Save Our Services (SOS) Ordinance
Good news! The SOS ordinance (co‑sponsored by Councilors Angelita Morillo, Sameer Kanal, Candace Avalos, Mitch Green, and myself) cleared its first reading Thursday after some compromise. Other colleagues introduced a similar measure to protect jobs and services, and after powerful public testimony, Council rallied around a unified approach. On Thursday we passed the Morillo 1 amendment, blending key elements of both proposals, with a vote of 10–1, a strong signal of broad consensus. I’m proud of the collaborative work done to get here, proof that even a “divided” council can come together to save jobs, essential services, uphold public safety, and honor voter‑approved initiatives. The SOS ordinance now heads to a final vote with the updated language. Learn more about the ordinance HERE.
A Peek Into My Moda Survey Findings
Big thanks to everyone who responded to my District 3 Moda Survey. We had an incredible response rate! 2,041 people participated within about one week! My team and I are still reviewing the data, and I will get out more details soon. But I can tell you that, so far, in our preliminary analysis, respondents overwhelmingly oppose using public dollars for Moda Center renovations without major private investment and direct public returns. They want a longer lease (30+ years) with strong relocation protections, plus revenue‑sharing to the City. It is no surprise that District 3 folks are against using PCEF funds for anything outside of the voter-approved guidelines. If a deal proceeds, the community expects tangible benefits, such as investments in schools and youth programs, affordable/community access to events, union labor and good jobs, support for local vendors, alongside neighborhood/transportation improvements and accessibility and climate‑forward upgrades.
The next few months will be decisive for our community. The City just released the first-draft term sheet, but we still have an opportunity to shape the asks. Portland will hold its first public hearing on the term sheet later this month, with a Council vote scheduled for August 12. Negotiations continue into December, culminating in a vote on a Memorandum of Understanding and bonding documents that formalize the operator lease. The timeline is compressed by the ticking clock imposed by SB1501, the state funding package. I will continue to advocate for District 3 and all Portlanders in these negotiations.
 Protecting & Honoring Those Targeted by ICE
This Thursday, I was honored to join other community members at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility to stand witness and help protect those targeted by ICE. I am so glad a beloved community member and asylum-seeker was released without incident, and it was heartening to see so many people show up for them. We gathered together to share information and stories, show support, and observe the many ways people are trying to stand up and speak out through art and song.
Just since July 7, ICE has murdered two fathers in cold blood. They shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo through the window of his car in Houston. Araujo was a 52-year-old father and construction worker who had been in the US for around 35 years. Almost a week later, they shot 26-year-old Joan Sebastián Guerrero in Maine – in front of his partner and 3-year-old daughter. These murders happened amidst a huge surge in abductions to ramp up deportations. It has been reported that federal agents recently detained over 10,000 individuals in a five-day period with a goal of 2,000 arrests daily.
Portland Immigrant Rights Coalition (PIRC), here in Portland, is reporting the third straight week of more than 20 detentions reported to their hotline, specifically seeing an uptick of detentions while community members are driving, including rideshare and delivery drivers. PIRC operates a statewide hotline (1-888-622-1510) and promotes Migra Watch trainings, which trains community members on how to observe and report ICE sightings. If you are looking for Oregon-specific know your rights fliers, as well as a guide to the Northwest Detention Center, check out this folder with flyers in over 30 languages.
 Welcome Latricia Tillman
I had a great meeting this week with Latricia Tillman, who was recently named Portland’s first Chief Equity Officer. She leads the Office of Equity and Human Rights and directs the City's work to center equity and inclusion. Tillman has led equity initiatives at Washington County, the Oregon Health Authority, Multnomah County, and Oregon Housing and Community Services, and I’m so glad she is in this new role.
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Thus far, one of the things I’ve most enjoyed about this internship is being able to dive deeply into learning about policies that I would be otherwise unfamiliar with. For instance, this week, I began developing a resolution to study the feasibility of implementing all-way stop controls and other traffic safety infrastructure at schools within Portland’s High Crash Networks. It’s intriguing to explore the annals of street safety policy, and I’m excited to be working at the nexus of two key planks in Councilor Koyama Lane’s policy agenda — creating an age-friendly Portland and achieving the goal of Vision Zero.
I’ve also begun assisting City staff in research related to developing a new standard for municipal investments that centers human rights. To me, it’s important that our investment of public funds reflects the values that we hold as a city. I’m interested in learning about the steps taken by other local governments to uphold human rights during investment decisions.
On top of these engaging projects, I’m always glad to find moments of levity during the workday. Getting to know other staff is always fun, and I’m excited to be at the City during a time of celebration and collective joy for Pride. If I don’t see you at Sunday’s parade, I’ll be back in your inbox next week!
 PRIDE!
I’m excited to be marching in the Portland Pride Parade this Sunday, July 19 – come join us! It begins at 11 am from the North Park Blocks, and will end on Naito Parkway, by the Waterfront Festival. The Festival runs noon to 8 pm Saturday, July 18 and 11:30 am to 6 pm Sunday, July 19 at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park. One list with additional Pride events is here, but there are so many ways to celebrate! It was great to have Miss City of Roses Nicole Onoscopi kick off Wednesday’s pre-gavel event at City Hall. I am very proud of the LGBTQIA2S+ Protections Package Council passed recently, and look forward to more ways to support and uplift the community. Wishing you all Happy Pride!
 Rocky Butte Constituent Event
Please join me at my next constituent event, in partnership with Friends of Rocky Butte, Oregon Walks, and many others, at Rocky Butte Park on Friday, July 24 at the Grotto, 8840 NE Skidmore Street. We’ll start with a short walk and discussion at 11 am, and then have a post-hike Constituent Meet-Up with refreshments back at the Grotto at 12:30. I’m co-hosting the event with fellow City Councilors Jamie Dunphy and Elana Pirtle-Guiney and Metro Councilor Duncan Hwang. Space is limited, so please reserve your spot here!
Friends of Rocky Butte Litter Pick Up
This Saturday, July 18 at 10 a.m., join the Friends of Rocky Butte volunteer crew to pick up litter and remove junk, starting at NE Skidmore St. and 92nd Ave. Friends of Rocky Butte will provide trash grabbers, bags, gloves, vests, and sharps containers. Please wear closed-toed shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Advanced registration is required; you can learn more and sign up HERE.
Show Up for Small Business
The Office of Small Business is partnering with The Division Clinton Business District, Better Portland, PIE, Latino Founders, Portland Metro Chamber, and Built Oregon for this month’s Show Up for Small Business on July 22 at the ModHaus food cart pod (3829 SE Division St). It’s a time to celebrate and directly support the small businesses that make Portland unique. You can learn more and RSVP HERE.
Passionate about Voter Education?
Portland City Elections is launching an Elections Educators Program, with the goal of engaging with Portlanders who have experienced historical barriers to voting and increasing voter preparedness for the upcoming election. Recruitment is open until July 23. Learn more and sign up HERE!
Montavilla Street Fair
The 13th annual Montavilla Street Fair will be held 10 am to 6 pm July 26 on Stark Street, between 76th and 82nd Avenues. District businesses, vendors, a farmers market, and entertainment and activities will be available. You can find more information here.
Summer Free For All
As part of Summer Free For All, the movie Men In Black will be shown at 7:30 pm August 1 at Colonel Summers Park. For more events check out the Summer Free For All website.
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