255-2023

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

The Portland Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) has one vacancy that needs 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 am recommending one candidate for appointment to a vacant position on the HLC for a 4-year term running from April 5, 2023 through April 4, 2027. 

Cleo Davis is a social design artist who combines disciplines of cultural and creative arts while utilizing design, historic preservation, economic development and city policy. Cleo’s work takes a critical view of social, political and cultural issues, reproducing familiar visual signs, arranging them into new conceptually layered pieces, while advocating for tools of economic growth and policy change.  Cleo is currently engaged in work as a co-instructor of a Portland State University architecture studio looking at the creation of an Albina Monuments Plan, working with Albina Vision Trust on their Community Investment Plan, and running a design-oriented business, Soapbox Theory. Cleo also works as a spatial justice consultant with BDS.

Statement from Cleo Davis:

The history of Portland, PDC and the Black community has affected the community at large and also myself and my family. When it comes to historic preservation, it has been a tool that has gone against the Black community. It’s a tool that is used on a higher level and has kept Black people out of the system. I am interested in historic preservation and cultural preservation; there have to be new voices that can drive the conversation. I would like to challenge the way things are done and be someone who has a voice in making that change.

This candidate will bring a fresh perspective to the Historic Landmarks Commission. As the Commission looks to extend its reach and be more connected and relevant to the broader community of Portlanders, Cleo’s experience with engagement and artistic exploration of historical themes and untold local stories will allow the Commission to forge deeper connections with the community and identify places that matter to Portlanders who may not have historically participated in the bureaucratic processes of the City.

With this appointment, all vacancies on the Historic Landmarks Commission will be filled.

I recommend that Cleo Davis be appointed to the Portland Historic Landmarks Commission for a first term dated April 5, 2023 through April 4, 2027.

Respectfully submitted, 

Ted Wheeler

Mayor