2025-079

TO THE COUNCIL:

As Mayor, I request Council confirmation of the following appointments to the Portland Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC).

The Portland Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) has two upcoming changes that need action. The HLC is a 7-member volunteer commission which provides leadership and expertise on maintaining and enhancing the City’s historic and architectural heritage. The HLC reviews new development within historic districts and major alterations to historic resources. Members must have a demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge of historic preservation.

I recommend two candidates for appointments to vacant positions on the HLC for the 4-year terms noted below:

Susan Trexler is a consulting architectural historian with 10+ years of professional experience in historic preservation. She was the sole Historic Preservation Urban Planner for 6 years in an Illinois community recognized internationally for its significant architectural history. In this capacity she oversaw all preservation duties including project reviews and staff liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission. Susan has volunteered at a number of architectural history group and most recently at Portland’s Architectural Heritage Center.  

Statement of interest from Susan Trexler: “Our existing historic preservation systems have many great tools that can help us as a community. I also strongly believe in the importance of diversity and inclusion, and thinking outside the box to solve problems. I hope to accomplish the Commission's mission while also bringing an open and creative mind. I am always interested in finding new ways to solve problems or address needs while meeting preservation standards; every project and topic is unique and should be considered accordingly.”

Jonah James Jensen is an architect with 20+ years of experience in historic rehabilitations and additions. During his educational planning and design work Jonah led and facilitated a variety of stakeholders that required collaboration and participation with culturally diverse and multilingual groups. Jonah also served on a historic commission in Washington for 6 years. The sustainable aspects of modernizing historic buildings are an interest that he hopes to continue to pursue with his membership on the commission.

Statement of interest from Jonah James Jensen: “I would like to bring my lens and over 20 years of expertise historic rehabilitations in providing guidance to applicants and the commission as a whole. I'm very interested in the sustainable aspects of modernizing historic buildings. I like to think of myself as a voice of reason during challenging discussions and disagreements in helping to facilitate and guide a productive conversation.”

Together these two candidates will provide this decision-making body with historic preservation and rehabilitation expertise that will be lost with the membership changes in the coming months. Their knowledge of commission work and processes will assist in swift on-boarding and a more seamless transition. Their collaborative, problem-solving approach and working with diverse communities will serve the commission well.

With these appointments, no vacant positions will remain on the Historic Landmarks Commission.

I recommend that Susan Trexler and Jonah James Jensen be appointed to the Portland Historic Landmarks Commission for first terms dated April 1, 2025 through March 31, 2029 (Trexler) and June 22, 2025 through June 21, 2029 (Jensen).