 Dear Neighbors,
I hope you are doing well.
City Council has settled into its leadership and is continuing the important work of governing, problem-solving, and showing up for our communities. Over the past week, I’ve remained focused on public safety, housing stability, labor and workforce issues, and long-term planning that supports District 1 and Portland as a whole.
From work sessions on the City’s financial condition and budget outlook, to advancing conversations around housing affordability and homelessness prevention, this work is about staying grounded in community needs while planning responsibly for the future.
I’m grateful to everyone who continues to stay engaged, ask questions, and participate in these conversations. Your involvement helps shape better decisions and stronger outcomes for our city.
Thank you for being part of this work and for continuing to walk alongside me as we move Portland.
– Councilor Loretta Smith
Portland City Council – District 1
Statement on the Killing of Alex Pretti
Councilor Loretta Smith expressed deep grief and outrage following the killing of Alex Pretti, a Minneapolis ICU nurse and union member, by federal agents.
“Alex dedicated his life to caring for others. His death is a devastating loss for his family, colleagues, and community,” Councilor Smith said.
Councilor Smith extended her condolences to Pretti’s loved ones and condemned acts of violence that instill fear and harm communities, calling for accountability and justice. She reaffirmed her commitment to protecting civil rights and community safety.
Community Safety Update: Recent Shootings in Portland
Portland has experienced serious public safety incidents in recent days that are deeply concerning for our neighborhoods:
Arrest in Shooting of Portland Police Officers
A suspect accused of shooting two Portland Police Bureau officers on January 19 was taken into custody early Monday morning, January 26, 2026, following a standoff with law enforcement near Northeast 82nd Avenue. The arrest followed a weeklong search that prompted heightened police presence and concern across the community.
Deadly Shooting in Southeast Portland
In a separate incident earlier today, Monday, January 26, 2026, Portland police are investigating an early-morning shooting in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood that left one person dead. Detectives with the Portland Police Bureau’s Major Crime Scene Team are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic loss of life.
These events are stark reminders of the real and ongoing impact of gun violence in our community. My office remains committed to working alongside public safety partners, neighborhood leaders, and residents to support safety, accountability, and prevention.
We continue to hold the victims, their families, and all those affected in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Investing to Slow the Inflow to Homelessness
Last Wednesday, we brought forward the Slow the Inflow to Homelessness Resolution, and this Wednesday it will come back to City Council for a vote.
I’m proud to co-sponsor this resolution alongside my District 1 colleagues, Councilors Jamie Dunphy and Candace Avalos, and to continue advancing solutions that keep Portlanders housed.
At this week’s Council meeting, I will be bringing forward amendments that invest over $12 million dollars to keep Portlanders housed, stabilize families, and homeownership. These include:
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$250,000 to United Way and $250,000 to Our Just Future for direct financial assistance to tenants.
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$2 million distributed among Sun School providers, including Self Enhancement Inc. (SEI), Latino Network, IRCO, Impact NW, and Metropolitan Family Services for rent and wraparound support.
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$2 million for rent and financial assistance for households facing eviction.
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$4 million for individuals transitioning from shelter to stable housing through trusted nonprofit partners.
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$1.2 million to The Commons Law Center for tenant eviction defense.
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$1.4 million to preserve and stabilize the affordable housing portfolio through rent buydowns, safety improvements, and debt restructuring.
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$1 million to the Down Payment Assistance Loan Program to support first-time homebuyers.
These investments will bolster key community developments like the Williams & Russell, Urban Plaza, Self Enhancement Inc., and the Broadway Corridor projects that represent our shared commitment to affordable housing and homeownership opportunities across Portland.
📺 Tune in to this Wednesday’s City Council meeting and follow along.
Planning Ahead for Portland’s Future
During Thursday’s work session, the Council reviewed the City’s current financial condition and budget outlook. As part of that conversation, I raised the importance of looking ahead, specifically at the next 10 years of debt service that will begin to drop off the books.
As existing debt obligations phase out, we have a real opportunity to be strategic about how those freed-up dollars are used. This matters because it opens the door to reinvesting in core infrastructure, things like sidewalks, streets, and safety improvements through programs such as the Sidewalk Improvement & Pavement Program (SIPP), without placing additional financial burden on residents.
This work session was about understanding where we are financially, planning responsibly for the future, and making sure our budget priorities align with real community needs. Thoughtful, long-term planning today allows us to build a safer, more resilient Portland tomorrow.
Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy
Pictured left to right: Portland City Councilor Elaina Pirtle-Guiney; Portland City Councilor Olivia Clark; Portland City Administrator Michael Jordan Lee; Portland City Councilor Mitch Green; Portland City Councilor Tiffany Koyama Lane; and Priya Dhanapal, Director of the Bureau of Environmental Services and Public Works; my niece, 4th grader Joell Smith
I was honored to attend the Urban League of Portland’s Annual MLK Day Brunch, a powerful gathering that brought together community leaders, advocates, and elected officials to reflect on the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This annual event is a meaningful moment to celebrate Dr. King’s historic connection to the Urban League of Portland and to recommit ourselves to the work of advancing justice, equity, and opportunity in our communities.
Keep Alive the Dream: Honoring Community Legacy
At the World Arts Foundation’s annual “Keep Alive the Dream” Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute Program, I had the honor of presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Leslie Goodlow.
This recognition celebrated her decades-long leadership and unwavering commitment to having dedicated her career to advancing fair housing, strengthening public systems, and championing community-centered impact across Portland through transformative service, governance, and civic leadership.
Strengthening Federal–Local Partnerships
Last week, I had discussion with Senator Jeff Merkley at Cadillac Café for a thoughtful and productive conversation about what Portland needs right now and how we can continue building strong partnerships across every level of government.
I’m grateful for his leadership and for the opportunity to stay connected as we work together to deliver real results for our communities. Let’s keep fighting the good fight.
City Legislative Breakfast: Advocating for Portland’s Priorities
Last Friday, I joined the Mayor, City Council colleagues, and members of Portland’s state legislative delegation for the City’s Legislative Breakfast. This annual convening is an important opportunity to align city leadership with our state partners ahead of the legislative session.
The conversation focused on Portland’s 2026 legislative agenda, the City’s priorities, and how we can work together to secure resources that support housing stability, infrastructure, public safety, and economic opportunity. I appreciated the chance to engage directly with legislators, ask questions, and ensure District 1’s needs and perspectives were part of the discussion.
Strong partnerships across every level of government are essential, and this gathering helped set the tone for collaboration in the months ahead.
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