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Hey Portland,
And just like that, summer in the Pacific Northwest is coming to a close.
I've been actively advancing new legislation through committee and City Council while connecting with Portlanders at a range of outdoor events under the sun. It's been, by far, one of the best summers of my life.
Electric Vehicle Charging Standards Ordinance - Passed
My Electric Vehicle Charging Standards Ordinance requires that electricians working on City-funded EV charging projects, including those supported by the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF), are properly trained and certified.
This helps ensure that City-funded infrastructure is built safely and to the highest standards while investing in a skilled local workforce and strengthening apprenticeship opportunities.
Thank you to my colleagues for their support.
COST Ordinance: Consumers Opposed to Surveillance Technology – Passed
My COST ordinance is designed to protect Portland consumers from surveillance-based pricing practices on retail goods.
The ordinance prohibits surveillance-based pricing, limits how often prices can increase while preserving loyalty programs, rewards programs, and other discounts that help Portlanders save money. If two people walk into the same retail store in Portland and buy the same product, at the same time, the price should be the same for both individuals.
My goal is to establish these protections before surveillance-based pricing becomes common practice in Portland and before businesses make significant investments in technology that could enable these practices. I'm proud of this ordinance because it gets ahead of the problem. It establishes protections for Portlanders and clear standards for Portland businesses before significant dollars are invested in technology that could enable exploitative pricing practices.
My COST ordinance passed the Council's City Life Committee and will move forward to the full Council in October.
PFAS-free Gear for Portland Fire & Rescue Safety Resolution – Passed
Portland Fire & Rescue's turnout gear, the equipment firefighters use when responding to fires, needs an update. The gear designed to protect them from fire has been found to expose wearers to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals that have been linked to cancer and other adverse health outcomes.
The resolution I've introduced creates a fund intended to capture PF&R underspend and dedicates those dollars to equipping Portland Fire & Rescue with PFAS-free turnout gear that provides the same level of protection firefighters expect from their equipment as soon as it is commercially viable. I believe that when we ask firefighters to put themselves at risk to protect us, it's the City's responsibility to do everything we can to protect them in return.
This resolution passed Council's City Life Committee and will move forward to City Council.
Moda Center
I want to keep this one short because I know we're all tired of hearing about it. The City-owned Moda Center project is moving forward. The City's negotiation team will take things from here, and I trust them to secure a strong deal for Portland.
I look forward to more Trail Blazers and Portland Fire games, along with many more concerts and events at the Moda Center for years to come.
Summer of Constituents
The best part of the summer was being outside under blue skies, enjoying the sunshine, and having the chance to connect with you. My team and I love finding solutions to the issues facing our neighborhoods.
From parades and neighborhood association meetings to community celebrations like Goose Hollow Days, my schedule was busier than ever. And honestly, that's exactly how I like it.
Portland Pride
Three years ago, when Portland Pride moved from June to July, I had my doubts. But I've got to say, celebrating Pride under the sun and a blue sky was absolutely the right move.
Local drag queen Nicole Onoscopi performed for City Hall's Councilors and staff, followed by me delivering a proclamation reaffirming Portland's commitment to protecting and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community. Then, I was proud to walk in my first Pride Parade as an openly gay elected official.
Next year, I'm hoping to make it onto one of the floats!
CAMP's Grand Opening
Portland's newest gay bar celebrated its grand opening this summer, so I stopped by for a drink alongside SE Portland's State Representative Rob Nosse, friends, and community members.
Congratulations on the grand opening! I'm happy to see another LGBTQ+-owned business open on Harvey Milk Street.
I can't wait to see some of the placemaking improvements that my office helped fund for the street, including rainbow crosswalks, banners, and more.
Oregon Walks
I joined Oregon Walks for an early morning walk along Portland's Waterfront Park during the organization's "Walk with District 4 City Councilors" event.
It was a great way to start the day, and I really appreciated how many people showed up first thing in the morning to walk and took the time to chat about how we can make Portland a safe and more walkable city.
Portland Pearl District Rotary Club
My grandfather was a longtime Rotarian, so I've been attending Rotary Club meetings since I was probably four years old. When the Pearl District Rotary Club invited me to return as a guest speaker, it was a real honor and meaningful full-circle moment for me.
Hillsdale National Night Out
I never miss a good picnic.
Joining the Hillsdale Neighborhood Association's National Night Out at DeWitt Park was a great evening of live music, good food, and even better conversation.
Congratulations on 50 years, Forest Park Neighborhood Association
Fifty years of stewardship and bringing people together is an accomplishment worth celebrating. That's exactly what the Forest Park Neighborhood Association has done.
I joined neighbors and community members at the Skyline Tavern, where city meets forest, to celebrate with live music, booths from local businesses, and plenty of opportunities to connect with neighbors.
SW Dumpster Day
Being a City Councilor doesn't mean I shy away from getting my hands dirty.
I joined the Multnomah and Hillsdale Neighborhood Associations and SOLVE as an extra pair of hands to support their Dumpster Day and recycling drive in Southwest Portland.
The work was just as hard as it was rewarding, helping neighbors move large items from their cars into the dumpsters and get rid of things that can otherwise be a hassle to dispose of.
East Portland Chamber of Commerce
Council Vice President Olivia Clark and I joined the East Portland Chamber of Commerce as they brought together small business owners from East Portland, Reed, Sellwood, and neighborhoods across the city with their District 4 Councilors.
I spoke about the work I championed to reduce taxes for thousands of small businesses through the City's Business License Tax exemption, which Council passed earlier this year. I know that every dollar put back into the pocket of a small business owner can make a huge difference.
Goose Hollow Days
Goose Hollow Days really outdid itself this year. Booths and activities for all ages lined the iconic Vista Bridge, with local vendors, artists painting, live music, and, of course, live geese.
My office hosted a booth where we got to engage with everyone who stopped by. We chatted about what's happening in their daily lives, concerns they have, and steps we can take to address specific neighborhood issues.
I had some great conversations, and I appreciate everyone who took the time to stop by and say hi. Even my mom stopped by!
It's been a busy summer! A huge thank you to all the neighbors and volunteers who continue building community through events like this and the work you do every day.
Let's Connect
If you're experiencing an issue in District 4 or anywhere in Portland, or if you have an idea to help make our city better, let's chat. Reach out to my office and we will find time to connect, talk through the issue, and work toward a solution. I look forward to the conversation.
See you soon,
Councilor Eric Zimmerman