Dear Neighbors,
This last week was bout showing up, listening, connecting, and continuing the work that moves our community forward. Thank you for staying engaged and being part of these conversations.
– Councilor Loretta Smith
Portland City Council – District 1
Take Action:
Your Voice Matter
Thank you to everyone who showed up for the District 1 Budget Open House. I heard you, housing and safety remain top priorities, from policing to middle-income housing and access to capital for our storefronts.
You were honest about what you’re willing to cut in order to redirect funds, and that matters.
Your voice is critical as we move forward. Stay engaged, continue to show up, and be part of shaping the decisions ahead.
These conversations happened ahead of Mayor Wilson’s proposed FY 2026–27 budget that was released yesterday.
It’s an honor to represent you.
Pictured: A full room and real conversations, this is what community engagement looks like.
Pictured: Your voice matters and it’s shaping the future of our city.
 Pictured: Working together to hear directly from the community ahead of key budget decisions.
Pictured: Housing came through loud and clear; stability, access, and opportunity are top priorities.
 Pictured: Real conversations about real trade-offs, this is how we build a budget that reflects our community.
Pictured: Listening, learning, and showing up, because your input drives the work ahead.
From the Desk of Councilor Smith: Technical Adjustment Ordinance (TAO)
The Technical Adjustment Ordinance (TAO) passed, but my $2.5M amendment for homeownership was left out.
This was about creating real pathways to ownership through SEI and the Williams & Russell projects, opportunities our communities have long been denied.
We shouldn’t have to fight this hard for investment in our neighborhoods.
I will continue fighting to ensure our communities have access to homeownership and a voice in these decisions.
📍 This Week in City Council
Stay informed and engaged with the work happening this week at City Hall.
Join us, whether in person or virtually and be part of the conversations shaping our city.
In Person:
City Council Chambers
1221 SW Fourth Avenue
Second Floor Auditorium
Portland, OR 97204
Virtual:
City Council Meeting
📅 Date: Tuesday, April 21
🕘 Time: 9:30 am - 1:30 pm
City Council Meeting
📅 Date: Tuesday, April 21
🕘 Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
City Council Meeting
📅 Date: Wednesday, April 22
🕘 Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Finance and Governance Committee of the Whole Meeting
📅 Date: Thursday, April 23
🕘 Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
City Council Meeting
📅 Date: Thursday, April 23
🕘 Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
I encourage you to tune in, stay informed, and follow along as we continue advancing work that impacts our community.
Expanding Mental Health Support in East Portland
The Smith team was proud to welcome New Narrative East to District 1, bringing expanded, coordinated mental health services to East Portland.
I’ve heard you. Access to mental health care is a priority, and too many in our community have faced delays and barriers when they need support most.
New Narrative East represents a step forward, providing a central, accessible hub for care, connection, and coordinated services.
This is what it’s about: meeting people where they are and ensuring our community has the support it deserves.
 Pictured: With New Narrative, advancing care, stability, and support for those who need it most.
April Coffee with a Cop
Last Friday at my monthly Coffee with a Cop, I was joined by leaders from across our community, organizations, partners, and residents coming together in one space.
From leaders like James Posey (NAACP), Donell Morgan (Elevate), Nike Green (Triple Threat Mentoring), and Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards, to name a few, this is what the work is about.
Visibility, connection, and getting on the right side of history.
Creating spaces for honest conversation and real engagement is how we move forward, together.
Thank you all for being a part of Coffee with a Cop.
See you next month!
Pictured: With Sgt. Schmautz and Sgt. Hawdsley, building trust and strengthening relationships with our East Precinct officers.
 Pictures: A full room and real conversations, this is what community engagement looks like in District 1.
 Pictured: Connecting one-on-one with Aaron Schmautz, these conversations are where real understanding begins.
 Pictured: With Nike Green of Triple Threat Mentoring, continuing the work of connection, leadership, and community impact.
Pictured: With Sgt. Hawdsley, working alongside our officers to create safer, more connected neighborhoods.
 Pictured: 4D Recovery Team, speaking the truth and showing up, this is how we move forward.
 Pictured: James Posey, sharing history and community impact.
State of the City:
A Conversation About Portland’s Future
I joined Keith Wilson for Portland’s 2026 State of the City, A Conversation About Portland’s Future. It was a powerful moment to reflect on the direction of our city and the role each of us plays in shaping what comes next.
I was especially grateful to hear a spotlight on the Sidewalk Improvement and Paving Program (SIPP) work happening in East Portland!
As we look ahead, I remain focused on ensuring District 1 continues to receive the attention, investment, and voice it deserves.
 Pictured: In the room where Portland’s future is being shaped.
🌟 District 1 Spotlight!
This week, we honor the life and legacy of Yvonne Rice, a dedicated community member, a strong advocate, and a true champion for East Portland.
Yvonne was a constant presence in our community. She showed up, spoke up, and stood firm in her commitment to making District 1 stronger, more connected, and more visible. Her support for East Portland was unwavering, and her impact will continue to be felt in the spaces she helped shape.
She believed in this community, its people, its potential, and its future.
We are grateful for her voice, her presence, and her leadership. She will be deeply missed.
Pictured: Yvonne at the Centennial Community Neighborhood Association meeting, meeting Commissioner Jones-Dixon for the first time.
📣 Stay Connected
I encourage you to stay engaged:
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Join Coffee with a Cop (every 3rd Friday)
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Attend upcoming community events
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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: Councilor Loretta Smith | Portland.gov
Email: Councilor.Smith@portlandoregon.gov
Newsletter Editor: Tali.Reed@portlandoregon.gov
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