 Protect Portland and Sanctuary City Initiatives
On Wednesday evening, City Council stood up and spoke up by unanimously passing two important pieces of legislation that are designed to protect our community from the violence that the federal government is inflicting on us.
Passed were a resolution denouncing military deployment to Portland and directing the mayor to create the Protect Portland Initiative, and an ordinance making Portland’s Sanctuary City status officially part of city code, which makes it legally binding. Together, this package works to protect the rights, dignity, and safety of all community members. Based on my motion, Council passed it with an emergency clause, which means that these protections will begin immediately.
We have more ahead of us. This legislation is a first step to bringing the Council together alongside the mayoral executive branch to stand up for Portlanders.
I know that we are in terrifying times. But now is the time to speak up. Now is the time to stand firm in our values. Now is the time for us to model being brave, rather than staying silent and hoping things will be OK.
During World War II many Portlanders thought being silent and complying was the best way forward as their neighbors were being disappeared. I wish more community leaders and everyday constituents had stood up and spoken out when the federal government forced my own grandparents and many other Japanese Americans into US concentration camps. We are seeing history repeat itself in many ways.
This moment is testing Portland, and I am so proud of how we are uniting as a city to stand together and grow stronger. I’m proud to be part of the work to defend our neighbors and our democracy.
I think it’s important to remember that this fight is not just about Portland – we have many other cities watching us. While President Trump brings violence to our streets, how we respond can help protect democracy in other cities, states, and the nation. May we continue to care for each other as we find more ways to protect our community and stand up for Portland and beyond.
Thank you to my fellow co-sponsors on this legislation. Thank you to all of our community partners for everything you do, have done, and continue to do. Thank you to the constituents who share their stories with us. In addition to the many people who I’ve talked to at in-district events and who have reached out by email to my office, we had more than 60 people come in to testify at the meeting, and almost 250 written testimonies submitted. It’s an honor to be in relationship with you all as we fight together for democracy.
Supporting Local Businesses
On Tuesday morning I met with a group of District 3 business associations and neighborhood prosperity network organizations. I was reminded that there are so many ways in which the federal overreach and disinformation campaign has impacted our city negatively. District 3 small businesses shared that they are being impacted by the false narrative that Portland is on fire and is war torn. We can combat that by frequenting small businesses in our district, sharing the truth with our friends and family, and even making social media posts to show that our city is alive and well!
A resource I would like to share is the Local Small Business Expanded Repair/Restore Grant Program. The program provides funding to small businesses located in the City of Portland that have sustained physical and economic damage due to break-ins and vandalism. Grants assist eligible businesses to remain open and operational and contribute to maintaining a healthy street environment.
Oregon For All Report
While the possibility of a National Guard deployment looms, we are seeing an increase in federal immigration enforcement locally. Over the last three days, Oregon has seen the largest coordinated presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in years – in cities including Portland, Hillsboro, Woodburn, Wilsonville, Gresham, Beaverton, Salem, Eugene and the surrounding communities. As ICE activity increases, we need to show up for our neighbors and friends and reaffirm that every person in our state deserves safety, dignity, and fairness.
If you witness ICE, the military, or any federal law enforcement making an immigration arrest in public, it's your legal right to film, as long as you don't interfere. Click here to learn more about how to film.
As soon as you are able to, call or text the PIRC hotline at 1–888-622-1510 and report the ICE activity and share CLEAR information (Count, Location, Equipment, Activity, Report). If you or someone you know needs access to immigration legal services, you can reach out to the Equity Corps of Oregon at 888-274-7292.
Information about Portland’s Federal Response
Information related to Portland's federal response, regularly updated, can be found at https://www.portland.gov/federal.
Some of the pages currently available there are:
About the ICE facility
How to report a problem near the ICE facility
Land use violation at the ICE facility
 Alice Awards
It was wonderful to celebrate the multimodal community at the Alice Awards Thursday night, hosted by The Street Trust. Advocacy for bikers, walkers, transit riders, and rollers was highlighted, including programs such as Safe Routes to School, Great Streets, Community Paths, WeBike, and Ride2Own. Making streets safer for all is essential work, and is integrated into our city’s work on Vision Zero. Pictured with me at the event are Councilor Loretta Smith, Portland Bureau of Transportation director Millicent Williams, Multnomah County Health Department manager Brendon Haggerty, and Vision Zero policy manager Dana Dickman.
 Bridge Meadows
Bridge Meadows is an organization creating intergenerational housing and services focused on children and youth impacted by foster care. I was able to tour their North Wayland Avenue location last Friday afternoon, and was so impressed by the housing, therapeutic programs, and multigenerational community there! The Bridge Meadows model has elders living in the communities, serving as mentors, friends, and caregivers to the children and each other, forming a safety net of care and interdependence.
 No Kings Sign-Making and Coffee Event TOMORROW
Join us to make signs, or pick up signs provided by Protect Oregon, TOMORROW, 9 to 11:30 a.m. at SE Uplift, 3534 SE Main St. We’ll be getting ready for the No Kings rally and march starting at noon at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park at the Battleship Memorial. Coffee will be provided. See you there!
 Never Again Is Now
Oregon Tsuru for Solidarity and Oregon Rises Above Hate will be hosting a pre-No Kings rally event at 11 a.m. TOMORROW at the Japanese American Historical Plaza, 2 SW Naito Parkway. Never Again Is Now is a way to stand in solidarity with the communities being targeted now, and also to be reminded of the strength of the Japanese American community.
SOLVE Cleanups
SOLVE is a nonprofit environmental organization that helps volunteers with environmental improvement projects across Oregon. Links to sign up for upcoming neighborhood cleanup events held in District 3 include:
I always enjoy working with fellow SOLVE volunteers to make a big difference for a neighborhood! I’m looking forward to attending the Nov. 15 event.
No Ivy Day
Portland Parks and Recreation, working with partner organizations, will be holding its annual No Ivy Day on Saturday, October 25. Locations include Rocky Butte, Leach Botanical Garden, and Mt. Tabor. Events are family friendly and require no prior experience. For a full list and to sign up to volunteer to remove non-native English and Irish ivy you can sign up here. As a new part of No Ivy Day, there also will be a Know-Ivy Crafting Workshop at Mt. Scott Community Center in the afternoon.
Lone Fir Cemetery History
Established in 1855, Lone Fir is Portland’s oldest cemetery, the final resting place for more than 25,000 Portlanders whose stories shaped our city. It also is Portland’s second-largest arboretum, and a great place to enjoy the fall season! Friends of Lone Fir Cemetery offers guided tours that highlight the cemetery’s history.
82nd Avenue Transit Project Meeting
SE Uplift’s Land Use and Transportation Committee Meeting, focusing on the new express transit service planned for 82nd Avenue, will be held 7 to 9 p.m. this Monday, October 20. The design team is seeking input! Everyone is welcome for the discussion and project updates from TriMet and Portland Bureau of Transportation. The hybrid meeting will be held at 3534 SE Main or via Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/j/94658039953
Community Health Fair
A community health fair will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, November 1 at IRCO (Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization), 10323 NE Glisan St. The event will bring together health and community resources including a bill discount program, Comcast sign-ups, and help signing up for the Oregon Health Plan.
Single Stair Design Competition
Strong Towns PDX, Portland Neighbors Welcome, and the University of Oregon School of Architecture and Environment are holding a single stair student design competition. A lecture by Michael Eliason will kick off the event from 5:30 to 7:30 pm Monday, October 20, at the University of Oregon Innovation Building Commons, 2811 NE Holman Street. To attend please register in advance.
Interview on KATU about Wednesday’s legislation
KGW8 article, “Portland City Council passes two measures pushing back on ICE overreach”
Oregonian article, “City Council defies Trump with ‘Protect Portland Initiative’ against federal overreach”
Plaza Designs Sought
I am so excited about the new rules the Council has put into place for street plazas! Creating these third spaces, vibrant with art and socializing, is such a testament to the creative spirit of Portland. There is now an open call for new plaza partners! If you have an idea of how a public plaza could serve your neighborhood, you can propose ideas for possible collaboration with the Portland Bureau of Transportation. Applications will be accepted through December 1, and approved ideas will be tested out next summer. A Plaza Open Call Virtual Info Session will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. this Wednesday, October 22nd. To watch a fun video about the process of applying, click here.
Design Commission Openings
The City of Portland is seeking applications for two upcoming openings, starting as early as April 2026, for four-year terms on the Design Commission. The Design Commission provides leadership and expertise on urban design and architecture in design overlay zones, where design and neighborhood character are of special concern. Applications will be accepted through Thursday, Nov. 20.
OFNHP on Strike
Kaiser workers with OFNHP will be striking daily, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., through Sunday morning. They are seeking protections for safe staffing, a voice in patient care, and better wages. For locations and other details visit https://ofnhp.aft.org/we-are-kaiser.
Staying Connected
Staying connected and informed is especially important right now. If you've received this newsletter from a friend, you can sign up for yourself here.
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