 Hello District 1,
Last week was truly eventful! From celebrating milestones in affordable housing to engaging directly with businesses and neighbors on pressing community concerns, I’ve been working to make sure District 1’s voice is always at the table.
In this newsletter, you’ll find a recap of where I’ve been, the conversations shaping our City Council agenda, and the incredible work happening in our neighborhoods.
📣 If you’re part of an organization in District 1 that wants to share resources or community events, please send us an email—we’d love to feature your updates in our next issue.
Together, we’re building a stronger, safer, and more connected Portland.
– Councilor Loretta Smith
Portland City Council – District 1
 What Happened in Council Last Week?
Setting Priorities and Advancing District 1’s Voice
City Council Work Session – September 17
Last week, I joined my colleagues for a work session to discuss our legislative priorities for the fall. These sessions help set the direction for City Council’s work, and I continue to advocate for District 1’s needs—especially around safety, small business support, and equitable infrastructure.
City Council Meeting – September 17–18
During our regular Council meetings, we:
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Reaffirmed our commitment to Vision Zero and voted to convene a cross-bureau task force. As a co-sponsor of this resolution, I strongly believe traffic safety must remain a top priority across Portland.
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Reviewed proposals to reform the Small Donor Elections program, which helps ensure everyday Portlanders—not just big donors—can participate in our democracy.
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Began consideration of land use updates in the Pleasant Valley Urban Service Boundary Amendments, which will guide growth and development on the city’s east side.
Each of these conversations shapes how we deliver services, ensure accountability, and respond to community priorities. My focus is always to make sure District 1’s voice is at the center of these decisions.
This Week at Council — Join the Conversation
Here’s what’s on the calendar for Council this week. All meetings are open to the public and available online—you’re invited to tune in and see how decisions are shaped.
Monday, September 22
9:30–11:30 AM – Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Meeting
12:00–2:00 PM – Finance Committee Meeting
2:30–4:30 PM – Governance Committee Meeting
Tuesday, September 23
9:30–11:30 AM – Arts & Economy Committee Meeting
12:00–2:00 PM – Homelessness & Housing Committee Meeting
2:30–4:30 PM – Community & Public Safety Committee Meeting
Wednesday, September 24
9:30 AM–2:00 PM – Special City Council Meeting
Thursday, September 25
9:30–11:30 AM – Climate, Resilience & Land Use Committee Meeting
12:00–2:00 PM – Labor & Workforce Development Committee Meeting
🌉 Interstate Bridge Replacement Project Tour
I joined my colleagues on the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, IBR Program staff, TriMet, and City staff for a corridor tour of the Interstate Bridge. Seeing the challenges of this 100+ year-old bridge firsthand underscored how urgent it is to move forward with a safer, more reliable replacement.
🏘️ Joice A. Taylor Apartments Grand Opening
I was honored to celebrate the opening of the Joice A. Taylor Apartments with the Urban League of Portland. This project is a major step forward in affordable housing and a meaningful tribute to Joice A. Taylor’s legacy of community leadership.
  🎉Bridge Meadows 20th Anniversary Gala
I was grateful to join the Bridge Meadows 20th Anniversary Gala, celebrating two decades of intergenerational community building and support for foster youth, adoptive families, and elders. Their model is a powerful example of how Portland can care for all generations
☕ Coffee with a Cop: 122nd Bottle Drop at the District 1 office
I hosted Coffee with a Cop: 122nd Bottle Drop, where I met with business owners, neighbors, OBRC, Portland Police, and Multnomah County partners at the district office, to talk about safety and livability around the BottleDrop on 122nd. We discussed issues such as encampments, drug activity, vandalism, and impacts on small businesses. I am committed to working with partners to find collaborative solutions.
Save the date for the next Coffee with a Cop
Friday , October 17th, 2025, 9:00 - 11:00 AM
Details will be in the next newsletter!
 🌟 Historic Parkrose Community Engagement Event
I joined residents and local leaders at a Historic Parkrose engagement event, focused on revitalization, safety, and economic development. I am inspired by the energy and leadership in this neighborhood, and I look forward to supporting their vision for a thriving community.v
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