These notes are a result of brainstorming events that asked what we wanted from our next city council.
Embedded in the diverse social and ecological communities they serve; the next generation of city council members will make decisions that are rooted in the health and safety of the community, as well as in the well-being of future generations.
A vote for unity -
The voters mandated a city government aligned with the voices of the community; a city council with an established method for assessing and advocating for their district and their neighborhoods.
A vote to address health and safety –
Our region faces unprecedent danger, in the Portland Harbor, from under regulated tank storage and transport. Despite multiple studies documenting the dangers of storing flammable, toxic materials on unstable soil and floodplains; toxic, flammable materials remain. As the city prepares for a predicted Cascadia Earthquake, it has made no visible effort to move the tanks and accompanying infrastructure from the banks of the river. Failure to do so, in a Cascadia event, would result in the loss of life as well as the destruction of our regional economy and livability.
This concern reflects the current city council’s allegiance to large, out of state industries regardless of the potential harm to the community. Despite knowing this, the current city council has not been able to formulate a solution.
These decision-making tools are reflected in housing, transportation, and the protection of natural resources.
We acknowledge that the lower Willamette River Communities have faced decades of displacement, air pollution and a lack of infrastructure support and that this has most often impacted communities already marginalized by decades of discrimination. These patterns are repeated in communities in the communities across the city.
A vote to support the things most important to our community.
*Natural spaces in and around the city; rivers, forests, wetlands
*A strong sense of community
*Unique, diverse neighborhoods
*Reputation as a forward thinking, green city
*It’s commitment to youth and education
*Strong neighborhood associations and coalitions
*Civic engagement, activism, and commitment to democratic process
*Creativity in art and small business start-ups
*Ability to safely move throughout the city on foot, bike, boat and public transportation.
A vote for a city council with effective communication skills.
*Has a plan for regularly communicating with neighborhood associations and other community groups.
*Develops tools to engage the community before voting on important issues.
* Has a plan to bring industry and neighborhoods together before making decisions that impact neighborhoods.
Impact neighborhoods.
*Works well with other city council members as well as the county, state, and federal delegates.
* Public receives little information about current issues with time for in-put
* Multi-national corporations appear to lead decision making
* In fighting between city council members – ganging up on certain members
* Lack of experience in environmental laws and issues
*Unclear how campaign donors impact policy
*Testimony often lacks empathy with no sense the community is being listened to
* Lack of working relationships with neighborhood associations
*Unclear who they are representing
*No plan regarding CEI Hub Safety – willingness to increase danger to communities.
*Lack of transparency regarding tax breaks, incentives and promises
*Using “equity “goals to promote industry and developers’ agendas
*Lack of interest in preservation of diverse neighborhoods and green spaces
*The housing crisis lacked credibility over time.
A city council member has the following obligation to the people it represents:
*Protect future generations
*Listen to the people – get out and see what’s going on
*Obligation to make decisions that assure a city that is safe and healthy for everyone
*Sustainable city plan not dependent on growth
* Transparency / a way to determine there are no conflict of interests with developers
*Being leaders – not just reacting to problems
*Represent the community as a whole
*Work effectively with other parts of government – county, state, METRO, federal
A vote for a city council that represents the people most impacted by their decisions.
*Seventh generation theory of decision making
*Health and safety of community
*Above all do no harm philosophy
*Justice – Environmental, climate, housing, food, water
*Conversations with community members
* Use of accurate data in decision making
· Health of eco systems
· Honor treaties with tribes
· Understand who is marginalized in the city, why and act on it
· Supports creativity as a means of community building and communication.
A vote for a safe, equitable and healthy Portland
· Have a plan to systematically work effectively with neighborhood associations and non-profits.
· Will make the North Reach River Plan a priority including river transportation.
· Have a written plan to move tanks off river and unstable soil.
· Create an effective transportation system for all people including youth.
· Have a plan to Increase home ownership and generational security.
· Tackle root causes of houselessness –
· Neighborhood crisis /support centers for housing and other resources
· Enforce 1% for arts for industry and housing.
· Will have a written plan to honor treaties with tribes along the rivers through environmental protection, public space, and habitat.
· Will use environmental justice data in making decisions. ie shade equity
A vote for a city council that has the skills and knowledge to represent the people
*Experience with grass root organizing and neighborhoods
*Openness, willing to be vulnerable
*Proven ability to collaborate and cultivate relationships with diverse groups
*Has a well-articulated vision
* Research issues – let’s public know their resources
* Creative thought process / can think outside the box
* Can demonstrate empathy and leadership. Shows up in a crisis.
*Knows the difference between a free, democratic group, a paid lobbyist, and a paid membership business association.
* Demonstrates a knowledge of the history, geography, and geology of the city.
*Eager to learn – Listens to learn
*Can articulate gratitude and joy