Priorities
Housing & Homelessness
Public Safety & Addiction
Our Climate Crisis
Arts & Culture
Economic Development & Resilience
City Budget
Homelessness & Affordable Housing
Homelessness and housing are inextricably intertwined, and we cannot address one without addressing the other.
Portland’s homelessness crisis is painfully evident in the rise of unsanctioned camps across our city. These camps are neither humane for those forced to live in them, nor fair to the communities that surround them. Each tent is a stark reminder of our city’s failure to implement effective solutions.
While there are many factors that can lead to homelessness, the number one cause of homelessness in America is the lack of affordable housing. A Pew Trust Analysis shows a correlation that as housing becomes unaffordable, people are increasingly pushed into homelessness. The data is far less conclusive when it comes to mental health, addiction or poverty.
The most humane, and cost-effective, way of addressing homelessness is to prevent Portlanders from experiencing the trauma of becoming houseless in the first place. To that end, we need to plan for an additional 120,000 housing units in the next 20 years, yet so far this year we have only started 500 units in Portland to date. This pace is far from sufficient to meet the needs of our community.
Action Plan on Homelessness
Expand Rental Assistance: Strengthen rental assistance programs to keep families in stable housing while we increase supply.
Bolster Renter Protections: Fortify regulations to protect renter’s from eviction when they are most vulnerable.
Rapid Rehousing Program: Support the JOHS program to quickly transition from homelessness to stable housing to prevent long-term trauma.
Create Additional Shelters: Provide more temporary housing options for those experiencing homelessness.
Create Designated Camping Sites: Establish safe, sanctioned areas with amenities where unsheltered individuals can set up camp.
Support Ongoing Homelessness Initiative: Cooperate with Multnomah County to continue the implementation of the Homeless Response Action Plan.
Action Plan on Affordable Housing
Streamline the Permitting Process: Continue to simply and accelerate the permitting process to get construction started now.
Support the New Portland Permitting & Development Bureau (PPDB): Maintain sufficient staff at the PPDB, and equip them with the tools necessary to handle upticks in permitting request.
Fast-track the 2024 Housing Production Strategy: Accelerate critical elements of the city’s housing plan to meet our community’s needs more quickly.
Repurpose Underutilized Land: Redesignate underused real estate for mixed-use residential.
Upzone Mid-Density Areas: Allow higher-density housing in mid-density zones to better utilize land and expand options.
Raise Height Limits: Increase building height limits to create more housing units within the same footprint.
Engage with PCEF in Housing Production: Prioritize housing related projects within PCEF that hit housing & environmental goals.
Public Safety & Addiction
Portlanders have lost a sense of safety in our community. Public drug use is prevalent throughout our city, less than 2% of theft reports lead to an arrest, and 911 has record-breaking wait times. As someone who served three years as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office I will bring a depth of knowledge about public safety to City Council. And as someone who had their closest friend shot and killed by a police officer, I know that we must ensure accountability.
If elected, my highest priority will be working with the County to open sobering centers throughout Portland. The closing of the city’s only sobering center in 2019 sent our already strained-system into complete crisis. That, coupled with the significant labor shortage among firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, and patrol officers, has hampered our ability to respond effectively when our community members need help the most.
It’s also time to restore community policing in Portland and bolster non-law enforcement solutions, such as Portland Street Response (PSR), to respond to calls where an armed office might only exacerbate the situation.
Action Plan on Addiction
Establish Sobering Centers In Every District: Support the swift construction of facilities for individuals to sober up, thereby reducing the burden on hospitals and jails.
Increase the Availability of Treatment Facilities: Prioritize the expansion of accessible treatment centers for those struggling with substance abuse.
Enhance Outreach and Intervention Methods: Ensure the criminal justice system directs qualifying individuals toward treatment pathways, and expand intervention methods for those in the midst of psychosis.
Establish Specialized Programs for Drug-Induced Psychosis: Collaborate with county and state officials to create programs specifically designed to handle individuals experiencing drug-induced psychosis, ensuring a secure and structured environment for their treatment.
Encourage Voluntary Treatment: Prioritize resources toward individuals who choose to seek treatment of their own accord, ensuring they receive the help they need promptly.
Action Plan on Public Safety
Resolve Labor Shortages: As the first responders to Portland’s addiction crisis, Firefighter and PSR personnel are stretched beyond capacity. I will work with the state to reallocate Measure 110’s addiction response funds to hire an adequate staff of front-line workers.
Create Community Policing Guidelines: Prioritize local candidates for police hires and incentivize living within Portland city limits. Learn more here.
Bolster Portland Street Response (PSR): Support and empower PSR to decrease the workload on law enforcement.
Establish the Police Accountability Commission (PAC): Voters approved the PAC in 2020, however 4 years later the city has failed to establish the commission. We need to enforce the will of the voters.
Expand Mental Health Resources: Ensure we have sufficient in-patient beds available for all those suffering from severe mental health issues, and not just those who commit crimes.
Our Climate Crisis
Climate change is an existential threat to our existence, and the most vulnerable among us are bearing the brunt of its impacts. We need to ensure that our urban landscape is healthy and climate resilient.
The passage of the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) marked an important step toward positioning Portland as a leader in addressing climate change. Over the next five years, the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund will allocate more than $750 million to nonprofits for initiatives that align with PCEF’s goals. PCEF reflects Portlanders collective resolve in addressing climate change. It is imperative that these resources are reserved for environmental protection and the equity principles supported by our voters. We must continue to take decisive action to make Portland a model of resilience and sustainability.
If elected, I will champion policies that protect our air and water, revitalize our urban rivers and streams, and enhance our parks, natural areas, trees, and green infrastructure. Additionally, I am committed to developing environmentally responsible housing policies. We can produce the affordable housing we need without compromising our environment.
Action Plan on Climate Resilience
Maintain PCEF Funding: Uphold the voter-approved PCEF in its entirety. Safeguard all generated funds for the exclusive use of the program.
Strengthen the City’s Watershed Health Programs: Restore Portland’s place as a national leader in creating ecologically healthy, climate resilient urban landscapes.
Develop Appliance Emission Standard: Strengthen emission standards for HVAC systems and water heaters, with a goal of reaching zero nitrogen oxide emissions. We must also ensure the burden of cost doesn’t fall on under-resourced communities.
Expand Floodplain Protections: Strengthen Portland’s Floodplain Resilience Plan to protect our waterways and ensure that new construction is avoided or mitigated areas at high-risk of climate change induced flooding.
Enhance Air Quality, Decrease Emissions: Engage with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to expand air quality and emissions monitoring.
Increase Energy Efficiency of Old and New Buildings: Run energy audits on all buildings, encourage the installation of heat pumps where feasible, and allow energy saving alterations to historic buildings.
Transition Street Tree Maintenance to the Urban Forestry Division (UFD): Assign responsibility to the UFD to provide a consistent and comprehensive approach to tree care with improved long-term results.
Action Plan on Environmental Protection
Engage with Superfund Cleanup: Stay engaged with the EPA and the State in addressing the Portland Harbor Superfund Sites to ensure that our river is made safe for people and for wildlife.
Address the High-Risk CEI Hub: The Critical Energy Infrastructure (CEI) Hub represents a significant threat to Portlanders in the case of a seismic event. It is crucial that we prioritize safety measures to decommission the most outdated and hazardous facilities, and minimize the risk to people and the environment posed by those that remain.
Expand Portland’s System of Parks and Natural Areas: Protect sites such as Ross Island and West Hayden Island and ensure that all Portlander’s have access to parks and nature within walking distance of their homes.
Improve Public Transit Infrastructure: Collaborate with Trimet to continue to modernize and expand our city’s public transit infrastructure. Explore a means of introducing fare-free public transportation.
Limit the Influence of Fossil Fuel Lobbyists: Fortify Portland’s lobbying transparency laws and implement stronger conflict of interest policies.
Accelerate the Phase-Out of Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers: Expediting the city’s upcoming ban will allow us to begin reaping the benefits of decreased noise and air pollution now.
Additional Biking & Walking Infrastructure: Expand our dedicated bike lane network and improve pedestrian crossings. This will alleviate traffic, enhance safety, and encourage personal health.
Establish a Climate Action and Equity Committee: Build upon the existing frameworks provided by PCAT, the Sustainable City Government Task Force, and the Urban Forestry Commission.
Arts & Culture
Portland’s vibrant arts and culture scene is not just an amenity; it’s the heartbeat of our city. From local galleries and street murals to independent music venues and theaters, the creative community defines who we are and brings life to every corner of our neighborhoods. Many cities actively promote their creative economies, and it’s time for Portland to do the same. By promoting and investing in our local music and arts we not only preserve what makes us unique, but we drive economic growth, tourism, and community cohesion.
We must prioritize funding for local arts and cultural initiatives throughout the city. It’s crucial to elevate underrepresented artists, ensuring they have the opportunity to access and participate in Portland’s rich artistic landscape. By creating inclusive spaces and supporting local talent, we can build a stronger, more connected city that reflects the creativity and diversity of its people.
Our support for the local music scene is essential as well. Oregon’s music industry generates nearly $4 billion in economic output annually, with the lion’s share originating from Portland. Our focus should be on nurturing local venues and artists, keeping the city’s dynamic music community vibrant and ensuring that cultural investments remain within Portland. We must prioritize safeguarding our independent creative ecosystem, and be wary of any projects that risk undermining our community’s creativity.
Revitalizing Our City’s Creative Soul
Empower the New Office of Arts & Culture (OAC): Portland has lacked a unified, arts-focused economic development strategy. We must ensure the new OAC becomes an organized and coordinated entity, with the funds and capacity to make a meaningful impact.
Support Our Local Venues: Local music venues are the lifeblood of Portland’s music landscape. As major entertainment corps seek to establish a foothold in our city, we must continue to prioritize the interests of our local venues.
Reform the Portland Arts Tax: The current arts tax is cumbersome and disproportionately burdens low-income residents. We need to explore more equitable funding methods that ensure sustainable support for the arts in Portland.
Redirect RACC Funds: With the recent termination of the city’s contract with the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC), we have an opportunity to redirect arts tax dollars toward impactful initiatives. Collaborating with creative community leaders, we can launch new festivals similar to the Fringe Festivals throughout the world.
Replace Keller Auditorium with a New Facility at PSU: Building a new facility at PSU will preserve the auditorium district’s legacy, meet the evolving needs of the arts community, and maintain employment for Keller’s current crews and artists.
Expand Public-Private Partnerships for the Arts: Work with local businesses and philanthropies to sponsor public art projects and performances. Also develop small business incubators focused on creative industries, fostering a thriving arts ecosystem.
Include the Music Community in Arts Funding: Music is a vital part of Portland’s identity. Ensuring that the music community is fully included in arts funding is essential to preserving the city’s cultural vibrancy.
PCEF-Funded Eco-Art Installations: Explore the intersection of art and nature with eco-friendly projects. Work with PCEF to install sculptures made from upcycled materials, create green spaces in collaboration with local artists, and integrate climate-resilient designs with artist created flair.
Expand the Public Arts Mural Program: Enhance the cityscape with murals that transform blank walls into vibrant canvases, while also deterring graffiti and enriching our urban environment.
Support Community Festivals and Public Art Initiatives: Increase grants and permits for community-led arts festivals, public art installations, and street performances to bring art to the forefront of everyday life in Portland.
Develop Accessible Arts Education Programs: Partner with schools and nonprofits to provide free or low-cost arts education and workshops for youth and adults, building a pipeline of future artists and enriching the community.
Economic Development & Resilience
Portland's unique culture, innovative mindset, and strategic location have all contributed to our vibrant and multifaceted economy. As we look forward, we must adapt to a changing world to build a modern, diverse, and resilient economy that serves all Portlanders.
Traditionally Portland’s economic engine has been fueled by a diverse range of industries, including technology, manufacturing, tourism, and creative sectors. Going forward, Portland must continue to harness these strengths while embracing new opportunities. The technology sector, with fields like software development, green tech, and startups, holds significant potential for growth. By fostering an environment that supports innovation, investing in future-focused education and training, and developing tech infrastructure, we can position Portland as a leader in this evolving field.
However, economic growth must be inclusive and equitable. We must build an economy that works for all Portlanders so that everyone has access to well-paying and secure work. This means standing firmly with our unions and workers, the backbone of our city’s economy. Through equitable policies we can foster an environment of shared prosperity for all.
We must also nurture our small business ecosystem, promoting its growth is vital to the city’s future. By overhauling cumbersome regulations and increasing access to capital, we can ensure that Portland remains home to unique stores, restaurants, coffee shops, and music venues that define our neighborhoods.
Action Plan on Economic Development
Invest in Emerging Sectors: As key industries like technology, healthcare, and green energy continue to shape the future, Portland must invest in these growing fields. Expanding our focus on these sectors will keep Portland at the forefront of innovation and ensure long-term economic stability.
Continue to Implement Economic Growth Zones: Support Prosper Portland’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district in East Portland to stimulate growth in underserved areas, fostering both small business development and large-scale infrastructure improvements.
Support Local Business Incubators: Strengthen partnerships with local business incubators to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, ensuring that small businesses have the resources and guidance they need to succeed.
Build Portland as an Arts and Music Hub: Investing in Portland’s vibrant arts and music scene, including large-scale festivals and cultural events, will not only boost tourism but also solidify the city’s reputation as a creative capital.
Reduce Bureaucratic Hurdles for Small Businesses: Simplify and modernize business permitting processes to ease the burden on small to mid-sized businesses, enabling them to grow and thrive.
Help Local Businesses Scale for Exports: Provide resources and guidance for local businesses to expand into export markets, increasing revenue streams, attracting investment, and boosting economic growth across the city.
Social Services Focused Workforce Development: Build a skilled workforce that can address critical gaps in homelessness, addiction, and mental health services, strengthening the capacity of our social systems to effectively tackle these crises.
Encourage Affordable Housing Development: Expand affordable housing projects, creating jobs in construction while ensuring that more residents can live affordably and participate fully in the local economy.
Action Plan on Economic Resilience.
Support Unions and Workers: Unions and workers form the backbone of our economy. Strengthening workers’ rights and ensuring fair treatment is essential to building a more just and equitable society.
Expand Traditional Industries: Continue to support tourism, the creative sectors, and manufacturing, while exploring opportunities for their growth.
Foster Economic Diversification: A diversified economy is a resilient economy. By expanding into multiple industries, Portland will be better positioned to weather economic downturns and maintain stability during challenging times.
Prevent Displacement of Minority Communities: Economic development must uplift underserved communities, not displace them. Policies should prioritize inclusive growth, ensuring that the benefits of development are shared equitably by all residents.
Secure Funding for Budget Shortfalls: To stay competitive and maintain essential services, we must actively pursue funding from state, federal, and alternative sources to bridge upcoming budget gaps. Ensuring long-term stability requires proactive resource acquisition that supports the city’s growth and resilience.
Inclusive Workforce Development: Ensuring marginalized communities have access to workforce development opportunities is essential to fostering equitable economic growth. Programs that uplift underrepresented groups will ensure every resident benefits from Portland’s prosperity.
Expand Reskilling and Education Programs: Partner with local universities and vocational institutions to create comprehensive reskilling programs, preparing workers for shifts in the economy caused by automation, globalization, or new industry demands.
Promote Smart City Technologies: Beginning to integrate advanced digital technologies into city infrastructure will enhance the efficiency of public services, improve quality of life, and attract tech-centered business to Portland.
Maximize Tax Dollar Efficiency: Adopt and implement policies that enhance efficiency within city operations, ensuring that every tax dollar is used effectively.
City Budget
Portland’s $8.1 billion budget is a vital tool for shaping the city’s future, yet last year saw a $70 million shortfall, patched using funds from PCEF, an approach that strayed from the original voter intent. Going forward, we need a balanced and sustainable budget that addresses community priorities while promoting accountability and transparency, so Portlanders know that their tax dollars are being used effectively.
Additionally, programs such as Portland Street Response (PSR) and Safe Rest Villages (SRV) have been funded by temporary federal dollars which has contributed to our current deficit. Building essential services on short-term funding is not a sustainable path. Portlanders deserve a government that plans ahead, ensuring we have stable, recurring funding for critical programs so they can thrive without relying on one-off infusions of federal money.
Going forward we must reevaluate city spending, cut unnecessary expenses, and focus on investments that reflect our values of equity, safety, and sustainability. This means reallocating resources to our most vulnerable populations through housing and addiction services, improving public safety through community-driven solutions, and supporting Portland’s workers and small businesses.
Action Plan To Balance the City Budget
Establish a Balanced, Sustainable Budget: Prioritize a budget that meets community needs while ensuring long-term financial health without short-term fixes.
Reprioritize Spending: Cut unnecessary expenditures and invest in programs that promote equity, safety, and sustainability.
Secure Stable, Recurring Funding: Guarantee ongoing programs are funded through stable, reliable sources rather than temporary federal aid.
Adopt a People-First Budget: Fully fund essential services like housing, mental health care, and addiction treatment to meet the needs of our most vulnerable.
Invest in Infrastructure: Prioritize the maintenance of the city’s assets to prevent more costly issues down the line.
Fund Public Safety Initiatives: Continue supporting key public safety programs like Safe Rest Villages and Portland Street Response to keep our communities secure.
Prevent Population Loss: Implement strategies to retain high-income taxpayers, preserving vital city revenue.
Enhance Financial Transparency: Launch a user-friendly platform to track city spending, fostering transparency and public trust.
Attract New Industries: Promote investment in green infrastructure, tech innovation, and sustainable urban development to drive job creation and strengthen the tax base.
Portland is Worth Fighting For.
I want to hear your ideas too!
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