Budget Decisions, Community Connections & District 1 Updates

City of Portland, Oregon sent this bulletin at 06/09/2026 04:58 PM PDT

Hello,

Last week, we celebrated student success, strengthened community partnerships, and continued important conversations about Portland's future through the budget process.

Thank you for staying engaged and helping shape the future of District 1. As always, your voice matters.

Coffee with a Cop Update: Our upcoming Coffee with a Cop has been rescheduled. Please see below for the new date and details.

– Councilor Loretta Smith
Portland City Council – District 1

From Councilor Smith’s Desk:
Questions About CORE Realignment

As Council continues discussing the proposed CORE realignment, I believe Portlanders deserve clear answers about how these changes will impact city services, staffing, and public safety.

One of my biggest concerns is the proposed reduction of three emergency medical rescue teams. We saw during the Pier 99 fire how critical emergency response capacity is to protecting lives and property.

As this conversation moves forward, I will continue asking questions and advocating for transparency, accountability, and a clear understanding of how these changes will affect Portland residents.

📍 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

Tax Supervising and Conservation Commission Public Hearing
📅 Date: Tuesday, June 9
🕘 Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am

Public Works Committee Meeting
📅 Date: Thursday, June 9
🕘 Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

City Council Meeting
📅 Date: Wednesday, June 10
🕘 Time: 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

Special City Council Meeting
📅 Date: Thursday, June 11
🕘 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.

Celebrating Global Connections

Alongside my colleagues, I attended the 12th Annual Sister Cities Reception at Portland City Hall, an event celebrating the cultural, educational, and economic partnerships that connect Portland to communities around the world.

This year's program highlighted Portland's newest sister city relationship with Lviv, Ukraine, and brought together international dignitaries, business leaders, educators, tribal representatives, and community partners to strengthen global relationships and foster international collaboration.

Pictured: Councilor Sameer Kanal and I at the 12th Annual Sister Cities Reception.

Pictured: Connecting with international, business, and community partners from across the region during the Sister Cities Reception.

Pictured: Guests gathered at Portland City Hall to celebrate the partnerships and cultural connections fostered through Portland's Sister Cities program.

Pictured: A special recognition honoring Portland's longstanding relationship with Kaohsiung and the global partnerships that strengthen our city.

Supporting Student Success at Shaver Elementary

I joined 5th-grade students at Shaver Elementary as they celebrated completing the SKY Schools program and prepared for their transition to middle school.

The visit concluded with a certificate ceremony recognizing students for their commitment to personal growth, resilience, and well-being.

Thank you to the International Association for Human Values and the SKY Schools Portland team for investing in the success and well-being of Portland's young people.

Pictured: The SKY Schools Portland team and I celebrating the completion of the SKY Schools program at Shaver Elementary.

Pictured: With Brad Krishnamurthy, a dedicated advocate for youth well-being and social-emotional learning through the SKY Schools program.

Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade

The Smith Team attended the Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade from the VIP Chalet, joining community leaders, partners, and guests in celebrating one of Portland’s most beloved traditions. The event showcased the creativity, culture, and community spirit that make the Rose Festival a cherished part of our city’s identity.

Pictured: Team Smith enjoying the Rose Festival Grand Floral Parade and celebrating one of Portland's most cherished traditions.

Pictured left to right: Councilor Dan Ryan and Council Vice President Olivia Clark enjoying an afternoon of community, celebration, and Rose Festival festivities.

Pictured: Marta Guembes and I enjoying an afternoon of community, connection, and Rose Festival tradition.

Pictured: A reminder that the work we do today helps build a brighter future for the next generation.

Pictured: Community members, partners, City of Portland staff and guests coming together to celebrate the Rose Festival and the spirit of Portland.

🌟 District 1 Spotlight!

Last Friday, the Smith Team took a walk along the Halsey Corridor and stopped for breakfast at Gateway Breakfast House.

For decades, this neighborhood favorite has been serving up hearty breakfasts, welcoming service, and the kind of community atmosphere that makes East Portland special. Located on NE Halsey Street, it's a place where neighbors gather, conversations happen, and local connections are built.

As we continue supporting our local business community, I encourage you to stop by, grab a meal, and support one of District 1's longstanding small businesses.

Shop local. Support local. Build community. ❤️

📍 NE Halsey Street, District 1
🌐 Gateway Breakfast House

JUNE COFFEE WITH A COP -
DATE CHANGE

Join me for the June 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, June 26
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

📍 Our Just Future
10550 NE Halsey St.

Coffee will be provided.

Register Today

📣 Stay Connected

I encourage you to stay engaged:

Join Coffee with a Cop (This Month Only!) - June 26th!
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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