Community Voices, Public Safety & Engagement Across District 1

City of Portland, Oregon sent this bulletin at 05/19/2026 12:26 PM PDT

Hello,

This week’s newsletter highlights important conversations surrounding the City of Portland's FY 2026–2027 budget. I also want to highlight my Public Safety Budget Listening Session to events across Portland, thank you for continuing to stay engaged, show up, and be part of the work happening in our community.

– Councilor Loretta Smith
Portland City Council – District 1

From Councilor Smith’s Desk: Public Safety & Community Voices

Thank you to everyone who attended my Public Safety Budget Listening Session last Friday and participated in an important conversation surrounding Fire, 911, and Police services and their impact on the FY 2026–27 budget.

We appreciated hearing directly from East Portland residents, public safety leadership, and community members about the real impacts these proposed budget changes could have on our neighborhoods. It was especially powerful to continue hearing East Portlanders testify during Monday’s Council session and advocate for the needs of our community.

Pictured left to right: Sitting with firefighter Ian McLennan and Fire Chief Lauren Johnson during the Public Safety Budget Listening Session.

Pictured: Deputy City Administrator Bob Cozzie discussing public safety priorities and budget impacts with community members.

Pictured: East Portland residents and community members participating in the Public Safety Budget Listening Session.

Pictured: An East Portland resident voicing concerns during the public safety conversation.

Pictured: Community members discussing the future of the CEI Hub and public safety investments in East Portland.

Pictured: Constituents engaging in conversation and sharing feedback during the budget listening session.

City Council is continuing budget hearings this week to review and debate amendments to the Approved Budget. Councilor Smith has introduced amendments focused on public safety, workforce development, and community investment priorities.

Follow the Budget Amendments

Councilor Smith In the News

East Portlanders speak out against proposed cuts to public safety

East Portland residents voice frustration over proposed police cuts

Is District One City Councilor Loretta Smith Portland's Public Safety Savior?

📍 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
Budget Committee Meeting:
FY2026-27: Approved Hearing
Day 1
📅 Date: Tuesday, May 18
🕘 Time: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm

City Council Meeting
Prosper Budget Committee Meeting:
FY2026-27: Approved Hearing
Day 2
📅 Date: Wednesday, May 19
🕘 Time: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm

City Council Meeting
Budget Committee Meeting:
FY2026-27: Approved Hearing
Day 3
📅 Date: Wednesday, May 13
🕘 Time: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm
🕘Extended Time: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm

I encourage you to tune in, stay informed, and follow along as we continue advancing work that impacts our community.

Visting Preschool for All classroom at Sacramento Elementry

I visited a Preschool for All classroom at Sacramento Elementary in the Parkrose School District, where I had the opportunity to see firsthand the impactful work educators are doing to support young learners with different needs.

Early childhood education matters, and Preschool for All is helping create greater access and opportunity for families across our community.

Pictured: Joined with Sacramento Elementary Preschool teachers.

Pedestrian Safety & Community Input

I recently convened transportation safety advocates and community stakeholders to gather input on a series of pedestrian safety improvements that I plan to bring to the Public Works Committee. District 1 is home to some of the highest crash corridors in the city as well as the most traffic deaths. It is imperative that we as policy makers do everything we can to improve safety on our streets to save lives.

Pictured: Community stakeholders and transportation safety advocates joined me for a conversation on pedestrian safety proposals.

League of Minority Voters Gala

I attended the League of Minority Voters Gala, an evening dedicated to civic engagement, advocacy, and uplifting communities across Oregon. The event brought together leaders, advocates, and community members committed to expanding access, representation, and opportunity through civic participation.

Pictured: Promise King, CEO and Founder of the League of Minority Voters Gala.

Pictured: Celebrating an evening focused on civic engagement, leadership, and community impact at the League of Minority Voters Gala.

Pictured: Connecting with community leaders and advocates committed to expanding opportunity and representation across Oregon.

Pictured: Councilor Loretta Smith joining community members and partners at the League of Minority Voters Gala.

🌟 District 1 Spotlight!

This week’s District 1 Spotlight recognizes Malynda Valentine, Constituent Liaison, and Scott Rau, Director of Field & Constituent Services for Councilor Smith’s office.

From community events to neighborhood conversations, Malynda and Scott are regularly out in District 1 connecting with residents, listening to concerns, and helping strengthen relationships across our community. If you see them out in the district, be sure to say hello!

Pictured (left to right): Scott Rau, Director of Field & Constituent Services; Brandi Tuck, Executive Director of Path Home; and Malynda Valentine, Constituent Liaison.

📣 Stay Connected

I encourage you to stay engaged:

Join Coffee with a Cop (every 3rd Friday) - June 19th!
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

Bluesky: CouncilorSmith.bsky.social

Website: Councilor Loretta Smith | Portland.gov

Email: Councilor.Smith@portlandoregon.gov

Newsletter Editor: Tali.Reed@portlandoregon.gov

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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