  Mt. Scott Community Center Reopening!
I got a wonderful tour of the recently remodeled and expanded Mt. Scott Community Center on Tuesday. The center was already buzzing with families, teens, and neighbors from across SE Portland at the soft opening, and I’m so excited for more constituents to go check out the newly improved space!
I want to give a HUGE shout out to all of the amazing people who poured their time, talent, and vision into making this project a reality — your work will touch and improve countless lives.
This space also will be home to two Preschool for All classrooms — giving our youngest learners a strong start! The Teen Force program will also be at this community center, creating a safe and empowering space for youth. Did you know that a TeenForce pass gives free access to participants ages 10-20 for many activities at community centers throughout Portland? In addition to Mt. Scott, Teen Force is at Montavilla, East Portland, Matt Dishman, Charles Jordan, and Southwest Community Center.
It was wonderful to see all the work that has been completed. I’m looking forward to the pool reopening soon!
 Block the Bombs
Yesterday I joined with other leaders to call on Oregon’s Congressional delegation to sponsor the Block the Bombs Act (HR 3565). Oregon elected leaders from cities and counties, statewide legislators, faith and community leaders, and Oregonians whose family members have been killed in Gaza gathered to demand an immediate halt to military aid in Israel.
 Join Us! Next Constituent Coffee at PDX Saints Love
My next constituent coffee will be Saturday, September 13 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at PDX Saints Love, 247 SE 82nd Avenue. Do you know about the work of PDX Saints Love? They do such important work in our district!
Please come be in community with us and share your thoughts about Portland! Thank you to our dear friend, PDX Saints Love, for hosting us! If you are able to bring a pair of new socks to donate, they would greatly appreciate it (of course donations are not required to come!).
RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/constituent-coffee-tickets-1641267377909?aff=oddtdtcreator
 SAVE THE DATE(S)!
After passing unanimously out of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee in May, our resolution reaffirming the city’s commitment to Vision Zero heads to full Council on Wednesday, September 17! Join us at 5 p.m. before the Council meeting for popsicles, music, art and fun! We’ll parade around City Hall, and then head into Council Chambers by 5:52 to testify and show support. Wear orange!
Enjoy this fabulous video about testifying with staffer Sprout; for more information you can check out the city’s page to register for testimony or submit written testimony to Council.
As part of Vision Zero week, on Thursday, September 18, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., AARP Oregon is hosting its 2025 Age-Friendly Oregon Summit at Portland State University (registration is free). Councilor Jamie Dunphy and I will offer remarks in the morning that detail the history and future opportunities related to an age-friendly Portland. Both of us will also contribute to afternoon sessions that highlight local efforts to make Portland an even better place to grow up and grow old; Council Aide Alan DeLaTorre will moderate an afternoon workshop on housing strategies. Come join us!
And finally, we’re taking to the streets! On Friday, September 19 we’ll be taking over a parking spot near Oblique Coffee at 30th Place and Stark, to help highlight Vision Zero goals. There will be activities for kids and families, educational materials for making our streets safer, and lots of good vibes! Stop by and say hello! If you also want to create a “parklet” for Park(ing) Day, the deadline for filing a permit is this Friday, September 12.
I am excited to get the work of actionable accountability started, and to revitalize our charge to end traffic violence in our City of Roses. Looking forward to a fun week!
Cleveland Tenacity Dance Team Rummage Sale
Cleveland High School’s Tenacity Dance Team is holding a rummage and bake sale fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Sunday! Donations will be accepted today and tomorrow. For more information on how to donate or attend check out their website. The event will be held in the parking lot of Cleveland HS.
ICE Updates
Councilor Morillo has released a statement and information on ICE in Portland as the situation continues to evolve. I stand with my colleague and encourage everyone to read this update. Update on ICE in Portland | Portland.gov
Connecting with Community Resources
Finding the right community resources can be a challenge! In addition to Portland’s 311 service, I found this hub of resources helpful. Though created by Kaiser Permanente, it is for members and nonmembers alike. Here are links for their community support hub and list of community resources near you.
Free Trees!
Speaking of slowing down traffic and making Portland better (see Vision Zero, above!), here are two ways to get free trees:
Portland’s Trees for Residential Streets planting program allows trees to be planted along streets without curbs or sidewalks. Check out their website to find a list of the neighborhoods served by this year’s program and to sign up to have Urban Forestry plant free trees!
Urban Forestry’s first Yard Tree Giveaway of the season will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, September 27 at the Mt. Tabor Community Garden near SE Lincoln and SE 61st Avenue. 300+ trees will be distributed for Portlanders to plant in their yards! Volunteers are needed to help fill mulch buckets, load trees into cars, and uncover root flares on these young trees. (No experience is necessary.)
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Performing Arts Steering Committee
You could be a part of shaping the future of the Keller Auditorium, and possibly a new venue at Portland State University! A committee is being formed to help shape the direction of large-scale performing arts venues in Portland. Community members are sought who have technical expertise or professional experience — including from the fields of architecture, construction, finance, fundraising, performing arts, real estate development, urban planning, and venue operations — to help with conversations about the next steps for this project. The 11-member steering committee will meet six times between November 2025 and June 2026. Applications for the Future of Large-Scale Performing Arts Steering Committee are due by September 29th!
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