 U.S. - Japan Council Meeting
Last week, I joined Japanese American leaders from across the country in Washington, D.C. for the U.S.-Japan Council’s annual convening. We gathered to strengthen the U.S.-Japan relationship through dialogue, shared history, and people-to-people connections.
At the Embassy of Japan, we met with Ambassador Yamada and Consuls General from across the United States, spending hours in conversation about leadership, cultural preservation, and the future of civic engagement in our communities. I shared what I’m hearing from Japanese American communities in the Pacific Northwest: that we are being called to meet this moment with the lived memory and moral authority to stand up and say: Never again is now. I also emphasized that this work must be intergenerational. We need to invest in language and cultural exchange, and truly give young people the mic to lead.
I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity, and especially thankful to Consul General Todoriki for choosing me as the Japanese American leader to represent our region in this work. I returned home grounded, hopeful, and committed to strengthening these relationships – for this generation, and the next.
PBOT and TriMet Reports
At Monday’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee meeting we heard from Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) representatives about their report on alternative funding sources, with an overview of the four options they have been focusing on: a retail delivery fee, a third-party food delivery fee, a transportation utility fee, and a street damage restoration fee.
PBOT is organizing a series of open houses in each district to share this information, and I’ll be sure to post the information when events are finalized.
We also heard a presentation from TriMet about proposed cuts in service due to their budget shortfall. It is essential that decisions are made that center the needs of our most vulnerable citizens who rely on safe, frequent, and consistent public transportation.
With budget season around the corner, there will be many tough choices to make, and I am committed that we, as City Council, be transparent and accountable throughout the process.
“Slow the Inflow to Homelessness” Resolution
Council’s discussion of how to use approximately $21 million in one-time housing money through a “Slow the Inflow to Homelessness” resolution continued this week, and will be coming back to Council on Wednesday. Thank you so much to all of those who testified over the last several meetings or have otherwise reached out to my office about this issue.
I will stand firm that money paid by renters should go back to renters, to keep elders, families, and people with disabilities housed right now. We are in an affordability crisis, as federal support is being stripped away at a time when local housing insecurity was already increasing. Portlanders showed up and made it clear: prevention works, transparency matters, and housing is an economic justice issue.
All-User Restroom Ordinance
The All-User Restroom Ordinance is coming to the full Council on Wednesday! This ordinance requires new signage on single-stall, gender-specific restrooms in private businesses so they’re clearly marked as all-user. Such transparency and clarity allows more people to safely and easily access a restroom, and frankly is overdue.
I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this ordinance, along with Council President Jamie Dunphy and Councilor Elana Pirtle-Guiney, and deeply appreciate the many staff members whose thoughtful work over the past decade helped move this forward.
Public testimony starts at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday, February 4. You can sign up to testify verbally or submit written testimony here.
 Climate Jobs Oregon
Last Friday, January 23, Oregon AFL-CIO organized a Climate Jobs Oregon briefing for local and state elected leaders and staff. The briefing started with an opening welcome from AFL-CIO director Graham Trainor, words from local union members, and a presentation from Dr. Lara Skinner who was the lead author on the Cornell University study Building the Future: A Bold Vision for Climate Jobs in Oregon.
The report offered 18 recommendations as a blueprint for advancing climate jobs, while creating a stronger and fairer economy that moves Oregon toward decarbonization. After the briefing we were invited to a training center tour of four local union training sites. Although I was not able to attend the event as I was out of town, my staff and many of my local and state colleagues were in attendance. Climate Jobs Oregon touches on several areas that are important to me including climate action and high-quality union jobs, and I’m excited to hear more as this project continues.
 Portland Winter Light Festival
The Portland Winter Light Festival is back with activities from February 6-14. The festival turns the city into a glowing celebration of light, art, and creative installations throughout downtown and beyond! It’s free, family-friendly, and a perfect way to brighten up the winter season.
Explore art, performances, kinetic fire sculptures, and more across multiple sites like Pioneer Courthouse Square, Waterfront Park, Portland State University, and Old Town. It was wonderful to be at a kickoff event Thursday; I can hardly wait to see it all soon!
 Town Halls
A huge thank you to the Roseway Neighborhood Association for hosting a District 3 Community Town Hall on Tuesday! It was wonderful to have the opportunity to hear from constituents, share updates, and answer questions about what’s happening in City Hall alongside my fellow City Councilors Angelita Morillo and Steve Novick.
I’m looking forward to opportunities to connect with you!
- The African Youth and Community Organization (AYCO) Black History Month Community Town Hall will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. this Monday, February 2 at AYCO Dream Center, 2110 SE 82nd Avenue! AYCO is a nonprofit organization led by and for the East African immigrant and refugee community in the Portland Metropolitan Area. A dinner will be served at 4:30 p.m., with the town hall beginning closer to 5:30 p.m.. I am looking forward to the conversation, and hope to see many of you there!
-
City Club of Portland will be hosting Meet Your City Councilors for District 3 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. this Wednesday, February 4 at the St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 2408 SE 16th Avenue. You can register at pdxcityclub.org. I’m looking forward to the conversation!
Come to ask questions, build community, and hear from your neighbors and Council members!
 Labor Against ICE Rally
A large coalition of unions (including my own Portland Association of Teachers and Oregon Education Association) are holding a rally from 3 to 4:30 p.m. tomorrow, January 31, at Elizabeth Caruthers Park, 3508 S Moody Avenue. Participants are encouraged to bring union banners and wear union gear at the event, which is in response to abhorrent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in Portland and elsewhere. More information can be found here.
Lone Fir Cemetery Meeting
Metro is hosting a community engagement event for the future of the memorial at Lone Fir Cemetery’s Block 14 tomorrow, January 31. Plans are being made for a cultural heritage and healing garden on ground that was once the Chinese section of the historic cemetery. The discussion will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at APANO (8188 SE Division St.) and will be translated into Mandarin and Cantonese.
Friends of Mt. Tabor Weed Warriors Crew Leader Training
The Friends of Mt. Tabor Weed Warriors are looking for more crew leaders to help with their work taking care of Mt. Tabor Park. A training for interested people will be held tomorrow, January 31. If you enjoy getting outdoors, being part of a community, and learning about the plants and animals of Mt. Tabor this could be for you! Learn more and register here.
Mt. Tabor Silent Walk for Peace
A Silent Walk for Peace will be held at 9 a.m. tomorrow, January 31. The event will start at the Mt. Tabor entrance at SE 64th Avenue and Lincoln Street, and then will walk a paved, main road around the park in silence. The whole walk is estimated to take 45-60 minutes. There is no need to RSVP, and more information can be found here.
 50501 Civic Action Fair
Neighbors for Change: A Civic Action Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, February 7 at Benson High School, 546 NE 12th Avenue. Representatives from local organizations focused on grassroots support, mutual aid, safety, and policy change will be there, along with workshops on conflict de-escalation, lawful protest, community resilience, and civic education. Family-friendly activities will include musical performances, a Drag Queen story hour, art installations, a KidZone activity space, and photo ops with the Portland Frog Brigade. You can get more information and register at their event site.
Women of Achievement Awards
The Oregon Commission for Women (OCFW) is seeking nominations for its 41st annual Women of Achievement Awards. Three awards will be given to leaders who are working to establish economic, social, legal, political, and/or health equity for women and girls across Oregon. You can learn more and make nominations through February 18.
Portland Children’s Levy Community Council
The Portland Children’s Levy (PCL) is looking for volunteers to serve on the Community Council advisory body. The Community Council advises staff and the Allocation Committee on PCL policies and processes, including funding, grant and levy performance, and community engagement plans and practices. Applications are due March 2. Optional sessions with information on how to apply will be held noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, January 28 and 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, February 5. To learn more and/or apply: portlandchildrenslevy.org/communitycouncil
Tell us what you think!
What would you like to see included in the newsletter? Email councilor.koyamalane@portlandoregon.gov to let us know!
If this was forwarded to you by a friend, you can sign up for our weekly newsletter here.
|
