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Happy December!

Last week, Council was in recess, offering my team, and others across the city, a much-needed moment to rest, reconnect with family, and take care of themselves. 

I hope you were able to find a little space to breathe and enjoy meaningful time with the people you love. I hope you all had a wonderful chance to be with your families and friends.

As we move through December, our office remains committed to staying engaged, informed, and connected to the needs of our community. This season reminds us of what truly matters, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue serving you with intention and care.

Looking forward to closing the year strong, together.

In service,
– Councilor Loretta Smith
Portland City Council – District 1

What's Happening This Week?

A Look at This Week’s Agenda & Work Ahead

Join us Wednesday, December 3rd at 9:30 a.m
Virtually or In Person 1221 SW Fourth Avenue, Portland, OR 97204 

This week at City Council, we’re continuing our focus on policies that strengthen safety, livability, and accountability across Portland. Several key items are moving forward, and each one shapes the way we support our neighborhoods, especially here in District 1.

Here’s a preview of what’s coming to the Council floor:

• Public Safety & Accountability Measures
We will review several items tied to community safety, policing, and transparency. These discussions remain central to how we build trust and ensure every Portlander feels protected and heard.

• Infrastructure & City Services
Council will consider updates impacting transportation, public works, and long-term maintenance of essential city systems. These investments directly influence mobility, economic development, and quality of life in East Portland.

• Housing & Homelessness Response
We continue to engage in policy work that aligns with our shared goals: preventing homelessness, improving shelter access, and expanding the tools we need to keep individuals and families stably housed.

• Budget & Fiscal Oversight
As we move into the next phase of the City’s budgeting process, I will remain committed to ensuring District 1’s needs are fully represented, particularly around public safety, economic revitalization, and equitable investments.

These conversations help shape the direction of our city, and I’m grateful for everyone who continues to engage, testify, and advocate for our community.

City Council Work Session

Homelessness to Housing Continuum

Thursday, December 4, 2025
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Council will also gather for a dedicated Work Session focused on major upcoming initiatives and long-range strategic planning. Work Sessions provide space for deeper policy analysis, bureau updates, and collaborative problem-solving outside of regular Council meetings.
This session will help set direction for several cross-bureau efforts that directly influence how we invest in safety, infrastructure, and community well-being.

1,500 New Overnight Shelter Beds

Mayor Keith Wilson has announced that his office has met the goal of creating 1,500 new overnight shelter beds in Portland by December 1, 2025.  This is intended to nearly double the city’s shelter capacity and provide a safe place to rest for many who are currently unhoused.

I support increasing shelter capacity, but I also want to emphasize that beds alone are not enough.

Shelters must be paired with wrap-around services, like mental health care, addiction support, housing navigation, job training, and storage to truly help people exit homelessness for good. Unfortunately, many of the new overnight shelters currently lack onsite social workers, meals, storage, or paths to permanent housing. 

For residents of District 1 especially, who may face additional barriers including access to transportation, language, or employment stability, the city’s promise must include a clear path out of crisis, not just a temporary bed.

I’m committed to working with city and county partners to push for fully supported shelter models, not just shelter beds, so that our neighbors have the dignity, support, and hope they deserve.

Preparing for Winter Weather

As temperatures drop and winter weather approaches, I want to ensure our community has the information and tools needed to stay safe, stay connected, and stay prepared. Severe weather can arrive quickly, and taking a few steps now helps protect your home, your family, and your neighbors — especially those who may need extra support.

Travel & Safety

• If you must travel during snow or ice, use public transit when possible — and expect delays.
• PBOT’s Get Home Safe guide offers essential tips for winter travel, including how to navigate icy conditions.
• Avoid nonessential travel during storms and allow extra time for your commute. Conditions can shift rapidly.
• Sign up for PBOT Winter Weather Alerts and follow @PBOTinfo for real-time updates on road conditions, closures, plowing, and more.
• Visit PBOT’s Winter Weather Center to monitor weather, traffic, and emergency route information.

Preparing at Home

• Stock up on ice melt and snow shovels to keep sidewalks and driveways clear — this helps neighbors safely reach transit and keeps our community connected.
• If you're new to Portland, PBOT’s Winter Weather Basics & FAQ is a great resource for understanding how the City responds to winter storms and what responsibilities fall to property owners and tenants.
• Winterize your plumbing to avoid frozen pipes — small steps can prevent major damage.
• Sign up for PublicAlerts.org to receive emergency notifications for your neighborhood.
• Check in on seniors, disabled neighbors, and families who may need help preparing — community care is one of our strongest protections during severe weather.

PORTLAND CLEAN ENERGY
COMMUNITY BENEFITS FUND

2025 Community Grants Funding Awards

This week, the City released the 2025 Community Giving Grants Final Report, and I’m proud to share that several District 1 nonprofits were awarded funding to continue the transformative work they’re doing in East Portland.

District 1 received $17,449,565 in funding!

These grants support organizations that are creating real impact, from youth programming, food access, and cultural preservation to housing stabilization and community safety. District 1 nonprofits have long carried the weight of serving some of the city’s most underserved neighborhoods, often with limited resources. Seeing their work recognized and supported at this level is a meaningful win for our community.

This investment affirms what we already know:
District 1 is home to visionary leaders, grassroots organizers, and nonprofits that show up every day for our families.

Your advocacy, your dedication, and your continued engagement made this possible and I will continue fighting to ensure East Portland receives equitable resources in every budget cycle.

If you’d like to read the full report, you can access it here:

We want to hear from you!

📣 Are you part of an organization in District 1 that wants to share resources or community events? Send us an email, and we’ll make sure to include your update in our next newsletter!

Email: Tali.Reed@portlandoregon.gov

IG: @Councilorlorettasmith

Website: portland.gov/council/smith

Email: councilor.smith@portlandoregon.gov