990-2023

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

The Portland Historic Landmarks Commission (HLC) has two upcoming vacancies 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 am recommending two candidates for appointment to soon-to-be vacant positions on the HLC for 4-year terms running from December 9, 2023 through December 8, 2027 and from January 5, 2024 through January 4, 2028.

Christopher Jose “Hugo” Hamblin-Agost

Biography: Christopher Jose “Hugo” Hamblin-Agosto is a city planner and previously worked as an intern with the Bureau of Development Services in its partnership with Portland State University. Originally born in Oregon and of Latino descent, Hugo is particularly interested in uplifting the history of the Latino community in Multnomah County which can sometimes get lost in preservation. Hugo recognizes that there are so many different stories to be told, resources to be identified and protected before they are lost, and centering community is critical to preserving history.

Statement of Interest: “I am ecstatic to have the opportunity to serve on the Historic Landmarks Commission. My desire to serve on this commission rests on three distinct pillars often integral to historic preservation efforts: social equity, historical depth, and community value. My background as both an urban planner and Oregonian positions me to adequately serve this commission and the greater Portland community through preservation of place and landmarks. I believe Portland has such a rich story to teach our community about our history, and that preserving these narratives further define and guide all things substantial about the region.” 

Hannah Bronfman

Biography: Hannah Bronfmanis a sustainability professional who works in design and construction, studying the life cycle of buildings. After growing up in Oregon, Hannah has worked for 15 years in New York City, and has now returned to Oregon, wanting to apply her knowledge and experience to her hometown. Hannah believes in the inherent sustainability of many historic building materials as well as the human connection to these materials. Older buildings have a role to play in our efforts to thwart climate change as reusing existing resources supports goals toward limiting waste and carbon emissions.

Statement of Interest: “I would be honored to be an active member of the Historic Landmarks Commission, and to bring my expertise around environmental sustainability to the decision-making process for historic preservation of our community's built environment. Sustainability requires that a holistic perspective is brought into development decisions, from technical analyses such as lifecycle-assessment and embodied-energy of an existing building, to softer interpretations such as stewardship and placemaking. I am excited at the prospect to bring these skills to an already talented team, and to utilize my communication skills to translate decisions to the larger community of stakeholders.”

Both candidates will bring a fresh perspectives and voices to the Historic Landmarks Commission. Hugo is experienced with the processes of local government, and Portland specifically. His understanding of Zoning Code and local bureaucratic processes will benefit the Commission in its future policy recommendations and advocacy related to Code changes. As Portland continues its efforts to identify historic resources, Hugo’s voice on the Commission will also help ensure that resources significant to Portland’s Latinx history will not be overlooked. Hannah’s experience and knowledge of sustainable building practices will serve the Commission in advocating for preservation of existing buildings as a means to reduce the negative impacts of climate change. The Commission has long advocated for preservation of existing buildings as a tool for sustainability and Hannah’s experience will help the Commission better explain that connection.

I recommend that Christopher Jose “Hugo” Hamblin-Agosto be appointed to the Portland Historic Landmarks Commission for a first term dated December 9, 2023 through December 8, 2027.

I recommend that Hannah Bronfman be appointed to the Portland Historic Landmarks Commission for a first term dated January 5, 2024 through January 4, 2028.

With these appointments, all positions on the Historic Landmarks Commission will be filled.

Respectfully submitted,

Ted Wheeler

Mayor