimed a national spotlight on Portland’s best bars, including several watering holes right here in District 4. Congratulations to Side Eye (“a dim, dark neo-dive”), Jerry’s (“a charming Wisconsin backroads tavern”), and Fancy Baby (“an over-the-top clubhouse for serious wine drinkers”) for making the list!
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