 Public Plazas
On Monday in our Transportation and Infrastructure Committee meeting I heard presentations about new policies to support public plazas. I asked about how our plazas are serving people of all abilities and ages. It’s so important to be thinking beyond basic ADA compliance to make these gathering spots better for the disability community, older adults, and caregivers/families! I feel lucky to have Alan DeLaTorre on my team as my policy lead on Age Friendly policy work, and I’m looking forward to discussing more ways our public plazas program can grow to better serve all Portlanders! We also heard about the important work done by Depave and Growing Gardens.
 Parklet Fun
Speaking of “third spaces” (community gathering areas outside of home and work), last Friday my team and I set up a “parklet” on 30th Place next to Oblique Coffee on SE Stark. It was a great day of interacting with constituents in a casual and fun environment! We heard a range of stories about what traffic safety means to people, and had a blast playing games, sharing information, and connecting with passers-by.
 Southeast Uplift Welcoming Week
On Saturday I visited Southeast Uplift for Welcoming Week. It was wonderful to see the art installation from The Immigrant Story (on display into December), check out the farmer’s market (noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays through November 1), and learn more about resources for immigrants and refugees. I found this packet especially helpful. Welcome neighbors!
 Friends of Rocky Butte
On Sunday Friends of Rocky Butte hosted a concert and neighborhood block party inside the park’s historic tunnel. I enjoyed the show and activities with Councilor Jamie Dunphy and Jimmy Radosta. Seeing a concert inside an extinct volcano is even better with friends!
 Celebrating Rip City
The excitement is building for an exciting year with the Trailblazers! Sunday afternoon at Pioneer Courthouse Square I joined the many Portlanders welcoming Damian Lillard back to Portland, and celebrating new players including Hansen Yang. Welcome Home Dame, and Go Blazers!
 D3 Walk at Laurelhurst
It was great to join my fellow District 3 councilors Tuesday at Laurelhurst Park. A huge thank you to the nonprofit Oregon Walks for the opportunity to have important conversations with constituents, while being in such a beautiful setting!
 Mt. Scott Learning Center
Today I toured Mt. Scott Learning Center, 6148 SE Holgate. Mt. Scott is a part of Portland Public School's Multiple Pathways to Graduation program, and serves about 150 high school students a year. During the 2025 regular session of the Oregon legislature, the program was awarded $1 million to build a youth center. We got to see plans for the building and meet with students.
Week Without Driving
The 2025 Week Without Driving is taking place this Monday, September 29 through Sunday, October 5. I’m committed to relying on walking, biking or using transit as much as possible, especially during this event!
Nearly a third of all Portlanders are unable to drive due to age, disability, and/or income restrictions. A Week Without Driving aims to raise awareness of barriers non-drivers face. For more information you can check out the web page of sponsor America Walks.
And did you know that BikeLoud has a Bike Buddy program? If you are new to biking, or want to try out a new route, volunteer mentors can help you get ready!
https://www.portlandmercury.com/news/2025/09/26/48043706/its-been-10-years-since-portland-adopted-vision-zero-whats-changed
TriMet Service Priorities Survey
You might have heard that TriMet is facing a budget shortfall. As a last resort, TriMet is considering service cuts, and would like to hear from riders and the communities TriMet serves. At trimet.org/servicecuts you can fill out their Service Priorities Survey, and see the schedule for upcoming open houses.
Street Tree Reports Available
Portland’s Urban Forestry program has completed a three-year effort to map, measure, and identify 252,180 street trees across the city. Key findings included a 15% increase in Portland’s street trees over the past decade, greater species diversity, and about 90% of street trees in good or fair condition.
If you want to learn more, data from the project is available to the public in a Tree Inventory map, Street Tree Inventory dashboard and in the Street Tree Inventory report.
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