District 1 Update: From D.C. to Community Conversations

City of Portland, Oregon sent this bulletin at 03/24/2026 09:00 AM PDT

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Dear Neighbors,

This week, my focus has been on advocating for Portland at the federal level and staying grounded in community here in District 1.

From meetings in Washington, D.C. to conversations with residents at Coffee with a Cop and our District 1 Town Hall, I remain committed to ensuring your voice is reflected in the decisions we make.

Even as Council enters recess, our work continues through connection, listening, and follow-through.

– Councilor Loretta Smith
Portland City Council – District 1

📍 What Happened Last Week

Met with federal leaders in Washington, D.C. to advocate for Portland priorities

I traveled to Washington, D.C. alongside Councilor Eric Zimmerman to meet with Senator Ron Wyden and advocate for priorities that matter to our community.

We discussed critical issues including housing, workforce development, and infrastructure investments that support the growth and well-being of Portland.

These conversations are essential to ensuring our city receives the resources needed to move our community forward.

Hosted Coffee with a Cop with PPB East Precinct and Chief Day

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Coffee with a Cop, and a special thank you to Chief Day for being a part of the conversation.

These moments of connection matter, and I appreciate everyone who showed up to engage, ask questions, and share their perspectives.

I host Coffee with a Cop every 3rd Friday of the month, and I look forward to seeing you on April 17th at 9:00 AM!

Joined District 1 Councilors for a community Town Hall to hear directly from East Portland

I joined Councilors Jamie Dunphy and Candace Avalos for our District 1 Joint Councilors Town Hall, where we connected directly with community members and heard valuable feedback on the issues that matter most.

Thank you to Friends Share Community Space for hosting us and creating a welcoming space for conversation.

This is what progress looks like: people, partnership, and presence.

Young Women of Purpose on leadership, confidence, and taking up space

I had the honor of delivering opening remarks at REAP’s Young Women of Purpose event, introducing this year’s theme, Made To Take Up Space.

The event brought together young women young women for a day of empowerment, connection, and leadership development.

🌟 District Spotlight!

This week, I’m proud to highlight Sumner neighborhood resident Karen McAninch, also known as “The Cake Lady.”

Karen is a familiar and welcoming presence in the community, often alongside her partner in crime, Yvonne Rice, bringing people together through connection, care, and consistent engagement.

Her presence reflects the heart of District 1: neighbors showing up for one another and helping build a stronger, more connected community.

Pictured (left to right): Karen McAninch and Constituent Liaison Malynda Valentine.

📅 Upcoming Event: Budget Listening Session

District 1 & District 2 Joint Budget Listening Session
with Councilor Loretta Smith and Councilor Elana Pirtle-Guiney

Join us for a community conversation on the Mayor’s proposed budget. This is an opportunity to share your priorities, ask questions, and help guide how resources are allocated in our city.

📅 Saturday, April 11
⏰ 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 House of Healing
4046 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd

Register Here!

📣 Stay Connected

While City Council is on recess, I encourage you to stay engaged:

Join Coffee with a Cop (every 3rd Friday)
Attend upcoming community events
Continue sharing your thoughts and priorities with my office

We want to hear from you!

📣 Are you part of an organization in District 1 that wants to share resources or community events? Send us an email, and we’ll make sure to include your update in our next newsletter!

Instagram: @Councilorlorettasmith

Website: portland.gov/council/smith

Email: councilor.smith@portlandoregon.gov

Newsletter Editor: Tali.Reed@portlandoregon.gov

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