Hot Topics
Three things I’m hearing a lot about from constituents:
- The National Guard, ICE, and the federal government's presence in Portland
- The Critical Energy Infrastructure Hub
- Homelessness and the new shelters
Updates
 Sanctuary City Status Codification Passes Unanimously!
On Wednesday night, the ordinance I and cosponsors Councilors Candace Avalos, Tiffany Koyama Lane, Angelita Morillo, Steve Novick and Loretta Smith introduced to enshrine Portland's sanctuary city status in City Code passed unanimously. This legislation strengthens our commitment to safeguarding vulnerable communities and requires the creation of policies, resources and programs to guide how the City must handle interactions with federal agents like ICE.
The ordinance had the support of over a dozen organizations, like the ACLU of Oregon, Latinx PDX, SEIU Oregon, and the Portland Association of Teachers, as well as elected officials and community leaders like State Representatives Andrea Valderrama and Willy Chotzen, the entire Portland Public Schools Board, and every Multnomah County Commissioner.
Thank you to all the community members who showed up over the last couple months to get this across the finish line! Your collective action is how we will resist the rising tide of authoritarianism and safeguard democracy in Portland and across the country.
This is just the first step. I'll also be filing two ordinances soon that would ban the use of chemical weapons like tear gas and prohibit law enforcement, including federal agents, from concealing their identities so that a person can't just put on a mask and a tactical vest and pose as an ICE agent in order to kidnap someone.
I hear from Portlanders that they see other cities taking action, and they're wondering when their City is going to do something. I want you to know we hear you, and we are doing something. Our authority as a local government may be limited, but we're going to use it...because we decide what our city's values and laws are, not the federal government.
New Portland Street Response Committee seeks members
The new Portland Street Response (PSR) Committee is accepting applications to fill 14 advisory seats. The Committee is a volunteer body that will advise the City Council as it supports the development and sustained growth of Portland Street Response.
We want people from every part of Portland to share their voice on this committee, especially those who haven't been involved before. If you want to serve your community, apply today!
Applications are due Monday, October 27.
Columbia Pool Update
District 2 City Councilors met with the City Administration in September to discuss the future of Columbia Pool. We agreed that we'd like to see Portland Parks & Recreation stabilize the pool's deteriorating condition so it doesn't fall further into disrepair until we can get the funding to fully restore it. We also requested a study be conducted on what it would take and cost to fix the pool.
Councilor Dan Ryan, Council President Elana Pirtle-Guiney and I are determined to save this pool so that North and Northeast Portlanders don't lose a vital and much-loved recreation asset. My office will continue to share any new developments.
Know Your Rights
Do you know what to do if you're approached by federal agents or military troops? The ACLU of Oregon has resources to help you navigate these interactions, as well as guidance for what your rights are if you see federal agents active in your neighborhood.
The ACLU of Oregon also has an online complaint form where you can report incidents that may have violated your rights, whether related to immigration enforcement, hate crimes, or engaging in constitutionally protected protest.
Events
 National Book Month
October is National Book Month, and what better way to celebrate than to visit some of the great local bookstores in North & Northeast Portland. Also, mark your calendars for the Portland Book Festival coming up on November 8th!
Portland Latin American Film Festival
The Portland Latin American Film Festival showcases perspectives of Latin American culture through an exploration of Latin film and increases the visibility of Latin American cinema locally. This year's festival runs from October 8 - November 12 at Hollywood Theater and features films like "This Island (Esta Isla)", "I Am Frankelda (Soy Frankelda)", and "The Secret Agent (O Agente Secrete)".
Trick or Treat Alberta Street
It's the annual Trick or Treat Alberta Street! Wear your Halloween costume and walk along NE Alberta St. between NE 12th St. and NE 31 St. visiting local businesses. Friday, Oct. 31 from 3-6pm.
City Council Meetings
City Council meetings are currently held on the first and third Wednesday of each month and alternate between day meetings and evening meetings. The next regular meeting is October 22 at 9:30 a.m. 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:
- Monday, October 20, 12 p.m.: Finance
- Monday, October 20, 2:30 p.m.: Governance
- Tuesday, October 21, 12 p.m.: Homelessness and Housing
- Tuesday, October 21, 2:30 p.m.: Community and Public Safety
- Thursday, October 23, 9:30 a.m.: Climate, Resilience, and Land Use
- Thursday, October 23, 12 p.m.: Labor and Workforce Development
Community members are welcome to attend meetings in person at City Hall or view the live broadcast on . 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!
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