Proclaim September 13-22, 2024 to be Welcoming Week
Whereas, the City of Portland recognizes that 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, fostering Portland’s spirit of unity, safety, and belonging begins with us, and we must continue to be a place where individuals feel valued and safe; and
Whereas, all Portlanders should commit to helping immigrant and refugee communities, beyond this proclamation, and make Portland a welcoming place for all; and
Whereas, the City of Portland has received several thousand Afghan and Ukrainian individuals and will likely continue to see our refugee, asylum seeker, and other immigrant communities continue to grow; and
Whereas, Portland is a member of Welcoming America, a national nonprofit, and a network of local governments and nonprofits around the world that pledge to become a welcoming place for new and long-term residents alike; and
Whereas, the City of Portland is once again leading the way by hosting Welcoming Week for the second year with the theme “Where We Belong.”
Now, therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim September 13th through 22nd, 2024, to be
Welcoming Week
in Portland and encourage all Portlanders to partake in this week.