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Happy Wednesday! My team and I will be out of the office tomorrow and Friday to spend time with loved ones during the long weekend. I hope you are finding moments of rest and connection during this time too.
This week Council has been in recess, which means no full Council or committee meetings. That pause has given me the chance to be out in District 3, meeting with neighbors, community partners, and advocates about projects and ideas shaping our part of the city. I’ve also been grateful for a little extra family time – school breaks mean more time with my kids, which is wonderful!
At this time of year I think about gratitude: for my family, for this community, and this year, for our new form of city government. It’s creating space for deeper conversations about how to better serve Portlanders and build the city we all deserve.
At the same time, I’m holding some complex emotions today. This morning brought heartbreaking news of a pedestrian fatality on Cesar Chavez at SE Harrison. No one should lose their life simply trying to cross the street. It’s another reminder of why we need urgent investment in Vision Zero – slower speeds, safer crossings, and infrastructure that puts people first. My heart is with the victim’s family and everyone impacted.
I was reminded of some of the hopeful ways we are making our city safer and better in this Willamette Week story about Bike Buses. I’m proud of Portland for being a leader in this movement. My team and I have been meeting regularly with Bike Bus leaders and transit advocates about how we can make our streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists. Currently we are drafting a resolution to reduce car traffic on neighborhood greenways that are used by Bike Bus programs. It is an example of listening to the community and bringing partners in to help make more responsive, better policy. Stay tuned for more when we bring this legislation forward, and thank you for being part of this work!
Thank you for everything you do to make Portland such a special home. I’m grateful for each of you!
 Southeast Portland Tool Library
Touring the Southeast Portland Tool Library on Friday was a perfect reminder of what makes Portland great: community-based solution finding. At the library, neighbors can donate and borrow hand and power tools, free of charge! Cost-effective, eco-friendly, community-building, knowledge-sharing – the tool library is a great example of Portlanders working together to make the community better.
The southeast library, at 1137 SE 20th Avenue, is open 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. It is part of a network of tool libraries in Portland, and any resident 18 or older can sign up. They are also always interested in new volunteers! A huge thank you to all the community members who make this place possible!
 PCUN Annual Gala, “Harvesting Justice”
It was inspiring to attend Pineros Y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste (PCUN)’s gala, "Harvesting Justice," on Friday. PCUN advocates for Oregon farmworkers and Latinx families, by building community, promoting workers’ rights, and working for policy change. I am grateful for the work they do, the voices they amplify, and the communities they create and strengthen.
 Let's Connect!
Mark your calendar! My next constituent coffee – now also with hot cocoa! – will be held from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 13. We’ll meet in the Fireside Room at SE Uplift, 3534 SE Main St. Coffee and cocoa will be provided. Join me and your neighbors for a casual conversation about what’s happening in District 3 and in City Hall. I hope to see you there!
https://www.wweek.com/news/2025/11/26/sam-balto-has-made-portlands-bike-buses-famous-can-they-last/
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