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 What's been on my mind lately
Join us tomorrow (7/25): Moda Center Town Hall with District 2 City Councilors and City Administrator Lee
 See you on Saturday, July 25 at the Alberta Abbey for the District 2 Moda Town Hall.
After marching in last Sunday’s Pride Parade, my spouse and I were walking back to our car. Along our route, we passed a woman who was headed in the opposite direction toward the festival. She yelled from across the street, “Thank you for fighting for the Trail Blazers, Councilor—I see you and I appreciate you.” That was an impactful moment because the conversation around the Moda Center and the Trail Blazers has been swirling and contentious, and at times fueled with misinformation.
I want to double-down on the economic imperative of keeping an NBA franchise in Portland, and I want to remind Portlanders what we’re fighting FOR—our city, our community, and Portland’s economic longevity and vibrancy. It’s easy to get reactions on social media when you’re against something, especially when there are catchy slogans to rally around. It’s time to rally around Portland and our future.
Relatedly, I hope you’ll join me, Councilors Kanal and Pirtle-Guiney, and City Administrator Lee at this Saturday’s District 2 Moda Center Town Hall, where you can ask your questions and share feedback related to the potential renovation of the arena. Here are the details you need to know:
- Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026
- Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Location: Alberta Abbey, 126 NE Alberta St., Portland, OR 97211
This will be a free event, and light snacks and beverages will be provided. Your RSVP would help our teams for planning purposes, but is not required to attend. See you there!
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We passed a supplemental budget this week!
 Councilor Ryan on the dais at the Portland City Council AM Session on Wednesday, July 22.
At the AM Session Portland City Council Meeting on July 22, we heard the second readings of two supplemental budget ordinances that both sought to restore some of the deep cuts to public safety, operations, and parks reflected in this fiscal year's adopted budget. While both ordinances would’ve addressed some of the same underlying concerns with the 2026-27 budget, they were different in a couple of key ways—their price tags and their funding sources.
I’m proud to have voted yes on ordinance 2026-223, which passed with 10 ayes and 2 nays. This supplemental budget will appropriate $9.96 million in underspend from General Fund bureaus and $2.25 million from other funds to:
- Restore cuts to critical public safety functions, including 3 rescue teams in Portland Fire & Rescue in Districts 1 and 3, a Community Engagement Specialist in Portland Parks & Recreation focused on East Portland Parks, and Public Safety Support Specialists (PS3s) to the tune of 8 full-time employees and 6 vehicles—who can respond to issues that don’t require a sworn officer.
- $3 million for Portland Police Bureau EM&S (training, certifications, and professional development).
- Preserve 30 positions across the City of Portland that would’ve otherwise been eliminated.
- Extend benefits to all laid-off employees through September 30.
- Return $1.75 million to the Business License Tax (BLT) Reserve Fund that was reduced by previous Council action as a way to shore up the City’s financial stability and credit rating.
Comments from the dais were heated at times, but that’s understandable because all 12 of your City Councilors are working to put forward legislation they believe will best serve Portlanders. Good people can disagree on the issues, but we needed to get one of these ordinances passed to address urgent funding gaps—especially for Police. I’m glad we were able to do that this week.
The realignment work is difficult, and I trust that City Administrator Lee will lead us through a strategic process so that there's more clarity and certainty when we get into next year's budget—which will certainly have more realignment outcomes.
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Meet my new Chief of Staff, Adam Green 🎊
 Adam Green, Councilor Dan Ryan’s new Chief of Staff.
I’m so pleased to announce that Adam Green recently started as my office’s new Chief of Staff! Adam brings over two decades of leadership experiences spanning philanthropy, nonprofit management, community engagement, and strategic partnerships. Throughout his career, Adam has helped organizations secure transformational philanthropic investments, strengthen community partnerships, and develop strategies that create lasting civic impact. His leadership experience includes roles with SOLVE, Oregon Humanities, Susan G. Komen Oregon, The Dougy Center, and Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation.
A lifelong advocate for civic engagement, Adam believes strong communities are built through collaboration, thoughtful public policy, and meaningful stakeholder participation. As Chief of Staff, Adam is committed to supporting policies that promote economic development, strengthen public safety, improve government effectiveness, and ensure Portland remains a city where businesses can thrive and every neighborhood is safe, welcoming, and connected.
Adam moved to Portland from Texas with his husband in 2009. After a stint in Seattle, they returned home to the Rose City in 2024. He’s excited to be part of Portland’s next chapter.
Welcome to the team, Adam!
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 On behalf of City Council, I was proud to present pre-gavel commendation to the Portland Fashion Institute (PFI) on July 8 in recognition of its 16 years of educational leadership, creative innovation, and community impact in Portland. As the only private, nonprofit accredited fashion design college in Oregon and a cornerstone institution in District 2’s Hollywood neighborhood, PFI plays an essential role in shaping the region’s fashion, apparel, and creative industries.
Congratulations again on this significant milestone, PFI! Thank you for your ongoing contributions to Portland’s creative economy and for enriching our city through education, innovation, and community engagement. You are a vital and visionary part of Portland’s arts, culture, and apparel ecosystem. 🎊
 I was happy to join Grant Park residents and folks from elsewhere around Northeast Portland recently to talk about the City’s Inner Eastside Zoning Project, a resolution passed by City Council in April. Attendees shared their questions, concerns, and feedback—and I’m thankful for their willingness to share those perspectives with me.
As those impacted the most by this project, Grant Park neighbors feel like they weren’t included in the process—which will allow for a greater variety of housing types both in Grant Park and other Inner Eastside neighborhoods. In general, they agree that housing density is a good thing… but they’d like to see that density implemented in master plan areas and along bigger arterials near transit rather than along smaller neighborhood streets within residential neighborhoods.
 On July 10, Councilor Zimmerman and I toured the Bull Run Filtration Facility with experts from the Portland Water Bureau. Seeing the biggest public works project of this generation up close was incredibly interesting—and educational. Of course, we were in awe of the scale and scope of this massive project, and we both continue to appreciate that it’s a jobs program—offering young adults the opportunity to go from pre-apprenticeship, to apprenticeship, to journeywork.
This work is also a long-term investment in our region and in us. We are fortunate that nature provides us with this source of water. Projections show that water will become one of our most important and most precious resources of the future. Through this project, we are safeguarding that resource. Not many cities can say that.
Up next, we need to focus on ensuring rate-fairness for all Portlanders.
 On July 17, City Councilors and City staff from various bureaus visited with Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde leadership. We opened with a prayer and tribal song, discussed social and political issues facing Native American communities, and were offered tribal beads. We also had the chance to visit Grand Ronde’s new hospital and dental office, as well as the Chachalu Museum & Cultural Center.
This was my second Grand Ronde visit as a City Council member, and I’m always struck by how innovative their Council is—they’re mindful about integrating all of their services, not siloing them. Many thanks to the tribal leaders, elders, and members who welcomed us and shared their experiences and the history of Grand Ronde with us. I look forward to my next visit.
 🎺 North Portland showed up for an incredible lineup of music at the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival last weekend—what an iconic community gathering! I know summer officially started a few weeks ago, but this event always makes me feel like summer has truly ARRIVED. Thanks to the festival organizers at the Jazz Society of Oregon, which I gladly collected donations on behalf of again at this year’s festival.
 My team and I had an incredible time celebrating Pride with thousands of happy people on July 20—a truly beautiful Sunday! It was full of joy! Handing out Pride stickers to kids, families, and elders filled my cup, and I was happy to see some of you along the parade route. Love is LOVE!!! 🏳️🌈❤️🏳️🌈❤️
Lloyd-Holladay Relocation Grant 🛍️
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Funder: Prosper Portland
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Deadline: September 1, 2026
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Funding amount: Up to $25,000 with $153,000 available overall
Lloyd Center tenants looking to relocate into another ground-floor commercial space in the Lloyd-Holladay TIF District are eligible to apply for the Lloyd-Holladay Relocation Grant! Through September 1, Lloyd Center tenants can apply for grants of up to $25,000 for moving expenses and tenant improvements. Any business or nonprofit looking to set up shop in the district can apply for remaining funds after that.
Operating Support Grants 🎭
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Funder: City of Portland's Office of Arts & Culture
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Deadline: September 11, 2026
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Funding amount: $25,000-$145,000 annually for two years
This flexible funding from the Office of Arts & Culture helps arts organizations sustain operations, advance their missions, and expand access to arts experiences for Portlanders. Award amounts are determined by factors outlined in the grant guidelines, including organizational budget size and demonstrated service to K–12 students and people in underserved communities.
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Traducción e Interpretación | Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch | अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या 口笔译服务 | Устный и письменный перевод | Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad Письмовий і усний переклад | Traducere și interpretariat | Chiaku me Awewen Kapas
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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