663-2021

WHEREAS, the City of Portland recognizes immigrants and refugees contribute to a culturally vibrant, prosperous, and multicultural community; and

WHEREAS, regardless of where we are born or how we identify, we are Portlanders and our lives are interdependent. By fostering a welcoming environment for all—regardless of immigration status, race, ethnicity, place of origin, English language proficiency, religion, income, gender, sexual orientation, differing abilities, age, and other factors—we enhance Portland’s health, economic prosperity, and well-being for current and future generations; and

WHEREAS, on June 17, 2020, all City of Portland Commissioners voted to approve a resolution that created a strict no-tolerance policy for racism, discrimination, and bias in the workplace, and continues to encourage all City employees and services to operate with the values of anti-racism, equity, collaboration, communication, fiscal responsibility, and transparency; and

WHEREAS, Portland’s spirit of unity, safety, and belonging begins with us, and we must continue to act like a sanctuary city, where everyone feels valued and safe; and

WHEREAS, all Portlanders and Portland institutions must commit to helping immigrant and refugees communities, beyond this proclamation, and make Portland a welcoming place to all; and

WHEREAS, for the first time ever, Portland has joined Welcoming America, a national nonprofit, and a network of local governments and nonprofits around the nation and world, to pledge to become a welcoming place for new and long-term residents alike; and

NOW, therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” hereby proclaim the period between September 10, 2021 and September 19, 2021 as

Welcoming Week

in Portland, Oregon, and do further declare the City of Portland to be a community that welcomes all.