 Public School Funding and Advocacy
Last night I participated in a Public School Funding and Advocacy Teach-In and Community Forum held at Sunnyside K-8. Hearing the stories of parents’ and teachers’ experiences with the continued underfunding of our public schools was impactful. A former student of mine, now an eighth-grader, presented about the impacts on her school experience. She’s seen ceiling tiles fall in class, a light almost hit a fellow student, and other impacts of under-maintained buildings.
As part of the event, I led a breakout group centered on inclusion and equity in our advocacy work. During the PPS strike I learned how important it is to bring in as many voices as possible to build schools that truly serve their communities. It is essential work, and I was so glad for yesterday’s conversation!
A big thank you to all those who attended, including state representatives Willie Chotzen and Mark Gamba and other elected officials and staff, and to the organizers who are helping facilitate these events around the district.
Keeping up the pressure on state legislators to fully fund schools as required to meet Oregon’s Quality Education Model continues to be vital. Our students, families, and communities deserve better!
SNAP Benefits Issued in Oregon!
Great news: The Oregon Department of Human Services issued full November SNAP benefits this morning! SNAP recipients should now have full November SNAP benefits on their EBT cards, even if they would normally receive SNAP later in the month.
Before shopping, recipients should check their EBT card balance to make sure benefits have been issued. There are several ways to check your balance:
- Call ebtEDGE customer service toll-free at 888-997-4447
- Visit https://ebtEDGE.com
- Use the ebtEDGE mobile app
At this chaotic time, it is especially important to remain aware of potential scams. For tips to protect yourself from electronic theft click here.
 PSU Political Science Student Visit
This Wednesday Portland State University Professor Richard Clucas brought political science students to discuss local government. We discussed the process of making policy, providing constituent services, and pathways to leadership. It was great to host the group with my staff, alongside Councilors Green and Dunphy and members of Councilor Morillo’s staff.
 Improving Access to Soccer Programs
Saturday’s Refugee and Immigrant Soccer Conference was a huge success! “How to Organize Soccer/Football Tournaments within Refugee & Immigrant Communities” was organized by Som Subedi, and hosted by Portland City Councilor Jamie Dunphy and facilitator Art Hendricks. Bottles to Soccer aims to create new and more accessible opportunities for youth soccer here in Portland. For more information check out this post, or contact Subedi at bottlestosoccer@gmail.com.
 I Want to Hear From You!
Every week I try to pick some highlights from the week to share with you in my newsletter. With news changing almost hour by hour, it can be heartening to look back and realize the accomplishments and connections that were made.
A major highlight every month is hearing from you! Every month I have a constituent gathering, alternating between online and in-person to allow more people to participate. What are your top concerns, what is making you most proud as a citizen, where do you want City Council to be shining a light or changing a policy?
After every constituent coffee I am so grateful for the new perspectives and stories that were shared, and the community that is formed when we gather to hear what is on each other’s minds. I hope you’ll join us!
Upcoming events include TOMORROW online, and an in-person coffee and cocoa event at the Fireside Room at SE Uplift, 3534 SE Main St. on Saturday, December 13. Both events will take place starting at 9 a.m. Click here to register for tomorrow’s virtual conversation!
 Know Your Rights Training
ICE and federal enforcement activity continues to increase in our community. A free Know Your Rights training, presented by Oregon Justice Resource Center attorneys, will be held from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, November 22 at the Clinton Street Theater. Information about what's happening nationally and what it means for Oregon, sanctuary state rules, and information about your rights, risks, and remedies will be presented. You can reserve free tickets here.
 News from the Safe Routes to School Program
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Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day is taking place Friday, November 14. The goal of the event is to inspire kids to make positive changes in their school and community.
- The new Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Plan map, a tool to help with planning for strategy and funding for street improvement projects, is now available. The map helps city staff prioritize projects, based on likely impact on school routes used by students.
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Vision Zero has free "20 is plenty" yard signs available for pick-up at the Portland Building, 1120 SW Fifth Ave. They are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Mattress Recycling Options
November 15 is America Recycles Day, a time to highlight the importance of recycling and encourage sustainable actions. The Bye Bye Mattress program, which began this year, offers residents a way to recycle their old mattresses. You can find a recycling site near you at ByeByeMattress.com/Oregon.
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Utility Bill Assistance
It is an especially hard time right now financially for many people, and I wanted to share some resources to help with utility expenses. The Smart Discount Program is a pilot program the Portland Water Bureau (PWB) and the Bureau of Environmental Services (BES) are testing. It is designed to use data-informed methods to make utility bill discounts more accessible to customers experiencing financial hardship. Early results are encouraging. The next phase of the pilot will add an independent audit, expanded community engagement, and stronger safeguards, before being brought to Council for possible expansion.
While that program continues to be developed, here are existing programs to help make utility costs more affordable:
- Information on financial assistance with city sewer, stormwater, and water bills can be found here.
- Information about energy assistance programs from Portland General Electric can be found here.
- Multnomah County’s list of Utility, Phone, Internet & Furniture Assistance resources can be found here.
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Impact NW can help with energy assistance applications.
- Calling 211 is also a great way to find community resources.
- More information about the pilot Smart Discount Program can be found here.
Sidewalk Cleaning Program
Clean sidewalks make our city more safe and beautiful! Portland is adding basic sidewalk cleaning service along major business corridors and other high-impact areas. Crews will clean up trash and biohazards from sidewalks. The route schedule will vary, but District 3 streets listed in the plan include NE Sandy, E Burnside, NE 28th, SE Hawthorne, SE Division/Clinton, SE Belmont, SE Foster, SE Woodstock, NE & SE 82nd, SE 79th, SE 80th, SE Milwaukie, SE Powell, SE 12th, SE 7th, SE MLK, and SE Grand.
Free Yard Trees Available
Urban Forestry is offering free yard trees now until supplies run out! When you sign up for a tree, you can choose if you would like the tree to be delivered or to be planted for you. There are dozens of species available, including evergreens, flowering, and nut-bearing trees.
Gym Space Equity Program
Gym Space Equity is a program designed to reduce barriers and expand opportunities in fitness for marginalized and BIPOC communities. They offer gym scholarships, host community Power Hours, and provide education on inclusive practices. They are sponsored in part by SE Uplift, and serve District 3 and beyond. A list of their upcoming events can be found here!
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Traffic Safety Tips
As we are getting into darker, rainier weather, there are some important ways we can continue to make our city safer for people walking, biking, and rolling on our streets. Here are some tips from the Portland Bureau of Transportation:
- Slow down and travel at or below the speed limit
- Take care when making turns and approaching crosswalks
- Always turn on headlights
- Maintain a safe distance between vehicles
- Keep windshields clean
- Stay alert and avoid distractions — it’s illegal to drive while holding and using a cell phone
- Dress as visibly as possible when traveling outside of a motor vehicle
Urban Forestry Commissioners Sought
The Urban Forestry Commission (UFC) is looking for new community members to join the 11-person volunteer-led group. UFC helps advise on managing Portland's trees and influences policies related to the city's urban forest plan and budget proposals. Applications are due December 8.
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