Portland and the federal government

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Councilor Smith's Priorities for District 1

Information
Councilor Smith, siting at a microphone speaking at a leadership conference. View full size image
These priorities reflect a commitment to strengthening communities, expanding opportunity, and ensuring District 1 receives the investment and attention it deserves.

Housing Stability & Affordability

Keeping people housed is not just a priority for me, it is one of the most effective ways to protect families, stabilize communities, and prevent homelessness before it starts.

Councilor Smith Sitting next to Ken Body discuss slow the inflow View full size image
On KOIN 6, I discussed my amendment to direct $40.4M toward rent assistance and preventing homelessness before it starts.

Right now, too many Portland residents are one unexpected expense away from losing their homes. When nearly half of renters are cost-burdened and evictions continue to rise, we cannot afford to wait for a crisis to respond. We have to act earlier.

My approach is simple: invest in what works. That means prioritizing rent assistance, eviction prevention, and renter stabilization programs that keep people in their homes and connected to their communities. It also means making sure existing resources are used for their intended purpose, supporting the residents who need them most. 

Preventing eviction is not only more humane, but also more effective, more responsible, and better for the long-term stability of our city.

Economic Opportunity & Workforce Development

councilor smith standing in front of her district office with summer works with 3 interns. View full size image
With three SummerWorks interns, investing in our future, one opportunity at a time.

Too often, opportunity hasn't been evenly distributed.

I'm focused on expanding workforce development, supporting small businesses, and creating real pathways into stable careers, especially for young people and underserved communities.

SummerWorks is one of the ways we do that, connecting Portland youth to real work experience across city bureaus, elected offices, and the private sector.

I introduced and passed a resolution to expand the program, securing an additional $1.2 million to increase access to paid jobs and career pathways.

Because this is bigger than a summer job.

It's about creating access, closing gaps, and preparing the next generation for what's next.

Public Safety & Community Dialogue

I believe public safety starts with connection, trust, and consistent engagement.

Coffee with a Cop event with Chief Day standing and talking and Councilor Smith and Captain Derrick Foxworth sitting down View full size image
Coffee with a Cop with Chief Day and Captain Derrick Foxworth, real conversations, real work, and continued commitment to building trust in our community.

I prioritize prevention, open dialogue, and community-based approaches that strengthen trust between residents and public safety partners.

That work shows up through consistent engagement. I host Coffee with a Cop every third Friday from 9–11 a.m., creating space for real conversations between residents, businesses, and public safety leadership.

We've brought partners like Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez and Chief Bob Day to the table ensuring concerns are heard and solutions are worked on together.

Because safer neighborhoods are built through trust, accountability, and showing up consistently.

Infrastructure & Neighborhood Investment

Councilor Smith touching grass. View full size image
This is what too many of our neighborhoods are still navigating, no sidewalks, just grass.

Safe sidewalks, reliable streets, and connected neighborhoods should not be a privilege, they should be a standard.

For too long, communities in District 1 have been underinvested in, especially when it comes to basic infrastructure like sidewalks and safe routes. I am focused on changing that.

I co-sponsored and helped pass the Sidewalk Improvement and Pavement Program (SIPP), a major investment directing $50 million annually toward sidewalks, alternative pathways, and pavement improvements, prioritizing long-overdue infrastructure needs in Districts 1 and 4.

This is about more than pavement.

It's about accessibility for seniors, safety for families, and ensuring every resident can move through their neighborhood with dignity and ease.

Because infrastructure is not just about what we build, it's about who we serve.

Transparent & Accountable Government

Councilor Smith standing outside district office View full size image
Outside my District 1 office, bringing City Hall closer to the community.

I believe trust in government is built through transparency, accountability, and access. 

People deserve to know how decisions are made and have a real opportunity to be part of that process.

That's why I've focused on making City Hall more accessible and responsive to the communities we serve.

I opened the first City Council district office within District 1, creating a permanent and accessible home base for East Portland residents to engage directly with City Hall. I also authored legislation expanding Council meetings to a weekly schedule, including an evening option, to increase transparency and civic access.

Because government should not feel distant or difficult to navigate.

It should be accessible, accountable, and connected to the people it serves.

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