TEACHER TIFFANY
Councilor Koyama Lane, also known as Teacher Tiffany, is an award-winning educator with 16 years of experience teaching in public schools. A proud leader in her union she has spent years fighting for vibrant, safe classrooms for Portland students, and better conditions for public school educators and staff. As a fourth-generation Japanese American (Yonsei), Councilor Koyama Lane stands on the shoulders of generations of people working for change. She lives in Southeast Portland with her husband and two young kids.
COMMUNITY ACTION
As a fourth-generation Japanese American, Councilor Koyama Lane stands on the shoulders of generations of people working for change. Her approach to community work is informed by her family’s experience in WWII-era Japanese incarceration camps. An engaged member of the local AAPI community, Councilor Koyama Lane has served on the Teacher Advisory Councils at the Portland Art Museum and the Japanese American Museum of Oregon. Through the National Endowment for the Humanities, she’s participated in powerful landmark programs at the Japanese American National Museum and the Wing Luke Museum.
EDUCATION
Councilor Koyama Lane has been frequently recognized for her excellence in the classroom, where she fosters an atmosphere of trust, safety, and respect. She was a 2022 recipient of the “Teachers Rock Award” and a 2023 OnPoint Educator of the Year runner-up, receiving a cash prize and additional funds for her school. She has been an active member of the Social Studies Advisors on Instructional Resources Committee, a Teachers of Color affinity space member, and a mentor for new BIPOC educators. She has served on the Teachers Advisory Council of the Portland Art Museum, and is a founding member of the Japanese American Museum of Oregon’s Education Advisory Board. She has been awarded grants from the National Endowment of the Humanities and the Japanese American Citizens League to research and develop nuanced elementary school curricula around the Japanese American and AAPI experience.
LABOR
Councilor Koyama Lane is a proud member of the Portland Association of Teachers, where she has served as both Lead External Organizer and as a member of the Bargaining Steering Committee. As a union leader, Teacher Tiffany is united with all educators in their fight for safe classrooms and school buildings, smaller class sizes, and smaller caseloads for school social workers and other specialists. Councilor Koyama Lane celebrates the power of collective action and is in solidarity with every Portland worker fighting for better conditions and fair pay.
ANTI-RACISM
As Yonsei, a fourth-generation Japanese American, anti-racism is one of Councilor Koyama Lane’s core values. In the summer of 2020, she supported local children who started the Kid-Centered March for Black Lives, a youth-led series of marches and events that took place through the summer of 2021. In all, the marches brought in dozens of Black speakers, performers, and vendors, and activated thousands of people across Portland. She is a founder and administrator of Raising Anti-racist Kids PDX community group, which shares resources for parents and kids around anti-racism and equity.
Prior to her election on November 5, 2024, Councilor Koyama Lane spent months meeting with neighbors on the street and in their homes, sometimes trading childcare to have long conversations about what people in District 3 need and what they hope for from their city. But Portland is also a place full of amazing people who put their heart and soul into their community. She knows that Portland is full of people who are ready to get to work to realize Portland’s promise. As City Councilor Tiffany Koyama Lane, she will bring the people – that’s YOU – into City Hall with her.
MEET THE STAFF
Alex Browne (they/she) is the District Admin Specialist for all of District 3. Alex is new to Portland but is a proud District 3 resident! When they are not in the office, Alex is probably biking or foraging for fruit. Prior to working for City Hall, Alex worked in PBOT Maintenance Operations. Alex can be reached at alexander.browne@portlandoregon.gov.
Sprout Chinn (she/her) is the Council Aide for Councilor Koyama Lane specializing in community outreach and constituent relations. She is a lifelong District 3 resident. When she's not at work she is likely getting boba or in a dance class. Prior to working for Councilor Koyama Lane, Sprout worked in the in election organizing. Sprout can be reached at sprout.chinn@portlandoregon.gov.