Short Session Information
I’ve been asked about my role in state legislation and want to offer some information on how I show up for Portlanders in Salem. For those new to Oregon’s legislative process, the Oregon State Legislature convenes each year beginning in January or February. This year, and every even year, is a "short session" that can last a maximum of 35 days (legislative calendar).
Throughout this past year I worked with Portland’s Office of Government (OGR) Relations to develop its 2026 State Legislative Agenda that includes priorities such as addressing federal overreach, housing stability, protecting our environment, and transportation.
In addition to guiding the City’s broader agenda, there are areas that I advocate for individually. A good example is Senate Bill 1576, which is seeking to advance the Fair Housing Act by increasing the amount of physically accessible housing. I understand the importance of accessible housing for older adults and people with disabilities, and know that we don’t have nearly enough to meet the needs of Portlanders and other Oregonians.
I encourage you to advocate for the legislation that you care about in Salem too! It is an opportunity to put democracy into action by sharing your values, knowledge and experiences.
Legal Update from ACLU
It’s been an important and promising week judicially for Portland. On Tuesday U.S. District Court Judge Michael Simon severely limited federal officers from using “chemical or projective munitions” (tear gas, rubber bullets, pepper balls, etc.) at the federal Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. On Wednesday U.S. District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai issued a preliminary injunction targeting the Department of Homeland Security’s practice of arresting immigrants without a warrant. I am hopeful for continued legal successes to come to address the brutal federal overreach we’ve been witnessing here and across the country.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) will be holding a policy update webinar at 9 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, February 7, where they will discuss ways to get involved with priority bills in the state legislative session.
Ways to get involved include:
Reporting Impacts from ICE Facility Events
Last week we put out a call for accounts from people severely impacted by last Saturday’s use of tear gas, rubber bullets and flash grenades at the ICE facility. We heard from many of you – thank you for sharing your stories.
If you or someone you know were harmed last Saturday or have other incidents you’d like to report, you can reach out to the Oregon ACLU legal team at intake.aclu-or.org. The attorneys will let you know about clear next steps and will get your consent before taking any action. Reports related to federal actions can also be filed with the Oregon Department of Justice and Attorney General Dan Rayfield. Pictures, videos, and written accounts of what happened at the Macadam Facility can be shared via email with the National Lawyer's Guild in Portland at pdxlegalobserver@nlg.org.
 Connecting with the Community
A huge thank you to the African Youth and Community Organization (AYCO), City Club of Portland, and the Oregon Youth Leadership Alliance (OYLA) for hosting wonderful community events this week. On Sunday morning I got to speak on a panel at the OYLA conference. It was exciting to meet with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color school leaders about ways to get more involved in government. I left inspired and hopeful about the next generation of leaders! AYCO’s Black History Town Hall Monday night was a wonderful celebration of the powerful work the organization does for Black immigrant and refugee populations, and was a chance to discuss issues, questions and concerns for those communities. And on Wednesday night, City Club of Portland held a District 3 Town Hall where we discussed the past year of our new form of city government. It was a great turnout and I was glad to hear the questions and concerns raised. I’m looking forward to future conversations and opportunities to connect!
 Vestal Walk Bus
Joining the Vestal Elementary School Walk and Bike Bus was such a joyful way to celebrate Walk + Roll day this past Wednesday! Huge thanks to the amazing coordinators behind Vestal’s Walk and Bike Bus that includes six different routes. I’m grateful for the students, families, and community members who show up to make mornings like this possible!
 Constituent Coffee, Part of Civic Action Fair!
I’m excited to be part of the 50501/No Kings Civic Action Fair TOMORROW, Saturday, February 7 at Benson High School, 546 NE 12th Avenue. I’ll be holding a session about ways to get more involved with government for those who would like to advocate for a specific issue, learn more about how government works, or even join an advisory board or run for elected office! Join me from 1 to 1:45 p.m. in room 128 for coffee and conversation. Reserve your free ticket here!
Migra Watch Trainings
Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition will be offering Migra Watch Trainings Feb. 11 and 28 and March 11 and 28. For registration links, available one week before the class, and other resources you can visit their LinkTree for relevant websites.
Neighborhood Emergency Teams Information
SE Uplift’s Community Care and Safety Committee will hold a meeting focused on Neighborhood Emergency Teams from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Monday, February 9 via Zoom. Portland Bureau of Emergency Management's Glenn Devitt will talk about how neighborhoods can prepare for emergencies. Information about Basic Earthquake Emergency Communication Nodes (BEECN), Neighborhood Emergency Teams (NET) and examples of successful collaborations here in Portland will be shared. Register to get the link.
Earth Justice Film Series
Havurah Shalom will kick off their Earth Justice Film Series - Stories to Inspire film series with the showing of Other Side of the Hill, this Sunday, February 8, from 12:45-2:30 p.m. at 825 NW 18th Street. Doors will open at 12:15 p.m. to allow people to connect with community organizations who will be tabling, and a panel discussion will follow the film, which is about the impacts of climate change seen through the eyes of local leaders in Eastern Oregon. The event is free, but please register so they can provide popcorn!
City Budgeting
A session on how the City of Portland’s budget works will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, February 11 online via Zoom. Basics of the city's budget, including where money comes from and how it can be spent, what it means to balance a budget, how the budget is developed, and ways community members can get involved, will be discussed. An interactive budgeting dashboard will be introduced, and comments will be taken online. More opportunities to provide input will happen later in the year.
César E Chávez Boulevard Safety Project
Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is starting public outreach for the SE Chávez Boulevard Safety Project (from Lafayette Court to Schiller Street). The project will reorganize the lanes on SE César E Chávez Boulevard, going from the existing two driving lanes in each direction to one driving lane in each direction, and add left turn pockets in certain locations. There will also be upgrades to the signals at the intersection with SE Holgate Boulevard. PBOT is seeking funding to make changes at SE Gladstone Street and to add safer pedestrian crossings, but those would be separate from this project as additional funding is needed.
PBOT has an online open house available through March 23, which includes a survey for community feedback to be incorporated into the final design. Upcoming PBOT presentations include:
District 3 Local Transportation Funding
Portland Bureau of Transportation will be holding a District 3 Local Transportation Funding Open House from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25 in the Atkinson Elementary School Cafeteria, 5800 SE Division Street. Local transportation funding issues and solutions will be presented, and participants will be given a chance to give feedback on the options to raise money, what the city would spend the money on, and ways to review the spending.
Each district will have an open house on this topic over the next few weeks.
Johnson Creek Stewardship Day
The Johnson Creek Watershed Council is holding a region-wide stewardship day from 8:45 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 7. The event features multiple sites important to wildlife and water health in the creek and watershed. Activities will include weeding, planting and/or mulching, and a free lunch will be provided at the end. You can choose your location when you register.
KATU story about the gender neutral restroom ordinance that I look forward to passing next week!
KOIN story about City Councilors’ response to the use of tear gas at Saturday’s protest
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.
|
