759-2022

As Mayor, I request Council confirmation of the following appointment to the Development Review Advisory Committee.

As the City’s advisory body on development review, the Development Review Advisory Committee (DRAC) seeks to foster an efficient, predictable, and accountable development review process. I am recommending two candidates for appointments to vacant positions on the DRAC for 3-year terms running from September 14, 2022, through September 13, 2025.

Elizabeth Gomez has been the President of Bridge City Contracting since 2014, is a member of the Hispanic Metro Chamber Board, and is the Remodelers Chair of the Building Industry Association of Clark County. Elizabeth is an active remodeler who has worked with government agencies on development issues that impact the Latino community and businesses. Elizabeth’s application for Committee membership is supported by the Portland Home Builders Association (HBA).

Statement from Elizabeth Gomez:

It would be an honor to serve on the Development Review Advisory Committee (DRAC) in developing the City’s goals for land use, transportation, housing and economic development, neighborhood livability and the environment.

I believe in the importance of advancing our community through fair application of essential ordinances and regulations.  My background will add a new voice to the committee; one which will provide a new perspective; knowledgeable about current construction and land use best practices.

If given the opportunity to serve as a DRAC member, it would be a privilege and a pleasure to be a part of a process that serves the greater good of the City of Portland.

Jennifer Santhouse is a construction project manager at Portland General Electric with 15 years’ experience in real estate transactions and development. Jennifer has familiarity with the City’s land use and permitting processes through several years of experience in land use reviews and permitting for electric substations and other projects. Jennifer also serves on the board of the Rose City Park Neighborhood Association.

Statement from Jennifer Santhouse:

Over the past 15 years, I’ve committed to building a community in which residents and businesses have positive interactions with new and existing development both personally through my neighborhood association and school parent-teacher organization and professionally in the utility and real estate sectors.  I believe that we need to be cognizant of the impact of the many projects contemplated and underway, and how they weave together to create a vibrant, reflective, and supportive Portland. To me, a position on the Development Review Advisory Committee (DRAC) provides an avenue for equitable, economic, and future-oriented reviews of development and processes to support thriving communities and business growth.

At Portland General Electric (PGE), I've worked within the Property Services and Construction Project Management departments to facilitate the improvement and redevelopment of substation, distribution, and transmission line facilities throughout our service territory, including within the City of Portland.  And while few outside the electrical industry appreciate the beauty of these facilities, they provide for economic growth within the city, are critical to meeting our clean energy goals, and reduce customer electrical outages and wildfire risks.  In recent transmission and substation projects, we’ve worked closely with various bureaus to understand and satisfy the permitting requirements, but on many occasions the requirements of the bureaus contradict each other and next steps are unclear.  I am optimistic that within this role on the DRAC, I can provide insight into these issues, share learnings from other jurisdictions, and offer suggestions to create alignment between the City’s planning and budgetary objectives, infrastructure requirements, and development processes. 

I'm looking forward to engaging more deeply with our City leaders and representatives to support the continuing development of Portland's businesses and communities.

These two candidates will bring a wealth of expertise and experience to the DRAC. Their appointments will help ensure that the good work of the DRAC continues on behalf of BDS and other City bureaus, the development community, and all Portlanders.

With these appointments, only one vacant position will remain on the DRAC, representing the Planning & Sustainability Commission (PSC). The PSC is in the process of identifying a candidate for the position.