From My Desk: Investing in Portland’s Future

City of Portland, Oregon sent this bulletin at 08/11/2026 09:34 AM PDT

Dear Neighbors,

This week, I’m focused on the fundamentals that keep Portland moving: safe streets, reliable infrastructure, clean drinking water, and responsible investment.

On Wednesday, Council will take up important work on "No Turn on Red" safety improvements and the Moda Center term sheet. I also recently toured the Bull Run Filtration Project, right here in District 1, to see first-hand the work underway to protect Portland’s drinking water for generations to come.

I’ll continue asking the important questions and advocating for investments in the core services our neighbors rely on every day.

– 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

Public Works Committee Meeting
📅 Date: Tuesday, August 11
🕘 Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

City Council Meeting
📅 Date: Wednesday, August 12
🕘 Time: 9:30 am - 1:30 pm

City Council Meeting
📅 Date: Wednesday, August 12
🕘 Time: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Finance and Governance Committee of the Whole Meeting
📅 Date: Thursday, August 13
🕘 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.

Upcoming City Council Action:
Speed kills, we must act.

This Wednesday, my No Turn on Red ordinance returns to City Council for its second reading. The ordinance directs PBOT to evaluate priority signalized intersections on Portland’s High Crash Network for expanded No Turn on Red restrictions—a proven, low-cost tool PBOT says can reduce crash risk while protecting pedestrians, bicyclists, seniors, children, and people with disabilities.

For me, this is simple: every Portlander deserves to make it home safely. Traffic safety remains one of my highest priorities, particularly in District 1, where our communities have historically carried a disproportionate share of Portland’s traffic safety burden.

Follow Wednesday’s City Council meeting as we move this important safety measure forward.

Pictured: Speaking with KOIN 6 about my No Turn on Red Ordinance and why safer streets are critical for District 1.

KGW "No turn on red"

From the Desk of Councilor Smith:
MODA Center

This week the major decision about the future of the Moda Center and the Portland Trail Blazers is before City Council, and I support moving this work forward.

The proposed term sheet creates the framework for a minimum 20-year commitment to keep the Trail Blazers playing in Portland, while advancing a major renovation of the City-owned Moda Center. The Rose Quarter generates more than $600 million in annual economic activity and supports nearly 6,000 jobs.

I believe we can protect this important Portland institution while ensuring our public investment delivers meaningful benefits for our community.

Pictured: Asking the tough questions during the Moda Center Term Sheet work session to ensure Portlanders’ interests remain at the center of the conversation.

Read the proposed Moda Center term sheet

Touring the Future of Portland’s Water

Last week I joined my Council colleagues for a tour of the Bull Run Filtration Project, a major infrastructure investment located in eastern Multnomah County. When complete, the facility will be capable of filtering 135 million gallons of water every day, helping provide safe, reliable drinking water for approximately 840,000 people across our region.

The project represents a $2.56 billion investment, with $881 million spent as of June 2026, and construction includes nearly $400 million in contracts with COBID-certified firms. More than 400 craftworkers are currently working at the site, making this not only an investment in our water system, but also in jobs and economic opportunity.

For District 1, this is what investing in essential infrastructure looks like:
clean water, resilient systems, and good jobs for generations to come.

Pictured (left to right): Public Works Deputy City Administrator Priya Dhanapal, Councilor Sameer Kanal, Councilor Olivia Clark, Councilor Mitch Green, and the Director of Public Utilities during our Bull Run Filtration Facility tour.

Pictured: A closer look at the Bull Run Filtration Project and the infrastructure being built to protect Portland’s drinking water for generations to come.

Opera in the Heart of District 1

I was delighted to join more than 150 community members at Rossi Farms in Parkrose for an evening of opera right here in District 1. Events like this bring arts and culture directly into our neighborhoods, creating opportunities for neighbors to gather, connect, and experience something special close to home.

Great work, Joe Rossi, for continuing to create memorable experiences and community right here in East Portland

Pictured: Rossi Farms’ piano-vocal production of I Pagliacci, featuring an all-professional cast in the heart of District 1.

August Coffee with a Cop & Community

Join me for this month's Coffee with a Cop & Community, a discussion with
Public Safety Support Specialist (PS3) & Portland Street Response!
Please come connect with local public safety officials and community leaders to share your concerns.

Coffee with a Cop & Community Public Safety
Friday, August 21st
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

📍 Our Just Future
10550 NE Halsey St.

Coffee will be provided

Plan Ahead: Brace for 5 weeks of major construction on I-5

Major construction is coming to I-5 southbound beginning September 11, with a full closure between I-405 and I-84 lasting up to five weeks. Travel times may take two to three times longer than usual, with impacts expected on nearby streets and regional routes.

Please review the map, plan alternate routes, allow extra time, and stay informed before traveling through the Rose Quarter area.

🌟 District 1 Spotlight!

I’m proud to spotlight Brenda Alvarado, Portland’s first Immigrant Affairs Lead. Brenda will provide citywide leadership to strengthen Portland’s sanctuary protections, coordinate immigrant affairs across City bureaus, and expand access to resources for immigrant and refugee communities.

Her work will be especially important for District 1, where our diverse communities need clear, trusted pathways to City resources and support. Brenda will help strengthen partnerships, Know Your Rights resources, preparedness efforts, and coordination between the City and community-based organizations.

This is about making sure everyone who calls Portland home can live with safety, dignity, and access to the support and protections they deserve.

Pictured: Brenda Alvarado and I during our first meeting following her appointment as Portland’s first Immigrant Affairs Lead.

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

📣 Stay Connected

I encourage you to stay engaged:

Coffee with a Cop & Community - Friday, August 21st 2026 9:00 - 11:00 am
Continue sharing your thoughts and priorities with my office

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Translation and Interpretation: 311

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