Celebrating a Legacy of Work: Leslie Goodlow

Leslie Goodlow, Equity and Business Operations Manager for the Portland Housing Bureau, fought back tears as she received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 41^st annual "Keep Alive the Dream" tribute hosted by the World Arts Foundation at Life Change Church on N. Williams Avenue. It was Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and District 1 Councilor Loretta Smith stood at the microphone, lauding Leslie's endless contributions to the Portland metropolitan community – contributions that have changed the city for the better.

"Leslie is one of those very rare leaders whose presence changes the temperature in the room, and I've been there with her. She is steady, she is thoughtful, she is grounded, and she is always guided by a deep sense of purpose," said Councilor Smith. "What has always struck me most about her unwavering commitment to community, Leslie does not just invite people to the table, she makes sure the table is big enough for all of us. Think about that. She can look at a table, she can tell who is not there, and she makes that table bigger to make us better."

Throughout the weeks leading up to Leslie accepting her Lifetime Achievement Award, friends and family from near and far sent warm messages congratulating her, many shouting "well deserved!"

Leslie's family, friends, colleagues, and several Rose Festival princesses she has mentored over the years filled the event, a visual testament to her impact.  She spoke of how meaningful they were in her life and thanked them for attending the event and supporting her through the stages of her career.

A lifelong Portland resident, equity-driven public servant, and respected community leader whose career spans more than three decades of service to culturally rooted, community-centered institutions—Leslie has dedicated her professional and volunteer life to advancing equity, preserving cultural legacy, and strengthening civic infrastructure—particularly within Black communities and communities historically excluded from decision-making and investment.

View full size image of Leslie Goodlow takes a selfie in front of the Royal Reunion section of the Rose Festival's Grand Floral Parade, with dozens of women in pink behind her.

Leslie's extensive board and volunteer service includes the Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission; the Historic Albina Advisory Board; the National Forum for Black Public Administrators; and long-standing leadership within Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Zeta Sigma Omega Chapter, where she has served in multiple executive roles, including Chapter President. She has also supported youth, education, and family-centered organizations through PTAs, community leagues, and nonprofit boards—demonstrating a consistent commitment to intergenerational leadership and cultural continuity.

Her contributions have been recognized by numerous organizations for leadership, service, and community impact. Honors include the Delta Sigma Theta Women of Excellence Award (2007), the Good in the Neighborhood Community Service Award (2019), the Fresh Out Community-Based Reentry Program Outstanding Service to African Americans in Oregon Award (2024), and the National Forum for Black Public Administrators President's Award (2024). She has also received sustained recognition from NFBPA for her leadership as Conference Planning and Evaluation Chair from 2018–2025.

Leslie currently oversees compliance, human resources, administration, communications, the neighborhood housing program and community engagement for the Portland Housing Bureau, managing over $300 million in public investment. Since joining the City of Portland in 2012, she has been a key architect of equitable systems change, including her leadership of the N/NE Neighborhood Housing Strategy, a nationally recognized effort to address historic displacement in North and Northeast Portland through investments in new affordable rental housing, opportunities for first-time homebuyers, and home retention programs for longtime residents.

View full size image of Leslie Goodlow poses with project representatives, local elected officials, and members of the Strong Family with hard hats and shovels at the groundbreaking of the Strong Family Apartments.

Her work reflects a deep belief that arts, culture, public policy, and community engagement are inseparable—and that honoring history while investing in people is essential to building equitable and vibrant communities.

Councilor Smith closed by stating, "This Lifetime Achievement Award is not simply a recognition of years served, it is a recognition of impact, of integrity, and of a life lived in service… It is a recognition of someone who has helped shape Portland into a place where people can see themselves, their histories, and their futures reflected in the fabric of our City."

View full size image of Leslie Goodlow poses for a photo with her daughters, grandson, and friends.

Leslie thanked the World Arts Foundation, Inc. for recognizing her with a Lifetime Achievement Award and acknowledged her friends and family for coming out to celebrate with her. She shared, "Service is something that I was taught as a small child. My grandmother, my aunts, and my mother taught me that if you were not helping someone else you were not doing the right thing. I raised my daughters that way, because it was important for them to learn giving was more important than getting. And with privilege comes responsibility. "

Watch Leslie's 3-minute interview here.