Let Portland leaders lead. Our city is working as it should. Police, fire, and rescue are handling the same calls as any major metro area. We are a different administration with a different approach: we respect Portlanders' First Amendment rights while maintaining public order.

This is one of the biggest moments of these new officers’ lives, and it’s always an honor to be part of it. Congratulations to our newest officers and thank you to @ppbchief.bsky.social for your leadership in achieving the largest hiring class since the ‘90s.

Portland is the city that walks. Between January and August of this year, Downtown welcomed over 1 million more people than in 2024—a 5.6% increase. Each month brought steady growth, with Portlanders and visitors enjoying meals, shopping, seeing movies, and simply walking our city’s streets.

This week I stopped by Hoyt Arboretum, where more than 6,000 trees from across the globe grow—including rare and endangered species. It’s ranked one of the top 100 arboretums in the world, and it’s free for everyone to enjoy. Thanks for the tour, Anna.

The extension of parking hours wasn’t decided by Council; it was made unilaterally by the mayor’s office. Council should have a voice in decisions like this, and I appreciate my colleagues’ commitment to reaffirming our authority.

Swimming? Check. Skateboarding? Check. VR games, yoga, weightlifting, and even a water slide? All under one roof at the Southwest Community Center in Gabriel Park. Thank you LiUNA Local 483 for the tour and for the great work you are doing for our community.

I want to be clear: I have heard from residents in District 4—and across Portland—who have strong opinions on the ICE facility. The City is responding through our state land use law process, and we will take the investigation very seriously.

@councilorclark.bsky.social l and I hosted a booth at Goose Hollow Days last weekend. The morning started off with rain, but it turned into a beautiful day filled with great conversations with neighbors and friends.

I’m really proud of my colleague, @councilormorillo.bsky.social, who advocated for Portland before the U.S. Department of Transportation to help secure federal funding for projects across our city.

Hidden from the street, Lovejoy Fountain Park is one of Portland’s “best kept secrets.” Follow the pedestrian walkways and the sound of rushing water to discover its cascading, multi-level fountain.

Empty beds mean it’s time to act. Without enforcement to get people off the street and into shelter, we’re not solving homelessness—we’re running a mattress store.

Respect. I have nothing but respect for the firefighters in Portland, and across the country, who dedicate their lives to protecting others. Today, we remember those who lost their lives on 9/11 and give thanks for their service and sacrifice.

Codes are about safety—not profit. Home improvements—or even basic maintenance—shouldn’t come with extra financial penalties for Portlanders. When costs push people to skip permits, we move further away from safety. Thank you to the sponsors of this amendment. I’m a yes.

Speaking of parking—it wasn’t City Council that extended paid parking hours. Council voted on increased rates, which I did not support. The extended hours were then decided unilaterally by the Mayor’s office.

Labor unions make Portland strong. I was happy to spend Labor Day with @councilorclark.bsky.social and union members at the Northwest Oregon Labor Council’s picnic.

If the Northwest 15th & Northrup shelter opens, I expect a full stop to encampments under I-405. No lines. No loitering. No dealers. No trash. Strict enforcement. The underpasses have been neglected—this is the mayor’s chance to commit to making 405 a livable area for the first time in five years.

I toured one of the finest Japanese gardens in the world—perched above Portland like a crown.

The tough truth is that when law and order break down—so does public trust. Neighborhoods need clear commitments and the confidence that the city will follow through with consistent enforcement.

Waterfalls in the middle of the city? That’s Portland magic. Keller Fountain was inspired by the natural waterfalls of the Pacific Northwest. Its designer once said it gives people “a respite from the noise and traffic of the city.

Last week, I sent a letter to the mayor urging changes to the extended parking meter hours plan. Today, I met with the mayor’s team and PBOT, and I’m happy to share that we’ve made progress.

Old Town is already a neighborhood saturated with social services. If this new day center is going to work, it must deliver results to those already in Old Town. That means extensive cleanup, consistent drug and public safety enforcement, street washing, and visible camping enforcement.

Summertime in Portland is the best. This month’s newsletter covers livability in the Pearl, the SDC Waiver win, the Parks Levy heading to the November ballot, and more. Read the newsletter here: bit.ly/Zimmerman-Ju...

Last week's Parks & Police Community Game Day at Couch Park was a perfect example of what happens when neighbors take the lead and city teams show up to back them. I’m here for it. Big thanks to everyone who organized the event and showed up.

The Pearl showed up at last night’s Pearl District Association meeting—and I want you to know that your concerns landed. You were heard.

These scooters are easily the best way to get around the city. (I can’t do any tricks… yet.) On a nice day, I like to ride street by street—taking in the city, checking on street cleanups, scouting new restaurants, talking with Portlanders… and yes, waiting on the train.

When Governor Kotek and Mayor Wilson brought me into their SDC exemption plan, I carried it through the Finance Committee and onto the Council floor. I’m proud we passed it unanimously—10-0. It’s a bold step to bring development back and jumpstart housing production at all income levels.

Happy Pride, Portland! 🏳️‍🌈

Portland’s WNBA’s back—and we’re bringing the heat.

The Thompson Elk Fountain is coming back—restored and in full glory—by the end of the year.

I look forward to seeing the Permitting and Development Bureau take over tree code enforcement this October. They’re better equipped to lead this work—and to ensure Portland’s tree enforcement is applied fairly and effectively.

Locally sourced timber, live trees, double the capacity, and some of the best food Oregon has to offer—it’s no wonder PDX airport is number one.

In this month’s newsletter: the final city budget, Portland Children’s Levy updates, and more from a packed June. Read it here: bit.ly/Zimmerman-Ju...

I’m glad we corrected course and took steps to better establish the Portland Children’s Levy and the organizations it supports. These organizations deserve stability—and respect. I didn’t support the original decision to remand, and I’m glad my colleagues ultimately came around.

This morning, I toured PORTland—yep, our actual docking ports! The Working Waterfront Coalition took us upriver to get a new perspective on the many industrial businesses that power our economy along the Willamette.

We did it! Portland’s budget is officially adopted. This was a tough one—there were wins and there were compromises—but budget season is officially over.

One more step closer to Portland's very own MLB stadium!

$2 million in Parks Levy dollars were moved back into Parks Maintenance—where they belong—and tree regulation was moved to a bureau built for it.

I can’t wait for you to see the new Washington Park Reservoir. I was lucky to attend the soft opening, and it’s absolutely beautiful—12.4 million gallons of fresh water, right in D4’s backyard. Did I want to dip my feet in? Yes. Did I? No—because it’s not a dipping pool.

Portland is open for business!

Following city and state law is not insurrection. It’s not civil disorder. It’s governance. For me, and for many others, it’s personal. You can hear it in my voice. But we owe it to every Portlander to be clear: this city does not participate in immigration enforcement.

We closed today’s Finance Committee meeting with unanimous support for Gov. Kotek and Mayor Wilson’s SDC exemption plan. I’m so happy we advanced this—because it’s exactly what Portland needs right now: a bold step to spur housing development and send a clear message—Portland is open for business.

I’m disappointed the City couldn’t commit funding to the County’s sobering center. Leaving someone on the street during a potential overdose is dangerous—for them and for the public. I hope the County moves forward with the project—and that the City recommits as a partner in next year’s budget.

Wednesday was a long one—but I’m glad we were able to approve my amendment adding $2 million back into park maintenance. Final vote is next week, and with that, we’ll wrap up budget season.

Today’s press conference, held ahead of tomorrow’s protests, was a clear reminder: this city supports your right to protest. Show up for each other. Be safe. Be smart. And don’t give Fox News the footage they’re hoping for. Thank you to all the community members who participated today.

Last week, Councilor Smith asked the Albina community plaintiffs, “Does this settlement make you feel whole?” They replied, “No, ma’am.” That honest exchange led to a historic moment—and a 12–0 vote to approve an amended $8.5M settlement for the displaced Albina black community.

Did you catch the dragon boat races last weekend? I couldn’t make the actual race, but I did make it out for practice. Let’s just say—us councilors won’t be going pro anytime soon. www.opb.org/article/2025...

Today reminded me why I love public service. I started the morning at the Portland Police Bureau’s hiring ceremony. In and out of uniform, I’ve taken oaths of service—and I can tell you this is a pivotal moment for these new officers as they begin their careers.

In moments like this, leadership requires urgency—protecting services funded by the Portland Children’s Levy while building consensus among my divided colleagues. These are important questions—and we need to ensure the organizations on the ground can continue delivering for our city.

The city budget is approved—so what’s next? We cover parks, neighborhood coalitions, and more in this month’s newsletter. Read it here: www.portland.gov/council/dist...

Lilia will absolutely be making it on an upcoming "What is Eric Eating?!"