I’m writing to you in a challenging time – ICE raids, state violence, and our neighbors standing in solidarity. But taking a step back, it’s also hard to believe that this month marks my first year serving District 3. I’m under 30, I’m an immigrant, I’ve experienced homelessness, and somehow, against all odds, I’ve just wrapped one year as your Portland City Councilor. The system is designed to push me down. And yet, 100% because of my community, I’m still here. There is much to be thankful for.
Looking back on my first year, I’m most proud of how my people showed up. From climate actions to protests against ICE, from budget town halls to street celebrations, D3 residents have shown courage, care, and passion for our city. You have shown love. For that, I am thankful. Every conversation, email, and testimony – even the ones that challenged me – helped us grow together.
I’m also proud of the policy wins that my team and I achieved this year – the very reasons I ran for office. Even as the youngest Councilor in City Hall, I passed more legislation than anyone else. And I’m just getting started. It’s impossible to sum up a whole year in one email, but here we go. Here’s what we accomplished together:
In 2026, I’m carrying forward some lessons from last year – like my budget amendment that sought to move some money from sweeps to housing help. I learned that moving fast is important, but outreach and clear communication are critical.
Looking ahead to my second year as your Councilor, I’m excited to dig into the budget with a little more time, line by line, to make Portland a place we can all afford to call home – let’s fix our roads, make them safer, house our neighbors and keep them housed. I’m also eager to meet more neighbors where they are and to learn from each other, whether that’s at a constituent coffee, on my favorite bus line, or at City Hall. Let’s work together to get ICE the hell out of Portland, honor Rene Good’s memory, protect our people, and live up to the progressive ideals that Portland claims.
I know that you are alongside me in this fight for humanity and justice. I know that District 3 has my back, and I bear that responsibility with the utmost responsibility. Because you believe in this work, I keep fighting. This bright-eyed kid from Paraguay never knew such a future was possible.
As always, I welcome your feedback and your questions. Feel free to reply to this email, or give our office a call at 503-823-4360. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for showing up.
In Solidarity,
Councilor Angelita Morillo
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