June was another busy one!
On June 18, City Council officially adopted our $8.5 billion city budget. Since the Mayor released his Proposed Budget in May, we’ve received public input, debated policy, and worked through amendments to reflect council priorities.
I’m proud that several amendments I introduced made it into the final budget:
- Protecting City Employees and Portlanders: I introduced a budget note directing the development of a legal framework that reaffirms that all City of Portland employees acting in accordance with Oregon’s sanctuary law are protected.
- Redirecting Parks Levy Funds: This amendment redirects $2.1 million in Parks Levy dollars from Urban Forestry’s tree regulation program back into core Parks Maintenance—clean parks, open restrooms, and accessible programs. With a Parks Levy renewal likely on the 2025 ballot, transparency and accountability are essential.
- Tree Code Realignment: This amendment shifts the entire tree regulation program from Portland Parks & Recreation to the Planning, Permitting, and Development bureau. This better aligns enforcement functions with the right bureau and frees funds for park maintenance.
Unfortunately, added funding for the County’s sobering center didn’t make it into the budget. That’s a miss. This is a public safety resource that Portlanders deserve, and I believe the city should demonstrate its commitment to partnering with the County on a service we’ll be the primary user of. Leaving someone on the street during a potential overdose is dangerous—for them and for the public. A regulated sobering center is a safer, more humane alternative.
To everyone who attended listening sessions, testified, or emailed—thank you. Your voice made a difference.
Standing Up for Children’s Services
Other members of the Council voted to end funding for services provided by the Portland Children’s Levy (PCL) by essentially sending the entire program back to the drawing board. I offered an emergency ordinance to keep these kid-focused programs alive and functioning while those who voted to cut funding had a chance to realize their mistake. And they did.
Since then, the Portland Children’s Levy returned to the dais, this time with a clearer understanding of the impact those decisions would have from those who voted to end funding. The original grant package was approved, as it should have been all along.
No Kings Protest
On June 14, tens of thousands of people peacefully protested downtown. I’m proud of my fellow Portlanders. Thank you for showing up, peacefully and bluntly, to remind everyone what Portland stands for.
Ahead of the event, the city held a press conference making it clear: Portland supports the right to protest. Thank you to the community members who led the conference and shared their wisdom.
SDC Waiver Plan Moves Forward
Mayor Wilson and Governor Kotek introduced an SDC (System Development Charge) waiver for three years targeting 5,000 new homes. As Finance Chair, I was proud to help move this plan through committee. Portland’s development has slowed, and waivers like this can help jumpstart housing production at all income levels.
This plan sends a clear message: Portland is open for business.
Why I Love Public Service
Some days are tough, but moments like this remind me why I love this work.
I attended the Portland Police Bureau’s hiring ceremony, where new officers take their oath and are officially sworn in. It’s one of the most important moments in their lives, and I always appreciate witnessing such a meaningful milestone.
We also hosted our Sister City Ambassadors at City Hall for the annual Rose Festival Reception. The tradition includes full regalia, greetings from Council, and a reaffirmed Friendship Memorandum with cities around the world.
What’s New in District 4
The new Washington Park Reservoir soft opened—and it’s stunning. The reservoir holds 12.5 million gallons of fresh water, with reflecting pools and cascading fountains above, paired with a beautiful walking path around the site. My only complaint? No swimming! The pools are for looking only. Maybe one day I’ll get to dip my toes in—but not today.
Downtown also welcomed the grand opening of the new Portland Aquarium—a surreal, immersive art installation by Mike Bennett featuring hand-drawn sea creatures and one very judgmental seahorse. I toured it with Mike while it was being set up, and I’m excited for folks to experience it firsthand.
What is Eric Eating?!
This month, Mother’s Bistro introduced their new Bubbie’s Deli Board pop-up menu and I was lucky enough to be one of the first to try it. As always, the team at Mother’s continues to serve up some of the best food in Portland.