 Dear Neighbors,
As we move through November, I’m reminded that true leadership is rooted in community. This week, we honor our veterans, strengthen sustainability through recycling partnerships, and continue advancing equity across Portland’s workforce and neighborhoods.
I’m especially grateful for the collaboration and commitment of our District 1 community — from City Hall to local businesses, you continue to show what it means to lead with purpose and heart.
Thank you for staying engaged and for being part of this work. Together, we’re building a Portland that reflects the best of all of us.
In service,
– Councilor Loretta Smith
Portland City Council – District 1
 What Happened in Council?
 City Council Passes Disparity Study Resolution to Advance Equity in Contracting and Workforce Participation
On October 29th, I was proud to lead a major milestone in advancing equity and accountability in our city. City Council unanimously passed my Disparity Study Resolution, which will launch two comprehensive studies focused on identifying and addressing inequities in Portland’s contracting and workforce systems.
As Chair of the Labor and Workforce Development Committee, I introduced this measure alongside my colleagues Councilors Sameer Kanal, Mitch Green, Jamie Dunphy, and Steve Novick. Together, we are taking an intentional step toward ensuring that our city’s public dollars reflect our shared values of fairness, opportunity, and inclusion.
These studies will analyze disparities in City contracting and workforce participation, using data from the State of Oregon, the Port of Portland, and Prosper Portland. The results will guide future policies to strengthen opportunities for small, minority-, women-, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, while supporting a more equitable local workforce.
This step is about accountability, transparency, and impact. By grounding our decisions in data and lived experience, we can build a Portland where every business and worker has a fair shot at success.
Community Resources: Food Assistance Updates
Access to nutritious food is essential to the well-being of our community.
While the federal government remains shut down, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) has confirmed that full November SNAP benefits have been issued.
Oregonians who receive SNAP will see 100% of their November benefits beginning November 7, 2025. This ensures families and individuals relying on food assistance continue to have access to essential support during this uncertain time.
Multnomah County offers a range of food assistance programs, including meal sites, grocery support, and community food partnerships, to ensure that no one in our community goes without access to healthy, affordable meal
Building Bridges Between the City and OHSU
Last week I had the opportunity to meet with OHSU President Dr. Shereef Elnahal to discuss how we can continue strengthening partnerships between the City and OHSU. Dr. Elnahal shared exciting updates about OHSU’s Marquam Hill hospital expansion, workforce development programs, and ongoing efforts to support uninsured patients.
We also discussed labor relations and the impact of rising healthcare costs on both workers and the community. I offered to serve as a city liaison to help ensure collaboration remains strong as we work together to improve access, equity, and care across Portland.
 Meeting with Portland Trail Blazers Leadership
On Thursday, November 6th, I met with leadership from the Portland Trail Blazers to discuss the City’s new ownership of the Moda Center and the upcoming bridge agreement (2025–2030).
The Blazers shared plans for major renovations and potential funding options, including use of the spectator facility fund. I expressed my strong support for keeping the Blazers in Portland and my commitment to exploring creative, sustainable ways the City can invest in and partner with the organization.
We also discussed workforce development, vendor inclusion, and redevelopment opportunities around the arena district to ensure this partnership continues to benefit the broader community.
 Enhanced Service District (ESD) Meeting at Historic Parkrose
The Smith Team attended an Enhanced Service District (ESD) meeting at Historic Parkrose, where city staff and local business owners discussed how ESDs help local districts reinvest in economic resilience, public safety, and neighborhood vitality.
We learned about ongoing efforts to establish new ESDs across Portland, including in Parkrose, which will empower local business districts to lead community-driven improvements.
A special thank you to Devin Reynolds, the City’s Enhanced Service District Coordinator, for leading this informative session and for his continued partnership in supporting equitable and transparent ESD development across our city
Touring the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative
I had the opportunity to tour the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative (OBRC) and meet with their leadership team to learn how Portland’s bottle redemption system connects to Oregon’s statewide recycling network.
During our visit, we also discussed the 122nd Bottle Drop site — an important part of the District 1 community — and how OBRC’s statewide operations can continue to support accessibility, cleanliness, and sustainability at local redemption centers.
The tour provided an inside look at how containers are collected, sorted, and processed for recycling — reinforcing Oregon’s leadership in environmental stewardship and circular economy innovation.
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