Housing Stability, Budget Investments & Community Voices

City of Portland, Oregon sent this bulletin at 05/26/2026 05:15 PM PDT

Hello,

This week, I am continuing conversations surrounding housing stability and homeownership opportunities across Portland.

This week’s newsletter also highlights important budget updates and community conversations happening across District 1. Thank you for staying engaged.

– Councilor Loretta Smith
Portland City Council – District 1

From Councilor Smith’s Desk:
FY 2026-2027 Budget

Last week, City Council voted on amendments for the FY 2026–2027 budget following significant conversations surrounding public safety, housing stability, workforce development, and community investment priorities across Portland.

Throughout the process, I advocated for investments focused on prevention, opportunity, and long-term community stability, including:

$532,000 restored to the SummerWorks program supporting youth workforce opportunities
$192,000 invested into the Inclusive Business Resource Network (IBRN) supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs

Both amedments passed!

I was proud to support several amendments brought forward by my colleagues throughout the budget process.

The budget now moves to the Tax Supervising and Conservation Commission for legal review before returning to Council for final adoption in June ahead of the new fiscal year beginning July 1.

View the Approved Budget Update

Pictured left to right: Tali Reed, Director of Communications; Fire Chief Lauren Johnson; and Chief of Staff Elijah Crawford after the budget was approved.

Catch my FY 2026–2027 budget recap now on Instagram as she reflects on key investments, amendments, and the conversations shaping Portland’s future .

Councilor Smith In the News:
Campesinos Boulevard Ordinance

Today, as Vice Chair of the Public Works Committee, I introduced an ordinance to rename Northeast and Southeast Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard to Campesinos Boulevard.

This ordinance responds to community concerns while continuing to honor the farmworker movement, workers’ rights, immigrant justice, and the collective labor of farmworkers.

Following public testimony and committee discussion, the ordinance passed out of committee and will now move to full City Council for a first reading.

Pictured: Speaking with KGW reporter Evan Watson following today’s Public Works Committee discussion on the Campesinos Boulevard ordinance.

Pictured: Community members and advocates providing testimony in support of the Campesinos Boulevard ordinance during today’s committee hearing.

📍 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
📅 Date: Wednesday, May 27
🕘 Time: 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

Finance and Governance Committee of the Whole Meeting
📅 Date: Thursday, May 28
🕘 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.

Expanding Homeownership Opportunities Across Portland

On May 27, City Council will hear my ordinance appropriating $2.5 million from the Revolving Loan and Social Housing Acquisition Fund to support homeownership investments through SEI and the Williams & Russell project.

Homeownership plays an important role in creating long-term stability, building generational wealth, and helping families remain rooted in their communities.

I encourage you to sign up to testify or submit written testimony for the hearing.

Pictured: In conversation with pastors and community leaders discussing issues impacting Portland communities.

Smith Team in the Community

The Smith Team joined community leaders and families at the Shaver Elementary School Food Pantry for a community organizing event focused on connection, conversation, and supporting East Portland families.

Pictured: Scott Rau, Director of Field & Constituent Services, connecting with community members and supporting conversations in District 1.

🌟 District 1 Spotlight!

This week’s District 1 Spotlight recognizes Ann Naughton with Menlo Park Business Association.

Ann is a strong advocate for District 1 and regularly shows up in support of community conversations, neighborhood engagement, and efforts to strengthen East Portland. Her continued advocacy and involvement reflect the importance of residents helping shape the future of their communities.

Pictured: Ann Naughton joining me for the monthly Coffee with a Cop event.

📣 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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