We’re Back: District 1 Updates & What’s Ahead

City of Portland, Oregon sent this bulletin at 09/01/2026 11:32 AM PDT

Dear Neighbors,

The City Council is back from recess, and with a full week ahead of us.

I’m looking forward to getting back to work and continuing to advocate for the priorities that matter to you.

This week’s newsletter, includes our latest Coffee with a Cop & Community, important transitions within Team Smith, and looking ahead to the proposed renaming of Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard to Campesinos Boulevard, which comes before City Council this week.

There’s a lot happening, and as always, I encourage you to stay informed, stay engaged, and make your voice heard.

– 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

Community and Public Safety Committee Meeting
📅 Date: Tuesday, September 1
🕘 Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

City Council Meeting
📅 Date: Wednesday, September 2
🕘 Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

Finance and Governance Committee of the Whole Meeting
📅 Date: Thursday, September 3
🕘 Time: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

City Council Meeting
📅 Date: Thursday, September 3
🕘 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.

Upcoming City Council Action:
Renaming Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard to Campesinos Boulevard.

This week on, Wednesday, September 2, during city council will hear the first reading of an ordinance I introduced with Councilor Tiffany Koyama Lane to rename NE and SE Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard to Campesinos Boulevard.

The proposal seeks to honor the broader legacy and contributions of farmworkers, immigrants, labor leaders, and the collective labor movement known as la causa.

I want to hear from you.
City Council is accepting public testimony on this proposal, and I encourage Portlanders to participate and make their voices heard. Virtual testimony registration closes one hour before the Council meeting; in-person testifiers can sign up before the item is heard.

Wednesday, September 2 | 9:30 a.m.
Portland City Hall | Council Chambers

→ SIGN UP TO TESTIFY

From the Desk of Councilor Smith:
Coffee with a Cop & Community

Thank you to everyone who joined us for August's Coffee with a Cop & Community. These conversations are an important part of building stronger, safer communities by giving residents the opportunity to connect directly with the public safety officials and providers who serve them.

We become better informed and more connected when we understand what resources are available, who to call, and how our different public safety teams work together helps all of us become better informed and more connected.

I’m committed to continuing to create spaces where you can ask questions, share concerns, and build relationships directly with the people serving our community.

I hope you’ll join me for our next Coffee with a Cop & Community on Friday, September 18, from 9:00–11:00 a.m.

Come for the coffee. Stay for the conversation.

Pictured: District 1 community members gathered for Coffee with a Cop & Community.

Pictured: District 1 resident Bob asks a question during our Coffee with a Cop & Community discussion.

Pictured: A community member lining up to share concerns with our public safety partners.

Pictured: Our public safety and community response partners came together to connect directly with District 1 residents.

Pictured: Public safety partners discuss their roles, resources, and how they work together to serve Portlanders.

Pictured: A community member engages directly with our panel during the conversation.

Pictured: A community leader joins the conversation and asks questions of our public safety partners.

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 according to Portland Bureau of Transportation. 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.

Sign up for alerts here

🌟 District 1 Spotlight!

This week, I want to recognize Tali Reed, our Director of Strategic Business Engagement and Communications, as she begins a new chapter with the City of Portland’s Office of Community & Civic Life Engagement Team.

Tali has played a pivotal role on Team Smith, helping shape our communications, strengthen our business and community engagement, build relationships across District 1, and ensure the work of our office reached the people we serve. Her ability to bring people together and tell the story of our work has made a lasting impact on our team and our community.

While Tali will be deeply missed on Team Smith, I am proud that her next chapter keeps her serving Portlanders. Civic Life’s work centers on connecting Portlanders with City government and strengthening community participation, making this a natural continuation of her commitment to engagement and public service.

Tali, thank you for everything you have poured into Team Smith and District 1. We are excited to see the impact you will continue to make across our city. Congratulations on your next chapter!

Pictured (left to right): Chief of Staff Elijah Crawford, myself and Tali Reed at the League of Oregon Cities Conference.

Pictured (left to right): Tali Reed; Kamalei Doswell, Intern; and Malynda Valentine, Director of Constituent Services and Office Manager.

Pictured: Tali doing what she does best capturing the moments and telling the story of Team Smith through content!

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, September 18th 2026 9:00 - 11:00 am
Continue sharing your thoughts and priorities with my office

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