With December coming to an end, we've officially wrapped up our first year under Portland's new form of government. I'll share an end-of-year wrap up soon, but for now, I wanted to share with you some of December's many highlights, both in the community and at the dais.
December in review
1803 Fund purchases Louis Dreyfus Grain Silos
On December 3, we celebrated the future. 1803 Fund purchased the Louis Dreyfus Grain Silos and unveiled plans to transform the area into a community gathering space called Albina Riverside. They're also restoring and redeveloping about 7 acres of land and buildings in the neighborhood historically known to the Black community as the Low End.
The Albina neighborhood was long home to Black Portlanders who decades ago faced upheaval and displacement as a result of racist urban renewal policies. This Black-led neighborhood development is an opportunity to restore community, culture, and ownership while transforming the neighborhood, our District, and our region as a whole.
As 1803 Fund CEO Rukaiyah Adams said at the December 3 event, their approach reframes and reimagines economic development as an act of renewal, using our real assets to build generational prosperity.
The renderings that we saw are incredible, but what will be even more amazing is when we are all gathered together to celebrate their reality. I'm thankful to everyone who is making this vision come to life.
PCCEP hosts conversation on public safety
On December 8, I joined City colleagues at a community forum hosted by the Portland Committee on Community-Engaged Policing (PCCEP). We discussed public safety under Portland's new form of government, the strides we've made, and the steps we still have to take. We can't stop until we've built a community where ALL Portlanders feel safe.
Menorah lighting in Pioneer Square
It was great to see so many good friends at this year's menorah lighting at Pioneer Square as we celebrated the first night of Chanukah.
Gathering with so many community members in the shadow of the antisemitic attack in Australia earlier that same day was important for our community. As I said at the time, gathering together builds strength, shows resilience and resistance, and creates the light of community in dark times — whether they are dark because of the short days and long nights, or antisemitism, hate, and discrimination in any form.
I'm thankful to my fellow Jewish elected officials for their leadership and visibility, and for the elected leaders who stood with us during the lighting. Their allyship helps to keep our community safe and strong.
At the dais
New city administrator
On December 7, Council appointed Raymond C. Lee III as our first long-term City Administrator. As we continue to solidify this new form of government, this is the person who will work with Council to ensure that Portlanders have the excellent services and transparency that they've been asking for, and that Council can get the information we need from a neutral administration. This Monday was his first day on the job, and I'm excited to see the work we can accomplish together as we chart the path forward for Portland.
Detention facility impact fee
On December 3, Council approved an impact fee for detention facilities. For years, and particularly in recent months, we have seen the impacts the ICE facility has had on its neighbors, and how these impacts have redirected City resources. This fee is a sensible solution to manage these unwanted impacts and do our part in protecting our community from harm.
New public communication registration process
The City Auditor's office has updated the public communication registration process for speaking at City Council meetings to make it more predictable, consistent, and efficient. Public communication sign-ups will follow the same timeline as testimony on agenda items, making the process easier and more streamlined for everyone. No more planning months ahead – registration now opens at 9:00 a.m. the Friday before each meeting. I look forward to hearing from you as important issues arise that we need to know about!
Council schedule
This month, the Council will hold regular meetings as follows:
January 7, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
January 8, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (tentative)
January 14, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
January 21, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
January 28, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
January 29, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (tentative)
We also have a few work sessions to tackle specific issues that we'll be adding to the schedule. Find the most up-to-date information on all meetings, including executive sessions, work sessions, and committees, here. To submit public testimony, visit this link.
That's all for now – stay tuned for opportunities to engage with my office in the New Year! Wishing you all a warm start to 2026, and I'll be checking back in again soon.
In solidarity,
Elana Pirtle-Guiney