See something we could improve on this page? Give website feedback.
Label:
News article
Published
Dear Neighbors,
It’s been just over two months since I was sworn in as Portland’s District 4 City Councilor, and my colleagues and I have hit the ground running. My focus continues to be prioritizing public safety, improving livability in the Central City, addressing unsheltered homelessness, and how the city’s budget will affect these issues. I am serving on the following committees:
- Chair of the Finance Committee
- Homelessness and Housing Committee
- Community and Public Safety Committee
A lot has happened—here’s a rundown of everything that’s been going on in District 4.
Progress Downtown
Downtown is the heart of Portland, and we are seeing positive momentum:
- The Portland Winter Light Festival celebrated its 10-year anniversary, bringing over 250,000 people downtown.
- The James Beard Public Market announced that they are set to open in the fall, showcasing local small businesses and culinary talent. After touring the site, I look forward to seeing its impact on our community.
- Portland Opera is moving to the World Trade Center this summer, adding to our vibrant arts scene.
While these are great signs of progress, we still have work to do to make the Central City a place where people want to live, visit, and work.
Portland's Draft Budget Recommendations
As Chair of the Finance Committee, I started by tripling the number of budget work sessions initially proposed. With a city budget as large as ours, we need to make sure we have the appropriate amount of time to evaluate every last dollar available to us.
The city’s budget recommendations were announced, proposing a nearly $100M budget shortfall, citing revenue decline and inflation as key factors driving the budget reduction. Meanwhile, The PCEF's recommended contingency fund sits at over half a billion dollars for the year.
That’s not a budget problem.
That’s a priorities problem.
We cannot sit on half a billion dollars while East and Southwest Portland lack basic sidewalks. While park restrooms are so neglected they’re unusable—if they were working in the first place. While youth recreation programs are underfunded and homeless shelters face closure. That's half a billion dollars in the bank producing interest, not results.
That being said, I expect to see absolutely zero cuts to our public safety budget. Period.
Holding Multnomah County Accountable on Homelessness
I was honored to receive Mayor Wilson's nomination to serve on the Homelessness Response System's Steering and Oversight Committee, in addition to my role on the Homelessness and Housing Committee.
My fellow councilors met with the Multnomah County commissioners to review the Homelessness Response System (HRS) and their Homelessness Response Action Plan (HRAP). While progress has been made in opening more shelter beds, we are backsliding on two key goals—opening additional shelters and transitioning people from temporary shelter to permanent housing.
I provided the Joint Office with seven key directives, including a more robust shelter program that meets neighborhood needs and a flexible emergency rental assistance program to prevent people putting in the effort from becoming homeless in the first place.
Multnomah County must be held accountable for meeting the goals they set. I expect to see real progress and transparency from the HRS by the next time we meet.
New Leadership
Congratulations to Councilors Elana Pirtle-Guiney and Tiffany Koyama Lane on their elections as President and Vice-President of the City Council. Their leadership will be instrumental as we tackle Portland’s biggest challenges.
I’d also like to congratulate Police Chief Bob Day on his appointment as Chief of the Portland Police Bureau. His leadership will be crucial to our city’s safety and success.
Standing with City Workers
I was proud to work with my fellow councilor, Mitch Green, to co-introduce the measure revoking the City Attorney’s authority to file an Unfair Labor Practice against AFSCME 37695. The resolution passed unanimously, marking a fresh start in our relationship with city employees. Portland should be an employer of choice, and that starts with how we treat our own employees. I’m glad we avoided a costly strike and look forward to working closely with our public employees.
People of Portland
It was great to meet and see so many of you at the City Club event in February! Having served on the board, it was a different experience to be a guest. Thanks for letting me ramble—and for the Doritos.
Your engagement makes a difference. If you have comments or questions, please reach out directly.
Also, find me on social media:
What is Eric Eating!?
You may have seen Sophie Peel’s report on our first City Council meeting, where I managed to scarf down a bag of Doritos, and with cool ranch dusted fingers, reheated some leftover lasagna—hard work requires a full stomach! I do not endorse this meal plan, but I do endorse getting the job done.
Thank you District 4. More updates to come.
Councilor Eric Zimmerman