Working Together for a Safer, Stronger Portland

City of Portland, Oregon sent this bulletin at 07/14/2026 04:03 PM PDT

Hello,

Over the past few weeks, I've had the opportunity to connect with many of you, meeting with local organizations, celebrating community events, visiting small businesses, and hearing your ideas about the future of our city.

This week, I'll be bringing forward legislation focused on strengthening public safety while continuing to advocate for thoughtful redevelopment, youth opportunity, and investments that make Portland a great place to live, work, and thrive.

Thank you for staying engaged and for allowing me the opportunity to serve our community.

– Councilor Loretta Smith
Portland City Council – District 1

📍 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 Life Hearing about Parkrose Forward ESD
📅 Date: Tuesday, July 14
🕘 Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Finance and Governance Committee of the Whole Meeting
📅 Date: Wednesday, July 15
🕘 Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

City Council Meeting
📅 Date: Wednesday, July 15
🕘 Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

City Council Meeting
📅 Date: Thursday, July 16
🕘 Time: 2:00 - 5:00 pm

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

From the Desk of Councilor Smith:
The Future of Lloyd Center

For many Portlanders, Lloyd Center is more than a shopping mall, it's a place filled with memories. I still remember hosting birthday parties for my son at the Lloyd Center ice rink, watching him laugh with his friends and creating memories our family will always cherish.

Last week, City Council took an important step in the Lloyd Center redevelopment process. While change is never easy, I believe we have a responsibility to honor our past while planning for our future. This redevelopment presents an opportunity to create new housing, public spaces, and economic opportunity while ensuring this iconic site continues to serve Portland for generations to come.

Portland advances Lloyd Center redevelopment, rejecting ice rink appeal

Public Safety Cannot Wait

Portland has seen several alarming incidents, from women waiting more than 30 minutes for a police response after stopping an attacker themselves, to the attempted abduction of a 7-year-old at Waterfront Park while officers were unavailable to respond immediately. These incidents underscore the real consequences of strained public safety resources.

Tomorrow, my colleagues and I will be bringing forward a supplemental budget ordinance to help reduce risks to critical City services. This ordinance will restore key public safety positions and strengthen the City's ability to respond when Portlanders need help most. Public safety is one the highest priorities for residents in District 1, and I remain committed to ensuring our first responders have the resources they need to keep our communities safe.

Read the ordinance here

Building the Next Generation of Innovators

I had the opportunity to visit Building Blocks 2 Success and learn more about the incredible work Antonio Jackson and his team are doing to connect Black and Brown youth to STEM opportunities.

I believe investing in our young people is one of the most important investments we can make. Programs like this inspire creativity, build confidence, and open doors to careers in technology, engineering, and innovation, helping prepare the next generation of leaders right here in our community.

Pictured: I enjoyed spending time with the incredible staff and young people at Building Blocks 2 Success, where the next generation of innovators is already making an impact.

Pictured: I had the chance to experience one of the virtual reality programs and see firsthand how technology is making STEM learning engaging, interactive, and fun.

Pictured: I explored the innovative technology and hands-on learning opportunities available to students, highlighting the importance of expanding access to STEM education in our community.

Pictured: One of the program's future engineers showed me how to assemble a robot. Seeing young people build technical skills and confidence reminds me why investing in youth programs like this is so important.

Upcoming Events

Portland Pride Parade

I hope you'll join me as I walk in the Portland Pride Parade alongside my colleagues, Councilors Dan Ryan, Eric Zimmerman and Elana Pirtle-Guiney. Pride is an opportunity to celebrate inclusion, honor the LGBTQIA+ community, and reaffirm our commitment to building a Portland where everyone feels seen, valued, and welcome.

📅 Sunday, July 19, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM
📍 Starts at the North Park Blocks and ends on Naito Parkway at the Portland Pride Festival

July Coffee with a Cop

Join me, Portland Police Bureau East Precinct, and your neighbors for Coffee with a Cop.

This month, we'll discuss the proposed Parkrose Enhanced Services District (ESD) and what it could mean for local businesses, public safety, and the future of the Parkrose community.

Come share your thoughts and join the conversation.

Friday, July 17
9:00 am - 11:00 am
📍 Our Just Future
10550 NE Halsey St
Portland, OR

Register Here!

Learn More About Building an ESD

📣 Stay Connected

I encourage you to stay engaged:

Coffee with a Cop - Every 3rd Friday
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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