Each year Multnomah County joins the nation in recognizing September as Suicide Prevention Month. Our Call Center’s accreditation is a testament to our staff’s professionalism and commitment to providing compassionate, life-saving support to community members in need. 💚

An incredible achievement that @usatoday.com notes we are working towards here in Multnomah County to support our young families and save them thousands of dollars. "The county is scaling up the program each year...and is on track to have universal preschool for all county residents by 2030."

Want to be ready the next time the County looks for community volunteers to support our Disaster Resource Centers during dangerous weather? Join us Tuesday, 9/23, to get prepared! 🕐1-1:45pm: DRC Info Session 🕑2-4pm: Staff Roles Visit multco.us/volunteer-em... for meeting+RSVP links and more info!

I’m looking forward to attending the upcoming El Grito Portland celebrations beginning Sunday, and acknowledge the fear federal immigration policies are causing that could impact attendance. Multnomah County is committed to supporting our Latiné community and upholding our sanctuary county promise.

Political violence has no place in our society – no matter what your political views are. Joint statement from the Board of Multnomah County Commissioners. @meghanmoyer.bsky.social, @shannonsingleton.bsky.social, @juliabrim-edwards.bsky.social, @vincejonesdixon.bsky.social 🧵⬇️

💉Vaccines keep children healthy and protected from serious diseases. ✅ Check vaccine requirements for school and childcare, and find resources to help your child catch up. Learn more: multco.us/services/imm...

Yesterday I released Central Library security footage to address narrative discrepancy and media coverage, not a determination of innocence or guilt. As reported by KGW, there are discrepancies. How we get to accountability and how we talk about young Black people accused of crimes matters.

The public deserves transparency. I’m calling on District Attorney Nathan Vasquez to release security footage from the Central Library regarding the August 25 incident so everyone can have a better understanding of this incident.

As a week that began with Labor Day comes to an end, I want to say thank you to all our Preschool for All teachers, educators, and child care providers!

My response to President Donald Trump's threats to send military to Portland. We've seen this before. Trump wasting your tax dollars to attack cities who value diversity and stand up for our immigrant and refugee neighbors. It's uncalled for and unnecessary.

Today the MultCo board unanimously voted to approve a ban on concealed carry guns in county public buildings. I appreciate @shannonsingleton.bsky.social & @juliabrim-edwards.bsky.social for bringing this proposal forward — made possible by a recent change in state law.

ICYMI – the North Portland library has inspired a shoe from Portland's own Aminé! "Growing up in Northeast Portland the Multnomah County Library, specifically 'the one by Jeff,' was everything to me and my friends...It was the only library local to us, so it was a major pillar to the community."

Counting down to reopening! This Friday, September 5, is Woodstock Library's big day. We can't wait to see you soon! 💚 multcolib.org/building-lib...

Recently @multcosustain.bsky.social displayed nimbleness during a heat emergency – working with partners to rapidly distribute AC units to seniors & other at risk populations throughout the county – including Gresham, Wood Village and Portland’s Gateway neighborhood. This video filled our hearts. 💚

In case you missed it... we reopened our CROPS farm last week! Since it's relocation in 2020, MultCo and community partners have developed the site into an innovative incubator and demonstration farm to support and train new farmers and provide fresh produce for local food banks. Learn more here:

Have you visited the renovated Albina Library yet? My team was recently able to check it out, bringing back memories of reading Maisy books when my teenagers were younger. We would read them in both English and Spanish. Now our libraries are becoming a special place for a new generation.

Happy Labor Day Multnomah County! Our employees are the lifeblood of our local safety net — people who are there for you when every other system has failed. We are grateful for our unionize workforce and county programs like PFA that are raising the standard for workers.

Thanks to all involved in our recent extreme heat response. You saved lives. ❄️ 2 cooling centers averaged 100 people daily 🚰 HSD enhanced outreach, distributed 20k water bottles 📚 Libraries extended hours providing relief to hundreds of additional visitors. 📢 Comms team kept community informed

Make this Labor Day Weekend a safe one. Drive responsibly—that means slow, sober, and with care for people walking, biking, and rolling.

What a special grand opening for the @multco.bsky.social CROPS farm! This is the result of years of hard work by @multcosustain.bsky.social, Feed'em Freedom Foundation, and additional community partners. This land will be a living part of our economy while promoting regional climate resilience. 🥬

You can read more about this situation from my latest newsletter. 🗞️ ⤵️

We take continued concerns about Portland’s central city very seriously, and are in ongoing dialogue with our partners across the board working towards solutions that can help revitalize downtown. We also need to be grounded in facts. And the fact is, crime is decreasing in our region.

Statement on Portland Metro Chamber's Latest Politicking 🧵⤵️

Welcome back to school! At my house I’ve been so busy getting everything ready to get the kids going back to school this week. There is a lot to be excited about, including that this year 3800 children will benefit from a Preschool for All classroom across more than 200 locations!

🌡Temperatures will be cooler today (Monday, August 25) but highs are still expected in the 90s. Take breaks, give yourself a chance to cool off and check on neighbors. Find cool spaces at: link.multco.us/interactive-map-cool-spaces

Cooling Centers OPEN today, Aug. 24, from noon to 9 p.m.: The locations are: ❄️Multnomah County East Building, 600 NE 8th Ave, Gresham ❄️Friendly House, 1737 N.W. 26th Avel., Portland 👋 No one will be turned away. 🐱 Pets are welcome.

Help our neighbors out! Knowing what to do can save a life. ➡️ See someone struggling? Help them safely get to an A/C space. ➡️ Is someone unresponsive or confused? Stay calm & call 911. ➡️ Need non-emergency help? Call 211 for resources. In Portland, you can also dial 311.

Multiple days of extreme heat. Stay safe and spread the word about cooling centers open today (Sat) from noon-9pm: ➡️Multnomah County East Building, 600 NE 8th ave, Gresham ➡️Friendly House, 1737 N.W. 26th Ave., Portland More resources at multco.us/hot

Three Multnomah County library branches will stay open today (Sat, Aug 23) until 8 p.m., two hours later than normal: Central Library, 801 S.W. 10th Ave., Portland Gresham Library, 385 N.W. Miller Ave., Gresham Midland Library, 805 S.E 122nd Ave., Portland Thank you @multcolib.bsky.social!

Life threatening heat continues today & air quality concerns add additional risk. Avoid being outside & seek indoor cool spaces. If you see someone in distress from heat, please safely encourage or assist them to get to a cool space. The latest info & resources are available at multco.us/hot

This is your reminder: Hydration is a key part of self-care, especially on hot days. ✅ Drink water often. ✅ Eat water-rich foods. ✅ Limit alcohol. Visit multco.us/hot for resources on how to stay cool.

MultCo and partners distributed 57 window AC units to families in need ahead of the dangerous heat this weekend!

🥵 We’re headed for another very hot spell w/temps expected to reach at least 100 degrees today and tomorrow. 🗣️Please spread the word: These Cooling Centers are opening Aug. 22, noon- 9 PM at ➡️ Multnomah County East Bldg, 600 NE 8th ave, Gresham ➡️ St. Stephen’s Shelter, 1432 SW 13th ave, Portland

I want to say thank you to everyone who showed up in so many different ways over the past several weeks since we have had a discussion about Preschool for All here in Multnomah County. I'm listening. I'm committed to working to make sure that this is the best program it can possibly be.

Today our board concluded a series of August Preschool for All meetings and committed to ongoing evaluation & community input. That included a deep review of the program's path & finances and an evening public listening session. Thank you to everyone who engaged in this conversation. Learn more ⤵️

"When my kids were young, their childcare costs more than half my paycheck. I am now in the position of paying this tax some years and I do so happily because childcare is essential if women are ever going to be equal."

"We have an emergency fund which we needed recently after a sudden medical emergency. Without PFA, we would be living paycheck to paycheck. It has given us financial security and allowed us to continue our careers." Share your PFA support: bit.ly/supportpfa

Tonight is all about community. We look forward to hearing public testimony at our listening session on Preschool for All, which starts now. You can watch live or anytime on the @multco.bsky.social YouTube channel ⤵️

Too many of our neighbors are forced to sleep outside. That’s why Multnomah County is expanding the number of shelters while we also expand permanent housing opportunities. The combination of more shelter and more housing will ensure more people in our community have a safe place to sleep.

"This program is more than just an education initiative. It is a vital anti-poverty effort." "I know that research consistently supports is as an effective avenue for lifing people out of poverty, not just for one generation but many to come." Share your PFA support: bit.ly/supportpfa

"It helps parents not have to sacrifice leaving the job market to stay at home with kids." "PFA helps teachers and mothers like myself to be more financially independent." Share your PFA support: bit.ly/supportpfa

"Every cent spent on education is paid back with a significant amount of return. A better educated community is a strong community." Share your PFA support: bit.ly/supportpfa

"We have employed over 50 employees in my program. Our programs need PFA to survive, our children need PFA to survive, our parents need PFA to survive." Share your PFA support: bit.ly/supportpfa

Part of the reason why I moved to Multnomah County was the promise of Preschool for All...My family earns too much to receive other forms of state funded preschool, but still struggles with paying all of our bills." Share your PFA support: bit.ly/supportpfa

This morning, our series of public meetings on Preschool for All continues. Today we hear from PFA staff who will provide comprehensive update on the state of PFA, the path to universal coverage, and the economic benefits of tuition-free preschool. You can watch live or anytime online ⤵️

"My family applied this year and GOT IN to your neighborhood preschool...I cried tears of joy because this is life changing for me and my family. I have been a stay at home Mom for almost 8 years, forced out of the workforce because of unaffordable childcare." Share your support: bit.ly/supportpfa

"Reliable, affordable preschool keeps parents in the workforce and kids on a path to success." "It supports the local economy by helping childcares stay in business, helping parents stay in the workforce and supporting positive outcomes for all our youth." Share your support: bit.ly/supportpfa

"It supports the local economy by helping childcares stay in business, helping parents stay in the workforce and supporting positive outcomes for all our youth." Share your PFA support: bit.ly/supportpfa

"It helps parents not have to sacrifice leaving the job market to stay at home with kids." Share your PFA support: bit.ly/supportpfa

"Preschool for All is truly the best thing the government has ever done for our family. At a time when education across Oregon is struggling, this program is working – and it's a big part of why our family has chosen to stay here." Share your PFA support: bit.ly/supportpfa