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Happy September!

In this week's newsletter, you’ll read about my recent proposal to expand public participation in City Council meetings, a government 101 win for transparency and accessibility. You’ll also see how we’re addressing safety concerns in Parkrose.

I’m excited to share upcoming community events like the Downtown Sunday Parkways, plus a recap of our Labor Day celebration at Oaks Amusement Park. And across the city, we’re celebrating a big win: the long-awaited renovation of the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, a true investment in Portland’s future.

Thank you for staying connected and for continuing to be part of the work to make District 1 and all of Portland a stronger, safer, and more vibrant community.

– Councilor Loretta Smith
Portland City Council – District 1

Community Awareness — National Preparedness Month

This September is National Preparedness Month, and I want us to take a moment as a community to consider how we take care of the people we love—and even those we don't yet know—when disaster strikes.

The theme this year, “Preparedness Starts at Home”, reminds us that readiness doesn't require grand gestures. It begins with simple steps we can take right now—things like knowing what emergencies we might face, making a family plan, building a basic emergency kit, or even just checking in with neighbors on how we might support one another.

Given that many people—especially our older friends and neighbors—may still be underprepared, taking these small, intentional steps can make a meaningful difference in someone’s safety. 

This month, I encourage every District 1 household to ask:
What would we need if the lights went out for a few days? Having a plan, some essential supplies, and a support network in place isn't just smart—it’s caring. Let's lean into this moment to build resilience in our homes and neighborhoods together.

What Happened in Council Last Week?

Championing Public Engagement

I’m proud to share some exciting news: this week, Council approved my proposal to increase opportunities for public participation in City Council meetings.

This change means more accessible meeting times and more chances for community members to have their voices heard where decisions are made. For too long, many Portlanders haven’t been able to attend daytime meetings due to work, school, or other responsibilities. By expanding engagement opportunities, we’re ensuring that government reflects the lived experiences and priorities of the people it serves.

As I said during Council, “This is about building a Council that works for everyone—not just those who can take time off during the day. True representation means making space for all voices at the table.”

This is a big win for transparency, accessibility, and equity in Portland—and it’s a direct reflection of what you’ve been asking for: a Council that listens, learns, and leads alongside the community.

City Council Spotlight — Cutting Red Tape for Business Growth

Last week, the City Council explored an important step toward a more business-friendly Portland: easing permitting rules to help local entrepreneurs grow and operate more smoothly. The goal? To reduce bureaucratic hurdles and open pathways for small businesses to thrive.

For District 1, this is especially meaningful. Many of our neighborhoods:
Parkrose, Gateway, Lents, are home to small, family-owned businesses that are the backbone of our local economy. These businesses often don’t have large legal or administrative teams to navigate layers of red tape. Streamlining permitting means, they can spend less time fighting paperwork and more time serving our community, creating jobs, and keeping dollars circulating right here in East Portland.

This effort is a reminder that good government doesn’t just manage—it supports. By reducing unnecessary barriers, we’re creating space for innovation, growth, and stronger local businesses across District 1.

Community Spotlight — We See You, We Hear You

In recent weeks, I’ve heard from many of you about the challenges our District 1 neighborhoods and business corridors are facing. From Parkrose to Gateway and beyond, the message is clear: our community deserves safety, care, and consistent attention.

As a District 1 resident myself, I want you to know that I see you and I hear you. My team and I are working closely with city partners, business leaders, and neighbors to ensure your voices are not overlooked. The concerns raised about public safety, livability, and dignity are real and they matter.

District 1 is not just resilient, it is vibrant. But resilience should not mean carrying heavy burdens alone. Together, we can shift the narrative: our community is not forgotten, and it is not a dumping ground. It is a place of families, businesses, and culture that deserves the same resources and care as every part of Portland.

I remain committed to advocating for consistent action and long-term solutions that prioritize safety, support small businesses, and honor the strength of our neighborhoods. Thank you for continuing to raise your voices and for reminding us that progress comes when we face these challenges side by side.

Council Updates!

This Week at Council — Join the Conversation

This week is a Committee Week, which means Council members will be diving deep into policy conversations across a range of focus areas. These meetings are open to the public, and they’re a great way to follow how decisions are shaped before they reach the full Council floor.

Here’s the schedule:

Monday, September 8

• Transportation & Infrastructure Committee — 9:30–11:30 a.m. (Council Chambers)

• Finance Committee — 12:00–2:00 p.m. (Council Chambers)

• Governance Committee — 2:30–4:30 p.m. (Council Chambers)

Tuesday, September 9

• Arts & Economy Committee — 9:30–11:30 a.m. (Council Chambers)

• Community & Public Safety Committee — 2:30–4:30 p.m. (Council Chambers)

Wednesday, September 10

• Executive Session — 9:00–11:30 a.m. 
  (Closed to the public)

Thursday, September 11

• Climate, Resilience & Land Use Committee — 9:30–11:30 a.m. (Council Chambers)

Community Engagement and Events!

Upcoming Event — Downtown Portland Sunday Parkways

Mark your calendars!
On Sunday, September 14, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday Parkways is returning downtown for the first time since 2019.

This family-friendly event, led by the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), will transform the streets into a car-free block party, showcasing Portland’s unique public spaces, cultural destinations, and vibrant local businesses. With seven activation locations featuring free entertainment, community organizations, and cultural experiences, there will be something for everyone.

I’ll be joining neighbors downtown to celebrate and share the message that downtown is for everyone. I hope you’ll come walk, bike, and roll with us and experience all that our city center has to offer!

🚲 Want to make it extra fun? Join the Sunday Parkways Bike Bus! Every Council District has at least one guided bike route heading into downtown, with mascots, music, and a welcoming community vibe. Inbound rides will arrive at noon and 1:00 p.m., and outbound rides leave at 3:30 p.m. and 4:45 p.m. Full details and routes can be found below.

Labor Day at Oaks Park 

Last week I was honored to join the Northwest Oregon Labor Council’s Labor Day Picnic at Oaks Amusement Park, back for the first time in six years!

It was a wonderful day to celebrate the contributions of working people who keep Portland strong. From families enjoying the rides and music to conversations with neighbors and labor leaders, the event was filled with energy, connection, and pride in the dignity of work.

Labor Day is more than a holiday, it’s a reminder of the value of hard work, the importance of fairness, and the ongoing fight for safe workplaces and strong communities. Thank you to everyone who came together to make this celebration such a success.

Citywide Win: Renovating the Veterans Memorial Coliseum

The Veterans Memorial Coliseum is receiving its most significant renovation in 65 years, and this is more than just a project, it’s a statement of pride and possibility for all of Portland.

Funded through a dedicated tourism trust, these upgrades will ensure the Coliseum remains safe, accessible, and vibrant for generations to come. Improvements include new seating, modern restrooms, ADA-compliant platforms, upgraded safety systems, and more making the venue welcoming to every Portlander.

Why does this matter? Because the VMC isn’t just a building, it’s a piece of our city’s heart. From Trail Blazers championships and legendary concerts, to honoring our veterans and hosting cultural celebrations, this space has always been where Portland gathers, remembers, and dreams together.

Investing in the Coliseum is about more than pipes, platforms, and seats. It’s about ensuring that our shared history has a future, and that Portland continues to have spaces where community can connect, celebrate, and be inspired. This renovation is a true citywide win, one that lifts us all.

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