 
Hello,
This week has been about showing up, listening, and taking action on the issues that matter most to our community. Thank you for continuing to stay engaged and be part of the work.
– Councilor Loretta Smith
Portland City Council – District 1
From Councilor Smith’s Desk: Accountability in Action
A recent report highlighted a troubling situation involving a District 1 resident who repeatedly asked for help with ongoing encampments near his home but instead faced enforcement on an unrelated issue.
This is where accountability matters. When East Portland residents reach out, our systems must respond with clarity, coordination, and urgency, not confusion.
My office will be working diligently to ensure concerns like this are addressed appropriately and that our response reflects the needs of our community.
Budget Conersations:
Budget Committee Work Session for FY2026-27 Approved Budget
During last week’s joint work session with Multnomah County, I raised a concern about how we’re moving resources in the middle of a housing emergency.
If the County can deliver rental assistance faster, we should use that pathway. Instead, we’re looking at delays tied to new systems and RFP processes, meaning funds may not reach people until late 2026.
That is not the urgency this moment requires.
We have people who need housing now and we must act accordingly.
 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 Work Session
Budget Committee Work Session for FY2026-27 Approved Budget
📅 Date: Tuesday, May 05
🕘 Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
City Council Work Session
Budget Committee Work Session for FY2026-27 Approved Budget
📅 Date: Wednesday, May 06
🕘 Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
City Council Meeting
📅 Date: Wednesday, May 06
🕘 Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm
City Council Work Session
Budget Committee Work Session for FY2026-27 Approved Budget
📅 Date: Thursday, May 07
🕘 Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
City Council Work Session
📅 Date: Friday, May 08
🕘 Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
I encourage you to tune in, stay informed, and follow along as we continue advancing work that impacts our community.
Senate Bill 1501 Signing Ceremony
Senate Bill 1501 creates a pathway to modernize the Moda Center, protecting one of Portland’s most important economic anchors. The arena supports thousands of jobs and generates millions of dollars in annual economic activity through events, tourism, and local spending.
Last week I joined leadership across the Oregon to support this investment ensuring Portland remains competitive in attracting major events while sustaining a venue that brings in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
 Pictured (left to right): Working alongside Multnomah County Chair Vega Pederson and Mayor Keith Wilson
 Pictured (left to right): City Admistrator Raymond Lee and Cornell Wesley; Exectuive Director Prosper Portland
 Pictured (left to right): Oregon State Representative Lamar Wise and Oregon State Representative Shannon Jones Isadore.
 Pictured (left to right): Councilor Eric Zimmerman, Councilor Dan Ryan, Governor Tina Kotek, Councilor Loretta Smith, and Councilor Olivia Clark.
 Pictured: Celebrating the Moda center, protecting what brings energy, pride, and community to our city.
District 1 -
Budget Listening Session
Thank you to everyone who joined the District 1 Budget Listening Session and shared their feedback, ideas, and priorities for the FY 2026–27 budget.
These conversations matter. Hearing directly from community members helps ensure our investments reflect the real needs of District 1.
Pictured: Engaging with community members during the District 1 Budget Listening Session.
Pictured left to right: City Administrator Raymond Lee, Councilor Loretta Smith, and Sahaan McKelvey, Director of Advocacy & Engagement at Self Enhancement, Inc.
Path Home Gala
Team Smith attended the Path Home Family Reunion Gala, celebrating an organization dedicated to helping families with children return to housing and remain there.
Path Home’s work is critical providing the support and stability families need to thrive. This is what it looks like when we come together as a community to ensure no family experiences homelessness.
 Pictured: Scott Rau, Director of Field & Constituent Services; Brandi Tuck, Executive Director of Path Home; and Malynda Valentine, Constituent Liaison.
Rossi Farms Fashion Five Runway Show
This past weekend I served as a guest judge at the Rossi Farms Fashion Five Runway Show, a creative, community-driven event supporting a great cause.
It was inspiring to see the talent, energy, and purpose on display, all coming together to uplift our community in a meaningful way.
 Pictured: Richard Yuvienco, Vice President, Commercial Banking at Wells Fargo.
 Pictured: A moment on the runway at the Rossi Farms Fashion Five Show.
Triple Threat Gala
I had the opportunity to attend the Triple Threat Gala, where CEO Nike Green and her dedicated team continue to make a powerful impact. Their work is opening doors for underserved students, creating real pathways to college and future opportunities.
This is what investing in our youth looks like, expanding access, building confidence, and changing the trajectory for the next generation.
 Pictured: With Nike Greene, CEO of Triple Threat Mentoring, and community partners at the Triple Threat Gala
 Pictured (left to right:) Councilor Dan Ryan and Serena Stoudamire Wesley, Prosper Portland Board of Commissioners
STEMFest at SEI
I joined POIC’s STEMFest at SEI, where students and families came together for hands-on learning and exploration.
Events like this spark curiosity and open doors, connecting young people to real opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math. This is what investing in our future looks like.
 Pictured: Connecting with students at STEMFest at SEI.
🌟 District 1 Spotlight!
This week’s District 1 Spotlight highlights Anna Pickel, owner of Happy Go Lucky Childcare, located in the The Nick Fish building.
Anna has created a vibrant, nurturing space for our youngest constituents, serving children from infancy through early childhood and helping families access quality care in East Portland.
More than childcare, this space represents what thoughtful community investment looks like: supporting working families, activating local business corridors, and building strong foundations for the next generation.
Pictured: Anna Pickel and I celebrating my East Portland office grand opening.
May Coffee with a Cop
Join me for the May Coffee with a Cop with PPB East Precinct!
Come connect with local police, share concerns, and strengthen community safety.
Coffee with a Cop
Public Safety
Friday, April 17
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Our Just Future
10550 NE Halsey St.
Coffee will be provided.
📣 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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