Currently happening: I am proposing an ordinance allocating $2.5 million toward homeownership opportunities through SEI and the Williams & Russell project. We’ve heard testimony from Williams & Russell, SEI, and the Portland Metro Chamber during today’s Housing & Permitting Committee discussion.

Today, during the Public Works Committee, I introduced an ordinance to rename Northeast and Southeast Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard to Campesinos Boulevard. After public testimony and community discussion, the ordinance passed out of committee and will now move to full City Council for a final vote.

St. Johns & Linnton will have a Fire Engine next year! Kanal 2 moves $2.5m of one-time funding from a new Business License Tax Stabilization Reserve (that went from $0 to $8.7m in the Mayor's Proposed) to Fire & Rescue to restore Engine 22. It passes, 7-5 (thank you, @councilorsmith.bsky.social)!

I’m proud that Smith 1 is moving forward. This amendment invests $532,000 into SummerWorks to support workforce opportunities and career pathways for Portland youth. “I’ve never seen a kid doing a drive-by on their way to work.”

Mercury staff are taking notes at today's City Council budget discussion, and publishing them here if you'd like to read some highlights. Council is deliberating on 25 budget amendments today, starting with those related to pubic safety. www.portlandmercury.com/news/reporti...

Are you watching? www.youtube.com/live/Aw7EFGK...

What are your thoughts on the FY 2026-27 Budget Amendments? www.portland.gov/sites/defaul...

Thank you to everyone who joined today’s Public Safety Budget Listening Session. We appreciate the residents, public safety leaders, and community partners who took the time to engage in important conversations surrounding Fire, 911, and Police services and the FY 2026–2027 budget.

City Council meeting has begun. Tune in: www.youtube.com/live/C96UwTi...

I recently visited a Preschool for All classroom at Sacramento Elementary in the Parkrose School District and saw firsthand the incredible work educators are doing to support young learners. The Preschool for All application deadline has been extended to May 14. pfa.multco.us

I have heard directly from many of you about concerns surrounding Fire, Police, and 911 services and the FY 2026–2027 budget. Join us Friday, May 15 for a Public Safety Budget Listening Session with leadership from Fire, 911, and Police services. www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1988940583...

Set to make their return to the WNBA on Saturday, the Portland Fire unveiled the team’s third uniform, which pays homage to the Rose City. Read more: theoregonian.visitlink.me/-J2YqX

Today at the 38th annual OAME trade show and luncheon an event that highlighted the importance of workforce development, skilled trades, and career pathways for the next generation.

Spring is in the air at Abernethy Elementary School in SE Portland! It was wonderful to visit with young learners and staff at Abernethy Elementary in Portland today.

We are currently in a City Council Budget Work Session on Economic Development & Sustainability. I will be proposing an amendment to restore funding for SummerWorks, a critical workforce program serving BiPOC youth and low-income communities. www.youtube.com/watch?v=aICE...

Join us Friday, May 15 for a Public Safety Budget Listening Session with special guests from Fire, 911 & Police. 📍 Our Just Future 10550 NE Halsey St. ⏰ 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM We’ve heard concerns from East Portland and want to continue the conversation.

Last Saturday, we held the District 1 Budget Listening Session, hearing directly from community members about the priorities shaping the FY 2026–27 budget. Residents shared feedback on housing, infrastructure, public safety, and investment in East Portland. Watch here: youtu.be/RPtFCVuFMYU

Met today with transportation and community partners ahead of introducing pedestrian safety ordinances in Public Works on May 25. Thank you to B-Line, BikeLoud, Families for Safe Streets, the Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Verde, Multifamily NW, and Oregon Walks for helping shape this work.

A troubling situation involving a District 1 resident highlights where our systems must do better. When constituents ask for help, they deserve clarity, coordination, and urgency, not confusion. Accountability matters. My office will be working diligently on this. www.oregonlive.com/politics/202...

The economic health of our region matters and this conversation is bigger than one project. The Moda Center supports jobs, small businesses, and long-term stability. How should we be thinking about investments that strengthen our local economy? www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCCs...

Last night, I joined community leaders at the Triple Threat Mentoring Gala, an event centered on investing in youth, leadership, and opportunity. This is what building the future looks like.

This week, City Council held a work session with Multnomah County on homelessness and the FY 2026–27 budget. I asked a simple question: why are we delaying action in a housing emergency? If funds aren’t reaching people until late 2026, we are not moving with urgency. People need housing now.

When I think about today, I think about service. I hope others will join us Monday, May 5th at Noon, to read and sign a proclamation for Vietnamese American Day of Remembrance. We'll be in the Boardroom at the Multnomah Building. #veterans #VietnameseAmericanDayofRemembrance #VietnamVeteransDay

It's FREE TICKETS THURSDAY! Enter to win tickets to ZooBrew at the Oregon Zoo, the new David Hockney exhibition at Portland Art Museum, Wild Northing at Rev Hall and more >> www.portlandmercury.com/free-tickets...

We’re in City Council today discussing a proposal to require law enforcement officers to clearly identify themselves, no masked faces, visible badges, and verified authority. Watch live: www.youtube.com/live/w01xAtu... What does accountability in policing look like to you?

The Supreme Court’s latest decision on the Voting Rights Act weakens protections meant to prevent discrimination in voting. This has real consequences. The Voting Rights Act was created to protect against racial discrimination especially in communities where Black voters were historically excluded.

Republicans are trying to recast DEI, which is basic human decency, into something that’s suspect or harmful. When did every student having the opportunity to learn and thrive become a problem?

Join us for the District 1 Budget Listening Session. 📅 Saturday, May 2 ⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 📍 Linfield University Campus, Auditorium Building 2 2900 NE 132nd Ave, Portland Your voice matters, help shape the FY 2026–27 budget.

City Council meets today at 2:00 PM. We’ll vote on the Transportation Utility Fee (TUF) to address Portland’s $6.6B infrastructure backlog. Our streets and sidewalks are our foundation. What are your thoughts? Watch live: www.youtube.com/live/DTqmxIn...

Good morning 🌞 We’re starting today with the City Council Budget Committee Work Session for the FY 2026–27 Approved Budget. These conversations shape how we invest in our community. Watch live: www.youtube.com/live/iFuk0h1...

May 2 Saturday Morning Cruise on Greenways & Bike Lanes thru East Portland Meet 10am Ride 10:20 Gateway Discovery 10520 NE Halsey 7 miles at family-friendly pace Bring friends & family info: [email protected] @counciloravalos.bsky.social @councilorsmith.bsky.social @councilordunphy.bsky.social

This morning I joined POIC’s STEMFest at SEI, investing in our youth and future leaders.

My District 1 newsletter is out today. Updates on housing, infrastructure, and what we’re working on in the community, plus ways to stay engaged. Read it here: content.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORP...

Yesterday I joined the signing of SB 1501 to modernize the Moda Center, protecting jobs and a key economic anchor for Portland. Proud of @tinakotek.bsky.social, @mayorkwilson.bsky.social , and @jvegapederson.bsky.social for stepping up to make this investment happen. Go Blazers 🏀

During today’s oversight hearing on unbudgeted housing funds, I asked a direct question: Was anyone told to hide this information or not inform Council? The answer was no. That matters. but transparency is about more than intent. It’s about making sure information flows clearly and consistently.

Live now: Oversight hearing on unbudgeted housing funds We’re asking the hard questions, what happened, who knew, and why Council wasn’t informed. Watch live: www.youtube.com/live/okWeVlt...

Happy Earth Day 🌎 A few weeks ago, I joined a community bike ride in Parkrose with PBOT and BIKETOWN. Reminding me what it looks like to invest in safer, more connected neighborhoods.   Building safer streets, expanding access, and investing in communities is part of how we move forward, together.

Welcome! I am Portland City Councilor Loretta Smith, representing District 1, Here to share updates, and continue the conversations that matter most to our community. Stay connected with my weekly newsletter: public.govdelivery.com/accounts/ORP... Your voice matters here.