City Council reflects on progress advancing Portland’s top priorities – and prepares to pass the baton

Newsletter
Photo of the City Leadership Team
At a work session this month, the City Leadership Team provided updates on homelessness, livability, public safety and economic recovery.
Published

Nearly four years ago, the Portland City Council established top priorities to meet the city’s needs: homelessness, livability, public safety and economic recovery.

This month, the council convened a work session to hear how the City Leadership Team is advancing each of those priorities, reflect on the city’s progress and provide advice to the incoming council and administration in Portland’s new form of government.

The City's six service areas are taking action on the issues that matter most to Portlanders. Highlights include: 

  • The City has developed nearly 650 shelter units, and more spaces will open soon. With expansions complete, city shelters will serve about 1,000 people per night.
  • Focused investments and initiatives have helped decrease crime. For example, gun homicides are down 20 percent year over year.
  • Wait times for emergency calls have declined from 60 seconds to 40 seconds.
  • Catalytic new developments such as the Broadway Corridor and the OMSI campus are moving forward with city collaboration and support.