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September 2025 Newsletter

Blog Post
DCA Priya Dhanapal, a Roseway volunteer, and Councilor Morillo with a pair of giant scissors View full size image
As summer winds down, my team and I are hard at work advocating for a safe, connected and resilient Portland for all. Here’s a little bit about what we’ve been up to lately.
Published

DC lobbying for transportation funding

Councilor Morillo speaker at a table with colleagues View full size image

Last week I traveled to Washington D.C. with a regional committee that I serve on alongside Mayor Wilson – the Metro Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation (or JPACT for short). JPACT is made up of elected leaders and transportation officials from across the region who work together to develop a cohesive, strategic transportation plan for the Portland metro region, from our urban core to outer Clackamas County. As the only transit-dependent person on Portland City Council, serving in this role offers an opportunity to represent so many Portlanders like me who rely on transit and safe walk routes to get around our city.

JPACT group in front of the US Capitol View full size image

In D.C., I met with Congressional leaders and the U.S. Department of Transportation to secure federal funds for some of Portland’s most important projects. In those meetings, I advocated for Capital Investment Grants for improvements to high crash corridors like 82nd Avenue, and for the Portland Streetcar. As the only bus rider in the space, I also strongly advocated for the expansion of public transit. My colleagues on JPACT skillfully pushed for improvements to the Burnside Bridge, for the completion of the I-5 Bridge, and for Transit-Oriented Development programs. 

It was inspiring to work with everyone on JPACT to bring a unified voice to negotiations so we could advocate for our region. I have so much respect for my colleagues and the needs of their constituents. It was a good reminder that a thriving region makes our city stronger.

Policy Updates

My team has been building policies that are aligned with my commitment to fight for marginalized communities and those most vulnerable in our city. I’m proud to bring forth this commonsense legislation that is, frankly, long overdue in Portland.

The first ordinance would regulate those seeking to rent land or facilities for detention operations. These facilities impose major costs on cities: police overtime, tear gas cleanup, transit disruptions, and more. Instead of asking Portlanders to absorb those burdens, I want to ensure the real costs are fully considered before allowing such operations in our city.

Next, I’m taking steps to better protect Portlanders’ data. Federal agencies increasingly purchase personal information to build “pattern of life” profiles: tracking where you go, what you do, even when your kids leave for school. This unchecked surveillance erodes trust and invites overreach. I’m pushing for stronger oversight to ensure that your data isn’t misused or sold. 

Finally, I’m introducing an ordinance that clarifies private security can only detain individuals under Oregon law and must immediately work with police. This closes the door on vigilante actions or unauthorized detentions in our community.

As I write this, there are families in Portland whose lives have been upended by more kidnappings. Just this week, a dad in North Portland was taken by ICE while dropping his child off at school. Another father who was detained had his car window smashed by agents as his children watched on. I will continue to do everything in my power to keep all my Portland neighbors safe, regardless of their immigration status. 

Upcoming constituent coffees

If you live in District 3, I want to hear from you! I’m excited to share that we’ve scheduled monthly meetups through the end of this year to make sure your voice is being heard on City Council. Come as you are, bring a neighbor, and let’s get connected. We are hosting events all across the district, starting this Saturday in Foster-Powell. I hope to see you there!

  • THIS Saturday! September 20th at the Foster Food Carts (5205 SE Foster Road, 97206) from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.
  • Friday, October 24th from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm, location TBD in the Richmond neighborhood
  • Saturday, November 15th from 10:00 am to 11:30 am, location TBD in the Woodstock neighborhood
  • Friday, December 12th from 10:00 am to 11:30 am, location TBD in the Roseway neighborhood

Thank you for all you do to make our beautiful city great. Please do reach out at any time: call our office at 503-823-4360, or contact me at councilor.morillo@portlandoregon.gov.

Sincerely,

Councilor Angelita Morillo

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