 Dear Neighbors,
Welcome,
As City Council returns from recess, I remain focused on strengthening governance, advancing equity, and ensuring accountability in how we serve our communities.
This week’s update highlights key Council actions and priorities that continue to shape the work ahead for District 1. My approach remains grounded in structure, transparency, and follow-through, because effective government depends on both access and accountability.
Thank you for staying engaged and connected. I look forward to continuing this work alongside you.
– Councilor Loretta Smith
Portland City Council – District 1
This Week at City Council
Returning with Focus, Structure, and Accountability
This week marked our first City Council meetings since the start of the new year. During Thursday’s session, I was honored to be unexpectedly nominated by Councilor Eric Zimmerman for Council President.
I was not prepared for the nomination, but I am deeply grateful for the confidence my colleague placed in me. Shortly after, a discussion began that required us to immediately shift our focus to community safety and response following the tragic incident involving federal agents in East Portland.
The Council will reconvene to vote on Council President on
Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM
Watch The Meeting Live
Council leadership decisions shape how our legislative agenda moves forward, and I remain committed to ensuring our work reflects the priorities of District 1, including safety, equity, and effective governance.
I will continue to share updates as the process continues.
Community Update: Accountability and Community Safety
This week, our East Portland community experienced a frightening and deeply troubling incident. Two of our neighbors were shot by federal agents, just one day after an ICE agent shot and killed a mother in Minneapolis.
Our hearts are with the two individuals who were injured and with their families.
We are holding space for their recovery and for answers.
Let me be clear: ICE activity in our neighborhoods does not make our communities safer. Harassment, targeting, and violent enforcement destabilize neighborhoods and put innocent people at risk. True public safety comes from trust, stability, and community-based solutions, not fear and force.
What we are seeing raises serious constitutional concerns. No federal agency should be operating in a way that violates civil rights or puts community members in harm’s way. Violence against residents is unacceptable.
I stand united in protecting our residents from aggressive federal overreach. We have consistently supported Portland’s Sanctuary City protections and will continue to defend them. We are calling on leaders at every level of government to do the same.
We are grateful to first responders for their swift and professional response, which helped prevent further harm. Our offices are actively monitoring the situation and will share verified information as it becomes available.
The fear, grief, and trauma our community is carrying must stop. We remain committed to keeping East Portland safe and ensuring accountability.
What’s Ahead This Week
Portland City Council Meetings
Next week is Committee Week at City Hall, and I’ll be fully engaged in the work shaping policy, oversight, and outcomes for Portland residents, especially those in District 1.
You are always welcome to observe and engage with the Council process.
Upcoming Events
COFFEE WITH A COP: GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION IN DISTRICT 1
Friday, January 16th 2026
1:00 - 3:00 PM |10540 NE Halsey St. Portland, OR 97220
👉 Register here: 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.
Can’t attend in person?
A virtual option will be available so you can still participate.
Creating space where constituents can ask questions, share concerns, and engage directly in conversations about public safety.
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