Dear Neighbors,
Last week was filled with meaningful conversations, powerful moments, and opportunities to connect across our city. From diving deep into policy during Committee Week to honoring the life and legacy of Representative Hòa Nguyen, our focus remains on community — ensuring that every Portlander feels seen, supported, and heard.
I’m also proud of our ongoing engagement in the community — from the Working Waterfront Coalition Harbor Tour, which highlighted Portland’s thriving industries, to celebrating International Walk & Roll to School Day alongside students and families. These moments remind us that progress happens both in the chambers of City Hall and in the heart of our neighborhoods.
Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to shaping a stronger, more connected District 1.
With gratitude,
– Councilor Loretta Smith
Portland City Council – District 1
It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of Representative Hòa Nguyen, a wonderful soul who fought bravely against cancer.
Hòa was not only a natural supporter of Portland’s business community, but also a champion for people—a leader whose compassion, courage, and dedication touched so many lives.
Her kindness and spirit will always be remembered. I was proud to support Hòa and honor her journey.
May she rest in peace.
You will be missed, but never forgotten
  What Happened in Council Last Week?
Committee Week Updates
Last week was Committee Week at City Hall — a time when my colleagues and I step out of the full Council chamber to dive deeper into the policy issues shaping Portland’s future. Here’s a look at what we discussed across several key committees:
🚰 Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
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Heard updates on Portland’s water system and Bull Run Filtration Project.
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Learned that population growth isn’t increasing water demand due to more multi-family housing.
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Four major wholesale customers will leave the system next year, creating a 30% drop in demand and about a $20 million revenue decrease.
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Construction on the Bull Run Filtration Project has begun; community concerns around safety, traffic, and noise remain a key focus.
🎭 Arts & Economy Committee
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Celebrated 30 years of the Charles Froelick Gallery, a vital contributor to Portland’s arts community.
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Reviewed Portland Parks & Recreation’s Tennis Program, noting participation in Portland has grown 15% — double the national rate.
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Discussed strategies for equitable access to tennis courts citywide within 3 miles of every resident.
🏘 Community & Public Safety Committee
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Discussed local response to federal troop deployment, emphasizing Portland’s right to self-govern and maintain community-based safety.
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Reviewed updates from Portland Street Response, Project Respond, and PPB on improving coordination across the city’s crisis-response network.
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Reaffirmed my commitment to a safety model rooted in trust, compassion, and accountability.
💼 Labor & Workforce Development Committee
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As Chair, I led a comprehensive discussion on wage theft and its impacts across industries.
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Heard testimony from the Katie Suisan from the Northwest Workers’ Justice Project, Trampas Simmons and Jesus Sauceda from the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters, and community organizers from Migrante Portland.
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Explored next steps for potential city-level policies that better protect workers and ensure fair pay for all Portlanders.
Guard Go Home
On September 3rd, I sat alongside Mayor Keith Wilson, City Attorney Robert Taylor, and Commissioner Julia Brimm Edwards in Federal Court as our State Attorney General defended Portland against a Presidential order that misrepresents our city.
We stand united — Councilors Angelita Morillo, Sameer Kanal, and Mitch Green joined residents outside the courthouse to oppose federal interference.
Portland is not a battlefield — it’s our home, and we’re capable of leading ourselves with strength and unity.
Working Waterfront Coalition Harbor Tour
On Monday, the Smith team joined the Working Waterfront Coalition for a harbor tour along the Willamette River. We learned about the vital role Portland’s industrial businesses play in powering our local economy and supporting good jobs across the region.
International Walk & Roll to School Day
This week, Malynda from Team Smith joined students, parents, and community leaders for International Walk & Roll to School Day at Powell Butte Elementary.
The event encouraged safe, active transportation and brought neighbors together through the Walking School Bus and Park & Walk routes. It was a great morning celebrating community, safety, and healthy ways to get to school!
Celebrating Portland’s Future: SummerWorks Intern Celebration
Last week, I had the joy of celebrating our SummerWorks Interns during the annual “Beyond SummerWorks: Future In Progress” event — a program that is especially close to my heart.
For the thirteenth consecutive year, the City of Portland has proudly partnered with SummerWorks to provide meaningful employment opportunities for youth ages 16–24 who face barriers such as disability, justice system involvement, immigrant or refugee status, homelessness, or foster care engagement.
This year, the City funded 200 paid internships at no cost to bureaus, connecting young people with mentorship, job training, and pathways toward career success.
Programs like SummerWorks remind me why investing in our youth is essential to Portland’s future — because when we open doors for the next generation, we strengthen our community as a whole.
 District 1 Councilors Connect with Russellville Park Residents
Last night, I joined my fellow District 1 Councilors — Councilor Avalos and Councilor Dunphy — for a community Q&A with residents at Russellville Park Senior Living.
We had an engaging and heartfelt 90-minute conversation about the issues that matter most to our community — from housing and social services to the future of the Gateway Shopping Center and Portland’s city budget.
Each of us shared our priorities and answered thoughtful questions about accessibility, neighborhood safety, and how we’re working to keep District 1 connected and informed.
It was inspiring to hear directly from residents who care deeply about the future of East Portland. These are the kinds of conversations that ground our work and remind us why listening is one of the most powerful tools in leadership.
 100th Annual League of Oregon Cities Annual
A few weeks ago I attended the League of Oregon Cities 100th Annual Conference, where leaders from across Oregon came together to collaborate, share insights, and strengthen partnerships.
The two-day conference was filled with thoughtful discussions on housing, economic development, and community resilience — a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when cities work together.
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