So how do we fix it?

Let me be very clear: the next Portland City Council will not fix the situation on our streets alone. It will take the City, County, State, Feds, and each of us fighting together for this city. But there are a lot of ways Portland City Council can make things better quickly.

Here’s three things I’ll prioritize when I’m elected to City Council.

Basic Livability

Our city looks awful. It’s not complicated, difficult, or expensive to pick up trash, needles, and human waste, to clean up graffiti and replace broken storefront windows. People need to feel safe and welcome in their neighborhoods.

Supporting small businesses

It’s expensive and complicated to do business in Portland. 90% of employers in Portland have fewer than 10 employees, and don’t have the time to learn these outdated and adversarial systems that never seem to give them any benefit. Let’s fix that, and actually support the people who are investing in Portland.

Lead with music and arts

If we want to reduce bad behavior, support small businesses, and make places feel safe and vibrant, we do that by making music and art as easy to activate as possible. This is not just a “nice to have”. This is music and art as economic development.