District 1 Update: Public Safety, Community Connections & Summer Events

City of Portland, Oregon sent this bulletin at 06/23/2026 01:22 PM PDT

Hello,

In this edition, you'll find updates on my No Turn on Red proposal, highlights from Juneteenth celebrations and community gatherings, opportunities to connect at Coffee with a Cop, and stories from the people and places that make East Portland special.

Thank you for staying engaged and helping us build a safer, stronger, and more connected District 1.

– Councilor Loretta Smith
Portland City Council – District 1

From Councilor Smith’s Desk:
No Turn on Red

This morning

I'm pleased to share that my No Turn on Red ordinance passed unanimously out of the Public Works Committee and will now move to the full City Council for consideration.

Traffic safety remains one of my top priorities for District 1. The High Crash Network represents just 8% of Portland streets but accounts for approximately 62% of traffic deaths. This proposal is focused on reducing turning conflicts and improving safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, children, seniors, transit riders, and other vulnerable road users.

A special thank you to BikeLoud PDX, Oregon Walks, Verde, and the Division Midway Alliance for testifying in support of this proposal and for your continued advocacy for safer streets.

I appreciate the committee's support and look forward to bringing this important safety measure before the full City Council as we continue working toward safer streets for everyone in Portland.

Pictured: A shared victory for safer streets as community partners and advocates come together following the unanimous committee vote on the No Turn on Red ordinance.

📍 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

Public Works Committee Meeting
📅 Date: Tuesday, June 23
🕘 Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

City Council Meeting
📅 Date: Wednesday, June 24
🕘 Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

City Council Work Session
Moda Work Session
📅 Date: Wednesday, June 24
🕘 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.

Coalition of Communities of Color Summer Soirée

I was honored to join community leaders and partners in celebrating 25 years of the Coalition of Communities of Color and its work advancing racial justice across Oregon.

Congratulations on this incredible milestone and lasting impact.

Pictured left to right: With Dr. Shereef Elnahal, President of Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), and Governor Tina Kotek.

Pictured: Community leaders, advocates, and partners gathered to celebrate 25 years of the Coalition of Communities of Color and its impact across Oregon.

Pictured: With Marcus C. Mundy, Executive Director of the Coalition of Communities of Color.

Pictured: With Tamara Falls, Chief People and Culture Officer at United Way of the Columbia-Willamette.

Pictured: Scott Rau connecting with community leaders and partners during an evening of celebration, collaboration, and community building.

Coffee & Conversation at Rossi Farms

Thank you to Joe Rossi for inviting me to coffee at Rossi Farms with a cohort of law enforcement officers participating in the Portland Police Bureau's extended training program.

I appreciated the opportunity to connect, listen, and learn more about the officers who will help serve our communities in the years ahead.

Pictured: With future and current law enforcement leaders participating in PPB's extended training program.

Darcelle XV Plaza Ribbon Cutting

I joined community leaders, advocates, and partners to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Darcelle XV Plaza, a new public space honoring the legacy of Portland icon Darcelle XV.

As Portland's first park and public plaza named in honor of an LGBTQIA+ community member, Darcelle XV Plaza is a historic milestone and a lasting tribute to a cultural icon whose impact will continue to inspire future generations.

For me, this celebration reflected values I care deeply about: inclusion, belonging, and ensuring people see themselves represented in the places and stories that shape our city.

Pictured: State Representative Travis Nelson and I cerebrating the Darcelle XV Plaza.

Parkrose ‘Summer Nights’ Street Fair and Market

The Smith Team was proud to participate in Parkrose Summer Nights, connecting with the vibrant Parkrose community.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth and to Historic Parkrose for putting on this great event.

Pictured left to right: Malynda Valentine, Constituent Liaison, and Scott Rau, Director of Field & Constituent Services (Photo by Tali Reed, Director of Strategic Business Engagement & Communications.)

Juneteenth Oregon Freedom Trail Parade

Team Smith was proud join community leaders, elected officials, and residents at the Juneteenth Oregon Freedom Trail Parade.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued.

It is a celebration of freedom, resilience, and the continued pursuit of opportunity and justice.

The parade was a powerful reminder that when we celebrate our history, we strengthen our community and move forward togethe

Pictured left to right: Councilor Elana Pirtle-Guiney, Faisal Osman; Councilor Pirtle-Guiney's staff, and Congresswoman Maxine Dexter at the Juneteenth Oregon Freedom Trail Parade.

Pictured: Sharing a sweet Juneteenth moment with a young parade attendee.

Pictured: It is always great to see all of you.

Pictured: A special Juneteenth memory, I met a Michael Jackson performer.

Upcoming Events

June Coffee with a Cop

Connect with me and the Portland Police Bureau East Precinct, and your neighbors for a casual conversation about public safety, community concerns, and the issues that matter most to you.

Friday, June 26
9:00 am - 11:00 am

📍 Our Just Future
10550 NE Halsey St
Portland, OR

Register Today

Good in the Hood 2026

Celebrate community, culture, and connection at one of Portland's longest-running summer traditions. Catch the Smith Team walking in the parade!

Good in the Hood
Saturday, June 27
11:00 AM

📍 Begins at King Elementary School and ends at Lillis-Albina Park.
4906 NE 6th Ave., Portland, OR

WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN US FOR THE WALK?
Please reach out to Tali.Reed@portlandoregon.gov

🌟 District 1 Spotlight!

For more than a century, Rossi Farms has been a cornerstone of the Parkrose community. Established in the late 1800s and family-owned for generations, the farm has deep roots in East Portland and continues to serve as a gathering place for community events, celebrations, and local connection. Today, Rossi Farms remains committed to preserving its agricultural heritage while supporting the community it calls home.

Thank you to Joe Rossi and the entire Rossi Farms team for their continued investment in District 1 and the Parkrose community.

Support local. Celebrate local history. Build community.

Pictured: Community safety advocates and partners focused on improving outcomes for people walking in East Portland. Joe Rossi of Rossi Farms is pictured on the far right.

📣 Stay Connected

I encourage you to stay engaged:

Coffee with a Cop -
June 26th, 2026, 9:00 am -11:00 am
Our Just Future
10550 NE Halsey St., Portland, OR, 97220
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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