 Dear Neighbors,
As we step into a new year, I hope this season has offered you moments of rest, connection, and time with the people who matter most. A new year brings renewed energy, fresh focus, and continued commitment to serving District 1 and the City of Portland with care, accountability, and purpose.
2026 begins with gratitude for constituents, business owners, community leaders, youth, elders, and partners who continue to shape this district through your voices and engagement. Your participation is what makes this work meaningful.
– Councilor Loretta Smith
Portland City Council – District 1
2025 Highlights: A Year of Leadership in Action
2025 marked a defining year for District 1 and the City of Portland under a new form of government. My focuses included expanding access, and advancing people centered policy.
Black Community Town Hall Hosted by the Albina Ministerial Alliance and Interfaith Peace and Action Collaborative.
Key highlights from the year include:
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Opening the East Portland District 1 Office
I opened the first City Council district office located within District 1, establishing a permanent and accessible home base for East Portland residents, businesses, and community partners to engage directly with City Hall. Additionally, I authored legislation to expand City Council meetings to a weekly schedule, including an evening option, further enhancing access, transparency, and civic participation.
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Sidewalk Improvement & Pavement Program (SIPP)
I sponsored and passed the Sidewalk Improvement & Pavement Program (SIPP), a meaningful resolution that directs PBOT to create a plan to invest 200 million dollars in safer streets and sidewalks for East Portland, recognizing the need for infrastructure improvements in historically underserved areas.
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Historic Albina Displacement Settlement
In acknowledgment of the decades of racist urban renewal policies that devastated homes and neighborhoods, I sponsored and successfully passed an amendment to increase the Albina displacement settlement from $2 million to $8.5 million. This groundbreaking City Council agreement seeks to provide justice for survivors and descendants affected by the Urban Renewal era's destructive practices.
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Community Safety & Dialogue
I established and hosted a monthly "Coffee with a Cop" conversations in my district office. I have created a trusted and ongoing forum the third Friday of every month for public safety dialogue, preventative strategies, and relationship-building between residents, law enforcement, and community partners.
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Youth & Future Leadership Engagement
I introduced and passed a resolution to expand the SummerWorks program and increased their budget by 1 million dollars ensuring more paid work opportunities and career exposure for Portland youth. By strengthening this program, we are investing in our next generation of leaders, helping youth build skills, confidence, and pathways to long-term economic success.
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Business & Economic Engagement
I co-sponsored legislation aimed at advancing apprenticeship and workforce pathways associated with City contracting. This initiative ensures that public investments lead to genuine career opportunities. Furthermore, I co-sponsored an ordinance that authorizes the utilization of disparity studies to inform equitable procurement practices, thereby enhancing access for minority- and women-owned businesses in city contracting.
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Regional & City Leadership
I played a pivotal role in co-sponsoring and successfully passing legislation that codifies Portland's Sanctuary City protections into law. This legislation not only strengthens civil rights but also provides enduring safeguards for immigrant and refugee communities. This action underscores the City's commitment to upholding civil rights, safety, and dignity for all residents.
Together, these initiatives embody a year characterized by engagement, collaboration, and advancement, laying a solid foundation for continued progress in 2026.
What’s Ahead This Week
Portland City Council Meetings
City Council is back from recess, and I’m looking forward to continuing the work ahead as we advance legislation and address issues impacting Portland residents.
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
🕘 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Thursday, January 8, 2026
🕑 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📄 Agenda:
https://www.portland.gov/council/agenda#toc-wednesday-january-7-2026-9-30-am
You are always welcome to observe and engage with the Council process.
Upcoming Events
COFFEE WITH A COP: GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION IN DISTRICT 1
Coffee with a Cop is a monthly community conversation hosted at my district office, that brings neighbors, local law enforcement, and community partners together in a welcoming, informal setting.
The conversation will focus on gun safety and prevention, with an emphasis on education, early intervention, and community-based strategies that help keep families, businesses, and neighborhoods safe.
District 1 experiences unique public safety challenges, and meaningful solutions require trust, collaboration, and honest dialogue. This gathering creates space to ask questions, share concerns, learn about available resources, and discuss how prevention efforts can make a real difference.
This is a conversation rooted in prevention, responsibility, and care for our community.
Residents, business owners, parents, educators, and community members are encouraged to attend.
☕ Coffee will be provided.
Together, we can work toward safer neighborhoods through understanding, partnership, and action.
Creating space where constituents can ask questions, share concerns, and engage directly in conversations about public safety.
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