 
Dear Neighbors,
This week has been focused on accountability, investment, and staying connected to the priorities that matter most to our community. Thank you for continuing to show up, share your voice, and be part of the work moving District 1 forward.
– Councilor Loretta Smith
Portland City Council – District 1
Investing in Portland’s Infrastructure:
Transportation Utility Fee (TUF)
The Transportation Utility Fee (TUF) will be up for a vote this week.
I support it as a critical step to address Portland’s $6.6 billion infrastructure backlog. Our streets and sidewalks are our foundation, and we must get back to basics.
This is about safety, accessibility, and ensuring District 1 sees long-overdue investment. I will continue pushing to direct these funds toward Vision Zero and SIPP to deliver real improvements for our community.
From the Desk of Councilor Smith:
Oversight Hearing on Housing Funds
Last week, City Council held an oversight hearing on unspent housing funds, raising serious questions about transparency and accountability.
I asked directly whether anyone had been told to withhold information from Council. The answer was no, but critical information was not shared in a timely way.
That matters.
Moving forward, my focus is clear: building trust, improving communication, and ensuring this work moves forward more smoothly for our community.
 Pictured: Asking the question everyone was thinking: was information withheld from Council? The answer was no.
📍 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
Watch Online
City Council Meeting
Joint City / County Homelessness to Housing Continuum - FY 2026-27 Budget
📅 Date: Tuesday, April 28
🕘 Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
City Council Work Session
Budget Committee Work Session for FY2026-27 Approved Budget
📅 Date: Wednesday, April 29
🕘 Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
City Council Meeting
📅 Date: Wednesday, April 29
🕘 Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
City Council Work Session
Budget Committee Work Session for FY2026-27 Approved Budget
📅 Date: Thursday, April 30
🕘 Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
City Council Meeting
📅 Date: Thursday, April 30
🕘 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.
82nd Avenue of Roses Parade 🌹
Over the weekend, Team Smith and I joined neighbors at the Roses in the Heart of Portland Parade, walking along 82nd Avenue of Roses and celebrating the heart of our community.
This multi-day event, featuring a carnival, classic car show, and farmers’ market, brought people together in a powerful way. It’s a reminder of what makes East Portland so special: community, culture, and connection.
Thank you to the 82 Roses Community Enrichment Coalition for creating a space that continues to bring our community together.
 Pictured: Team Smith walking the parade, celebrating community, culture, and connection.
 Pictured: The joy of being in community, this is what it’s all about.
Pictured: A full day of connection, this is what community looks like in District 1.
Pictured: My colleague Councilor Novick and I staying connected to the people we serve.
Pictured: From the parade to the celebration, bringing our community together in every way.
In the Community:
East Portland High School Tour
I had the opportunity to visit students at Parkrose High School last friday, connecting with students during their government class.
We talked about leadership, public service, and the priorities shaping District 1, followed by a thoughtful Q&A. These conversations matter, investing in our youth is investing in the future of our community.
Pictured: At Parkrose High School connecting with students about leadership, public service, and the future of our community.
🌟 District 1 Spotlight!
Bob Earnest, Treasurer of the Hazelwood Neighborhood Association, has been a consistent voice for East Portland, advocating for safer streets and basic infrastructure.
After years of pushing for a streetlight at a dangerous intersection, Bob brought his concerns directly to me. I elevated the issue at City Council, and within days, the light was turned on, a small but powerful example of what responsive, district-based representation can look like.
This is what the work is about: listening, acting, and delivering for communities that have gone too long without.
Pictured: Bob Earnest advocating for safer streets in East Portland and helping drive real results.
📣 Upcoming Event: District 1 Budget Listening Session
Join your District 1 neighbors for an upcoming Budget Listening Session.
Each session begins with a brief overview of the FY 2026–27 budget, followed by remarks from City Council and an opportunity for community members to share feedback, ideas, and priorities. Public comment is available, and interpretation services will be provided.
Event Details:
📍 District 1 Budget Listening Session
📅 Saturday, May 2
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📌 Linfield University Campus, Auditorium Building 2
2900 NE 132nd Avenue, Portland, OR
📣 Stay Connected
I encourage you to stay engaged:
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Join Coffee with a Cop (every 3rd Friday) - May 15th!
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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
Bluesky: CouncilorSmith.bsky.social
Website: Councilor Loretta Smith | Portland.gov
Email: Councilor.Smith@portlandoregon.gov
Newsletter Editor: Tali.Reed@portlandoregon.gov
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Traducción e Interpretación | Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch | अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या 口笔译服务 | Устный и письменный перевод | Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad Письмовий і усний переклад | Traducere și interpretariat | Chiaku me Awewen Kapas
Translation and Interpretation: 311
The City of Portland ensures meaningful access and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, call 311 for Relay Service or TTY: 711.
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