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Dear Portlanders,

Last week, Mayor Wilson issued an executive order in response to the Trump Administration's threats to withhold federal grant funding from cities that don’t follow his interpretation of federal civil rights law. The executive order prohibits City programs and services from giving preference to groups with ‘protected-class status’ based on characteristics like race or gender—even when the purpose of the program is to remedy longstanding inequities—and could require changes to administrative policies, city code, and possibly even ballot measures.

I'm angry that the Trump Administration has put Portland and other cities in the position of losing hundreds of millions of dollars of critical funding—or selling out our communities of color, women, and LGBTQ+ Portlanders.

I'm also very concerned that yielding on this is no guarantee of funding, because the Administration may well threaten to withhold funding the next time they wish to target our values.

I'm not complying in advance—and I’m not committing in advance to any proposed changes to City Code. Furthermore, I oppose Council changing recent ballot measures—like PCEF—without voter approval.

I remain committed to the City’s core values of anti-racism, equity, transparency, communication, collaboration, and fiscal responsibility; to protecting and lifting up marginalized communities; and to finding ways where we can push back against authoritarian federal overreach, including through litigation.

With gratitude,
Sameer Kanal

Councilor.Kanal@portlandoregon.gov 

Highlights

August has been filled with neighborhood block parties and connecting with Portlanders in some of District 2's many beautiful parks. I'm so grateful to live in North Portland and in our wonderful city.

Hot Topics

Three things I’m hearing a lot about in constituent emails and at town halls:

• Diverters in NW Portland, which I posted my thoughts about a few days ago.
• Moda Center and the Blazers: I’m committed to keeping the Blazers a core part of our community, and District 2, for generations to come.
• Drugs and addiction: A lot of Portlanders want us to talk about it more – it’ll be the main topic of our Community and Public Safety Committee on September 9.

Updates

$3.75M Settlement to the Family of Manny Clark

Last week, the City Council approved the largest wrongful death settlement paid to an individual plaintiff in our city’s history. Immanueal Jaquez Clark was fatally shot in the back by a Portland Police Bureau officer in 2022. A grand jury cleared the officer of criminal wrongdoing, and former Mayor Wheeler and Chief Day cleared the officer of misconduct allegations.

To Manny’s loved ones and to our community—I’m sorry. This should never have happened and this settlement, though just, is not justice. I will do all that I can to facilitate policy and other changes so that it never happens again.

Council Meetings Schedule

This week the city council is considering legislation to change from meeting twice a month to meeting every week. The current meeting schedule unnecessarily limits the amount of items we can discuss and vote on, results in longer delays for items that have gone through committees to come before the full council, and limits opportunities for public input. Previous city councils have met weekly for decades, and I'm excited to bring that back to offer a more responsive City Council that has time to hear your voice!

The Office of Violence Prevention is Hiring!

Interested in helping address gun violence in our community? The Office of Violence Prevention is accepting applications for a Program Manager until September 8. This position will coordinate OVP’s violence reduction efforts across the city and ensure strong relationships with community and intergovernmental partners, as well as communication with the media. The Program Manager will also serve as key advisor to the Director of Community Safety and representative of the Community Safety Division.

CHAT is Hiring!

The Community Health Assess and Treat (CHAT) program is hiring Medical Responders and a Paramedic. CHAT is a vital part of Portland's public safety system, responding to low-acuity 911 medical calls, providing care coordination to vulnerable and socially isolated populations, and following up within 24 hours of the 911 call.

Both positions are union-represented, part of Portland Firefighters Association (PFFA), Local 43 IAFF. Apply today—applications close August 18.

Events

Summer Free for All

The 2025 Summer Free for All season has been fantastic, and there are still more fun, free events coming up in August. Watch movies in the park like The Goonies (Aug. 16) and the original Beetlejuice (Aug. 30). Listen to musical acts like the First Lady of Portland Blues, LaRhonda Steele & Friends (Aug. 29), and Zydeco group Too Loose (Aug. 24). Or see a performance of the beloved Sondheim musical Into the Woods at Luuwit View Park (Aug. 17).

Rose City Self-Defense

Want to improve your or your kids' self-defense ability? Rose City Self-Defense and the Safe Blocks Program are holding an Introductory Personal Safety and Self-Defense workshop Tuesday, August 19 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Midland Library, 805 SE 122nd Ave. The class will cover assertive communication and de-escalation skills, as well as options for escape and safety planning. All community members ages 11 and older are welcome to register. Children aged 11-14 must be accompanied by an adult.

City Council Meetings

City Council meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month and alternate between day meetings and evening meetings. The next regular meeting is Sep. 3 at 9:30 a.m. The City Council will be on recess August 18-September 1 and will not meet in committee or as a full council. Community members are welcome to attend the meeting in person at City Hall or view the live broadcast on YouTube. Agendas post on the City website the Friday before each meeting.

Committee Meetings

City Council Committees meet on the second and fourth week of the month. The next meetings are:

• Thursday, August 14, 9:30 a.m.: Climate, Resilience, and Land Use
• Thursday, August 14, 12 p.m.: Labor and Workforce Development
• Monday, September 8, 9:30 a.m.: Transportation and Infrastructure
• Monday, September 8, 12 p.m.: Finance
• Monday, September 8, 2:30 p.m.: Governance
• Tuesday, September 9, 9:30 a.m.: Arts and Economy
• Tuesday, September 9, 12 p.m.: Homelessness and Housing
• Tuesday, September 9, 2:30 p.m.: Community and Public Safety

Community members are welcome to attend meetings in person at City Hall or view the live broadcast on YouTube. Committee agendas post online the Thursday before the meeting.

Neighborhood Association Meetings

The City of Portland posts upcoming neighborhood association meetings on its website. See when your neighbors are gathering this month and view construction and maintenance updates for your area!