Portland Council · District 3

What they say they would do

Wants to apply financial and operational discipline to city government, with small-business growth and long-term economic health as priorities.

• Assess costs and likely effects before adopting policies.
• Eliminate unnecessary spending and measure whether programs meet their goals.
• Make it easier to build and operate local businesses.

Our reading

• Financial discipline
• Small-business growth

The test is whether operational changes produce enough savings and investment to support services. His emailed reply adds the mechanism, growing the tax base by filling commercial vacancies downtown and in neighborhood corridors, and would hold the line on new taxes and fees until programs show results; he names no vacancy target or specific cuts.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 8 questions. Ali Beaudoin is on record on 8. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Said: Calls the packages the city offered a billionaire while cutting funds a lack of courage; would fight for deals where citizens and communities really benefit.

  Questionnaire, questionnaire source

• Raise new revenue, or hold the line on taxes and fees?

  Said: Would generally hold the line on new taxes and fees until the city shows existing revenue is spent efficiently; any new source needs a clear purpose, a sunset or review, and accountability.

  Emailed response, response source

• Hire more sworn officers, or invest first elsewhere?

  Said: Supports rebuilding police staffing where there are documented service gaps, while investing in alternative responders, prevention and community services so police are not the default response.

  Emailed response, response source

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Said: Would support clearing unsafe camping areas while providing stable housing and support for the people living there, and would measure where people go, whether areas stay clear and the cost; current funding levels unsaid.

  On the topic; the exact choice is unsaid.

  Emailed response, response source

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  Said: Supports a temporary pause on new AI data centers while the city evaluates their effects on electricity, water, infrastructure, noise and neighborhoods, with large users paying their share.

  Emailed response, response source

• Expand Portland Street Response to a full 24/7 role?

  Said: Supports expanding Street Response toward 24/7 where data shows it can safely handle calls that do not need police, tied to measurable outcomes, response times and demand.

  Emailed response, response source

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Said: Would oppose keeping or adding fees without first showing they are necessary and that existing transportation dollars are used well; wants to be clear about what each fee delivers.

  Emailed response, response source

• Raise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs?

  Said: Would support necessary, phased water-rate increases for filtration and aging pipes, but only with aggressive cost controls, outside funding and protections for households that cannot afford higher bills.

  Emailed response, response source

Their answers to our questions

Clearing camps

Said: I would support clearing unsafe camping areas while making sure we provide stable housing and appropriate support for the people living there.

Received 2026-09-25

Rent and homes

Said: I would focus on increasing the supply of housing, simplifying complex permitting processes, reducing unnecessary regulatory costs, and supporting more middle-income and workforce housing. I also want to expand pathways to homeownership and make better use of vacant or underutilized properties. On the financing side, I would explore working with the city and financial institutions to offer first-time homebuyers temporary interest-rate assistance to reduce their monthly costs while mortgage rates remain elevated.

Received 2026-09-23

Camps, crime and who responds

Said: We need enforcement when there is violence, property crime, or unsafe behavior; prevention through housing and behavioral-health services; and a stronger non-police response for people who need care rather than enforcement. The goal should be matching the response to the problem instead of using one system for everything.

Received 2026-09-23

Your bills and taxes

Said: I would focus on reducing the city’s commercial vacancy rate and bringing businesses back to downtown Portland and neighborhood commercial corridors. That would create jobs and expand the city’s tax base without raising taxes, and as revenues improve, we should look for opportunities to reduce the tax burden and eliminate unnecessary fees.

Received 2026-09-23

Streets, buses and air

Said: I would prioritize investment in basic transportation infrastructure, including street maintenance, sidewalks, safer crossings, reliable buses, and neighborhood connectivity, while continuing to support biking and pedestrian improvements.

Received 2026-09-23

New taxes or fees

Said: I would generally hold the line on new taxes and fees until the city demonstrates that existing revenue is being spent efficiently and programs are producing measurable results. If a new revenue source is proposed, it should have a clear purpose, a sunset or review mechanism, and strong accountability for how the money is spent.

Received 2026-09-23

Police staffing

Said: Portland needs enough officers to provide timely responses to serious crime and emergencies, so I support rebuilding staffing where there are documented service gaps. At the same time, I would invest in alternative responders, prevention, and community-based services so police are not the default response to every problem.

Received 2026-09-23

Clearing camps

Said: I support enforcing public-space rules while making sure there are realistic pathways to shelter, housing, and services. The city should measure what happens after a removal, including where people go, whether the area stays clear, and the cost, rather than measuring success simply by the number of camps cleared.

Received 2026-09-23

Data centers

Said: I support a temporary pause on new AI data centers while the city evaluates their impacts on electricity, water, infrastructure, noise, and surrounding neighborhoods. Portland should pursue economic development while making sure large users pay their fair share of the infrastructure and resources they require.

Received 2026-09-23

Street Response

Said: I support expanding Portland Street Response toward 24/7 coverage where the data shows it can safely and effectively handle calls that do not require police. Expansion should be tied to measurable outcomes, response times, and demonstrated demand.

Received 2026-09-23

Street repair fee

Said: I would oppose adding or maintaining fees without first demonstrating that they are necessary and that existing transportation dollars are being used effectively. Portland should prioritize maintaining the infrastructure we already have and be transparent about exactly what each fee delivers.

Received 2026-09-23

Water rates

Said: I recognize that Bull Run filtration and aging infrastructure require substantial investment, and I support making the necessary investments in Portland’s water system. I would support necessary, phased increases, but only alongside aggressive cost controls, outside funding opportunities, and clear protections for households that cannot afford higher bills.

Received 2026-09-23

Council votes

No Council vote yet. That is not a judgment about experience.

A question the evidence leaves open

Which fees would you cut first as revenue grows, and what vacancy rate would show the plan is working?

What they say they would do

Identifies as a democratic socialist and puts tenants, transit, climate and civil liberties at the center of her platform.

• Strengthen tenant rights and create shelters with unhoused residents.
• Invest in transit, bike lanes and sidewalks; oppose oil-train and data-center expansion.
• Support Street Response, violence prevention and police accountability.

Our reading

• Tenant and civil rights
• Climate investment

She favors expanding public alternatives and constraining institutional power. The practical questions are which protections Council can enforce and how to fund housing, transport and services together.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 8 questions. Angelita Morillo is on record on 8. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Angelita Morillo: NoApprove the Moda negotiating framework

  Said: Says she demanded transparency on proposed Moda Center changes and pushed back on taxpayers footing that bill.

  Campaign site, site sourceCity record, record source

• Raise new revenue, or hold the line on taxes and fees?

  Said: Says she secured new funding for potholes and streetlights with a small fee on Uber and Lyft rides.

  Campaign site, site source

• Hire more sworn officers, or invest first elsewhere?

  Said: Moved over $2 million to hire unarmed crisis responders, cut police overtime and would audit police programs yearly; her platform does not say whether to hire more sworn officers.

  On the topic; the exact choice is unsaid.

  Campaign site, site source

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Angelita Morillo: YesBudget amendment

  Said: Says she prepared legislation supporting a shift away from costly homeless camp sweeps toward public bathrooms, sanitation and low-barrier jobs.

  Council office, site sourceCity record, record source

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  Said: Lists “Stop new data centers” as a second-term priority; her pamphlet says she is working to shut down data center expansion.

  Campaign site, site source

• Expand Portland Street Response to a full 24/7 role?

  Angelita Morillo: YesExpand Portland Street Response’s role

  Said: Would expand Portland Street Response to 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

  Campaign site, site sourceCity record, record source

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Angelita Morillo: YesCreate a monthly transportation utility fee

  Said: Says she improved the proposed transportation utility fee by requiring the City to study fairer options and add affordability protections before it takes effect; the page does not say whether to keep the fee.

  On the topic; the exact choice is unsaid.

  Council office, site sourceCity record, record source

• Raise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs?

  Angelita Morillo: NoRaise annual water rates

  Said: Lists “Fought water rate increases” among her first-term promises kept.

  Pamphlet p. 56, pamphlet sourceCity record, record source

Council votes

1. Spend less on clearing camps to fund other services?

   Yes

   Our reading: Proposed moving camp-removal money to other services

   What Council decided

   This proposal would move about $4.3 million from clearing homeless camps to a package supporting housing, food, immigration services and city staff. Camping rules would stay in place.

   This was a spending amendment, not a vote to repeal the criminal camping ban. Green’s related Ground Score amendment did not take effect because the parent proposal failed.

   Read the votes and their reasons →

2. Raise water bills by about $5 a month?

   No

   Our reading: Opposed the water borrowing and higher water charges

   What Council decided

   This increase would bring in more money for the water system. A typical monthly water charge would rise from about $66 to $71, before sewer and stormwater charges.

   The typical-bill estimate assumes five hundred cubic feet of monthly water use. Actual bills depend on use, billing period and applicable assistance; this is not the total combined utility bill.

   Read the votes and their reasons →

3. Use expected savings to help fund police and firefighters?

   No

   Our reading: Favored restoring more services while keeping police-oversight money

   What Council decided

   The city expected the office that checks police conduct to have money left over. This proposal would use those expected savings for police and fire services. The savings were not guaranteed.

   The tradeoff concerned using money allocated to the new oversight office. The proposal did not abolish that office, and expected underspending was a forecast.

   Read the votes and their reasons →

4. Back these starting terms for renovating Moda Center?

   No

   Our reading: Sought more financial safeguards before an arena commitment

   What Council decided

   The city proposed $120 million for renovations and $275 million for future building needs over 20 years. This vote approved terms for negotiations, not a final contract.

   A negotiating framework, not a final construction contract. Support or opposition to this package is not a complete position on retaining the Trail Blazers.

   A term sheet, not a final contract.

   Read the votes and their reasons →

A question the evidence leaves open

How would you finance service expansion while controlling household bills?

What they say they would do

Focuses on the household cost of government decisions and housing stability for people with disabilities.

• Evaluate borrowing and infrastructure by their effect on monthly bills.
• Develop stable housing for people with intellectual disabilities and brain injuries.
• Keep PCEF spending tied to climate and support labor standards.

Our reading

• Household affordability
• Worker power

She evaluates affordability through wages, ownership and monthly bills together. Her emailed reply fills in the cooperative model: the co-op carries the financing, residents buy a subsidized membership share, resale follows an affordability formula, and buildings get capital-needs assessments before conversion. Her second reply adds targets elsewhere: a five-year goal of cutting the inflation-adjusted cost of water service at least 5%, and a 24-hour Street Response folded into the county’s crisis system. Not yet settled: which partner funds the ongoing co-op subsidy for the lowest-income households, and when a first building would convert.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 8 questions. Cristal Otero is on record on 8. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Said: Supports renovating the Moda Center and keeping the Blazers, but before Portland fills the remaining gap would explore a Metro investment or ownership role and private philanthropy, sponsorship and naming rights to cut Portland taxpayers’ share.

  Emailed response, response source

• Raise new revenue, or hold the line on taxes and fees?

  Said: Says working households and small businesses should not be the automatic first source; when revenue is needed, asks more of the wealthiest households and largest corporations.

  Campaign site, site source

• Hire more sworn officers, or invest first elsewhere?

  Said: Told the 2024 OPB/Oregonian questionnaire she would not vote to fund hundreds more police officers, preferring clinical outreach teams with behavioral-health expertise and community-based safety.

  Questionnaire, questionnaire source

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Said: Not in its current form: would keep removals for camps posing serious health, safety or access problems, but shift some Impact Reduction Program capacity into an embedded team in Parks and other front-line bureaus.

  Emailed response, response source

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  Said: Would put stronger conditions on large new data centers: transparency on resource use, recovery of infrastructure costs from the companies, and strong energy-efficiency, water-use and labor standards, so residents do not subsidize them.

  Emailed response, response source

• Expand Portland Street Response to a full 24/7 role?

  Said: Would expand Street Response to 24 hours inside the existing behavioral-health system, with clearer roles alongside Project Respond’s 24-hour crisis teams and Tri-County 911’s frequent-caller work, and sustained follow-up for repeated crises.

  Emailed response, response source

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Said: Skeptical that street maintenance needs another monthly fee; notes under 2% of PBOT funding comes from the General Fund and would look there for more maintenance money before adding $12 a month to household bills.

  Emailed response, response source

• Raise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs?

  Said: Notes rates rose 8.1 percent and the Water Bureau pays about $100 million a year in debt service; would judge borrowing by monthly household cost.

  Pamphlet p. 59, pamphlet source

Their answers to our questions

Which buildings could transition to resident ownership?

Said: I have proposed creating a pathway for roughly 5–20% of the Portland Housing Bureau’s affordable rental portfolio to transition to limited-equity cooperative ownership over time. The Portland Housing Bureau currently regulates more than 19,000 affordable units, so at today’s scale that would represent approximately 950 to 3,800 homes. [...] I would begin with publicly owned or publicly financed affordable housing where residents are interested in cooperative ownership and where the building is financially and physically appropriate for conversion.

Received 2026-09-19

How would residents be protected from financial risk?

Said: Residents should not have to qualify for conventional individual mortgages or suddenly become responsible for major building repairs. The cooperative would own the property and carry the primary financing, while residents would purchase an affordable—and for extremely low-income households potentially heavily subsidized—membership share. Buildings would need capital-needs assessments, adequate replacement reserves, and resources to address deferred maintenance before conversion. [...] Resale would be governed by an affordability formula rather than unrestricted market appreciation.

Received 2026-09-19

Who would pay for it?

Said: Portland cannot do this alone. Making this model work for households at 0–30% of area median income would require a stronger partnership among the City, Multnomah County, Metro, Home Forward, the State of Oregon, and affordable-housing providers. The City could help with acquisition, capital investment, land, and financing, while regional, county, state, and federal resources could help provide the ongoing affordability and housing assistance that extremely low-income households may still need.

Received 2026-09-19

Government experience

Said: After my fellowship ended, Fairview hired me as its COVID-19 Response Specialist. One of the first major municipal programs I developed and implemented was an emergency assistance program for small businesses affected by the pandemic. [...] At Multnomah County, I joined the early implementation of the Metro Supportive Housing Services measure. [...] One project I am particularly proud of was helping develop the first joint social-services procurement undertaken by Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. [...] Since 2024, much of my work has focused on Supportive Housing Services-funded programs operating in other Multnomah County departments.

Received 2026-09-19

Camps, crime and who responds

Said: I would focus more intensive resources on the smaller group of people repeatedly cycling through the street, shelters, emergency rooms and jail, rather than treating homelessness as one undifferentiated problem. I would assign Portland Street Response teams to high-contact areas so the same responders can build relationships over time and connect people to shelter, treatment and housing. I would also strengthen jail-release handoffs with peer support, transportation and dedicated shelter or treatment capacity. [...] I would measure success by whether the people we are targeting are spending fewer nights outside, cycling through jail and emergency rooms less often, and entering shelter, treatment and permanent housing at higher rates.

Received 2026-09-22

Your bills and taxes

Said: I would start with the bills the City directly controls. I would set a five-year goal of reducing the inflation-adjusted cost of water service by at least 5% while maintaining safe and reliable service. I would get there by scrutinizing major capital projects before costs are locked in, reducing reliance on expensive borrowing where lower-cost financing is available, pursuing more state and federal funding, reducing water loss, and reviewing the fees and overhead the City charges to the Water Bureau.

Received 2026-09-22

Streets, buses and air

Said: I would make those results more visible by connecting project-level reporting to Portland’s overall emissions goals, particularly transportation. I want more of our clean-energy investments coordinated with transportation—reducing transportation emissions while making transit, biking and clean transportation more affordable and accessible. Success should be visible in measurable emissions reductions as well as what Portlanders actually experience in their transportation costs and choices.

Received 2026-09-22

Moda Center deal

Said: I support renovating the Moda Center and keeping the Trail Blazers in their home, but I want us to be more creative about how we finance it. The State and Multnomah County are already making substantial commitments, so before Portland simply fills the remaining gap, I would explore whether Metro could take an investment or ownership role in this regional asset and pursue private philanthropy, sponsorship and naming opportunities.

Received 2026-09-22

Clearing camps

Said: Not in its current form. We still need the ability to remove camps that create serious health, safety or accessibility problems, but I would shift some Impact Reduction Program capacity into bureaus that encounter unsheltered homelessness every day, particularly Parks. [...] I would rather invest in reducing repeat problems than continually clear the same camps from one location to another.

Received 2026-09-22

Data centers

Said: I would put stronger conditions on large new data centers where their energy, water or infrastructure demands could shift costs onto Portland residents. At minimum, the City should require transparency about resource use, recover infrastructure costs from the companies creating them, and establish strong energy-efficiency, water-use and labor standards.

Received 2026-09-22

Street Response

Said: Yes, but I would do it as part of the behavioral-health response system we already have rather than building another parallel system. [...] I would expand Portland Street Response to 24 hours while creating clearer roles and coordination among those programs so the right responder is dispatched and people with repeated crises receive sustained follow-up rather than another one-time intervention.

Received 2026-09-22

Street repair fee

Said: I am skeptical that basic street maintenance should require another monthly utility fee. [...] Before adding $12 a month to a household’s utility bill, I would revisit how transportation is funded through the regular City budget and determine whether more ongoing revenue can be dedicated to basic maintenance. If we cannot fund a core responsibility within the existing budget, I want a clear explanation of why before asking Portlanders to pay another fee.

Received 2026-09-22

Council votes

No Council vote yet. That is not a judgment about experience.

A question the evidence leaves open

Which partner would fund the ongoing subsidy for co-op households at 0–30% of area median income, and when would a first building convert?

What they say they would do

His July 2026 filing calls for more police and incarceration of people he describes as dangerous and affected by drugs. He writes: “More cops. Lock up the dangerously unstable drug zombies.” That is his language, not this guide’s description of people.

A limited policy statement is verified in the 2026 filing. A broader platform, funding detail and independent record review remain incomplete.

Our reading

• Enforcement-led response

His filing establishes a preference for more police and detention. It does not specify offenses, detention standards, treatment capacity or costs. A broader account of his priorities remains a research gap.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 8 questions. Darren McCormick is on record on 1, with 7 still open. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Raise new revenue, or hold the line on taxes and fees?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Expand Portland Street Response to a full 24/7 role?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Raise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Hire more sworn officers, or invest first elsewhere?

  Said: His filing says “More cops” and calls for locking up people he describes as dangerously unstable and drug-affected.

  City filing, filing source

Council votes

No Council vote yet. That is not a judgment about experience.

A question the evidence leaves open

What specific offenses and legal standards would your proposal address, how many officers would you fund, and what would it cost?

What they say they would do

Proposes a larger public role in housing, utilities, climate protection and non-police crisis response.

• A corporate-landlord vacancy tax, social housing and simpler zoning.
• 24-hour citywide Street Response and supportive housing with treatment.
• A moratorium on AI data centers and a transition to public utilities.

Our reading

• Public provision
• Non-police crisis care

She would shift more responsibility for affordability and care into public institutions. That requires funding and implementation across several governments; local proposals and changes to state-controlled systems are not interchangeable.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 8 questions. Esther León is on record on 6, with 2 still open. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Raise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Said: Calls the current proposal opaque; would require union local contractors, no Clean Energy Fund money, a larger ticket share, a significant rent and a guaranteed net return.

  Campaign site, site source

• Raise new revenue, or hold the line on taxes and fees?

  Said: Proposes residential and commercial vacancy taxes on large corporate owners, a higher Clean Energy Fund surcharge and a shift to land-value taxation.

  Campaign site, site source

• Hire more sworn officers, or invest first elsewhere?

  Said: Says a policing approach does not make Portland safer; would expand Street Response and the bureau’s unarmed support specialists to reduce lethally armed responses. Her platform does not say whether to hire more sworn officers.

  On the topic; the exact choice is unsaid.

  Campaign site, site source

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Said: Would redirect effort away from city sweeps and hostile architecture toward long-term housing with treatment.

  Campaign site, site source

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  Said: Would implement a moratorium on AI data centers to stop the takeover of natural resources.

  Campaign site, site source

• Expand Portland Street Response to a full 24/7 role?

  Said: Commits to budget amendments and votes for full 24/7 citywide Street Response funding in every budget cycle.

  Campaign site, site source

Council votes

No Council vote yet. That is not a judgment about experience.

A question the evidence leaves open

What would the housing and utility proposals cost, and which require state or regional approval?

What they say they would do

Describes himself as a democratic socialist and calls for confrontational opposition to ICE and large corporations.

• Remove ICE agents from Portland.
• Seek larger contributions from billion-dollar companies.

Our reading

• Redistribution
• Opposition to ICE

His responses identify who he wants city government to challenge. They do not establish which city powers, budget changes or legal mechanisms would deliver those goals.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 8 questions. Guy Frankenstein is on record on 1, with 7 still open. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Hire more sworn officers, or invest first elsewhere?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Expand Portland Street Response to a full 24/7 role?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Raise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Raise new revenue, or hold the line on taxes and fees?

  Said: Says he would “bleed every billion dollar company operating within this city”; no instrument or amount is named.

  Questionnaire, questionnaire source

Council votes

No Council vote yet. That is not a judgment about experience.

A question the evidence leaves open

What specific city legislation would implement these goals?

What they say they would do

Combines treatment and civil-commitment reform with consequences for refusing available services. Calls for measuring program results and assessing fiscal risks before raising taxes, and promotes hemp-based housing construction.

• Oppose criminalizing homelessness itself while supporting consequences for refusal of available services and wellness farms with job training.
• Require public outcome measures and cost-benefit accounting before expanding programs or taxes.
• Promote hempblock construction and respond to property crime affecting small businesses.

Our reading

• Recovery with requirements
• Fiscal restraint

He opposes criminalizing homelessness itself but supports consequences for refusing available services. The distinction turns on what those consequences are, whether suitable care exists and who can lawfully require it. His housing-cost and fiscal claims still need independent verification.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 8 questions. Heart Free Pham is on record on 2, with 6 still open. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Expand Portland Street Response to a full 24/7 role?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Raise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Raise new revenue, or hold the line on taxes and fees?

  Said: Would demand honest cost-benefit accounting before raising taxes or expanding programs, citing outmigration of high earners.

  Campaign site, site source

• Hire more sworn officers, or invest first elsewhere?

  Said: Told the 2024 OPB/Oregonian questionnaire he supports hiring more police with stipulations: a cultural change, including no longer disqualifying applicants for past marijuana use.

  Questionnaire, questionnaire source

Council votes

No Council vote yet. That is not a judgment about experience.

Earlier statements

A question the evidence leaves open

What consequences would follow service refusal, who would determine that an appropriate service was available, and which government has authority to act?

What they say they would do

Puts Council procedure, budget discipline and contract oversight at the center of his campaign.

• Independent Council legal and budget offices; monthly budget reviews.
• Audit contracts and set rules for work performed in-house.
• Expand public utility options and support local businesses.

Our reading

• Institutional accountability
• Public provision

Independent legal and budget capacity could strengthen Council oversight, but creating that capacity also costs money. Contract savings and public utility proposals need separate business cases.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 8 questions. Joel Corcoran is on record on 3, with 5 still open. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Expand Portland Street Response to a full 24/7 role?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Raise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Said: Says that if the new Blazers ownership will not commit to keeping the team in Portland, the city need not commit anything to them in return.

  Campaign site, site source

• Raise new revenue, or hold the line on taxes and fees?

  Said: His pamphlet values list includes taxing billionaires “to hell and back”; no instrument is named.

  Pamphlet p. 56, pamphlet source

• Hire more sworn officers, or invest first elsewhere?

  Said: Would address public safety with data-driven, holistic solutions rather than debating the number of sworn officers; his answer does not say whether to hire more.

  On the topic; the exact choice is unsaid.

  Questionnaire, questionnaire source

Council votes

No Council vote yet. That is not a judgment about experience.

A question the evidence leaves open

Which contract savings and utility changes could Council deliver in its first year?

What they say they would do

Prioritizes preserving city services, changing homelessness funding arrangements and opposing spending to retain the Trail Blazers.

• Preserve services during declining revenue.
• Have the County take primary responsibility for homelessness services.
• Oppose spending aimed at keeping the Blazers in Portland.

Our reading

• Service preservation
• Limits on arena spending

He would free resources by rejecting arena spending and moving homeless services to the County, citing the 1983 Resolution A transfer of jails, bridges and welfare as the precedent. Shifting responsibility does not itself eliminate service costs; a workable transition still needs a named agreement and continuing provision.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 8 questions. John Sweeney is on record on 2, with 6 still open. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Raise new revenue, or hold the line on taxes and fees?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Expand Portland Street Response to a full 24/7 role?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Raise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Said: Says the Blazers are leaving regardless and any money spent to keep them is money Portland will need later.

  Pamphlet p. 53, pamphlet source

• Hire more sworn officers, or invest first elsewhere?

  Said: Told the 2024 OPB/Oregonian questionnaire his first priority would be to increase and refresh the Portland Police and the Police Reserve, the reserve serving as a stepping stone to full-time officers.

  Questionnaire, questionnaire source

Their answers to our questions

What agreements would permit the homelessness funding changes, and what happens to services during a transition?

Said: Under Resolution “A” in 1983, Multnomah County took over the jails, bridges and welfare services in Multnomah County. Before that, Multnomah County was a full-service government like the City of Portland. I think that moving the homeless/houseless services to the county would be more effective in serving those in need. The funding is with both federal and local money. Shifting it to the county, the federal funds would follow the services. This should be seamless in both the services provided and the funds to support them.

Received 2026-09-22

Housing

Said: Let’s take a hint from IKEA: IKEA builds to the price. Let’s look at the people we are trying to house and what their income is, and what they can afford. Then build to the price! There are new plans out there. One of them is Quonset houses. New models run less than $4,000 for the house. This has a lot of possibilities.

Received 2026-09-22

Parks and military work

Said: I was with the Portland Parks for 33 years, and I pride myself on the fact that more of my temporary employees became permanent. They were making just above minimum wage and became permanent. Many got married and started families. [...] I served in the Army Guard and Army Reserve for 28 years. Started as a private and ended as a captain. Over the years I met many fine people and encouraged them to join the city or the Guard or Reserves.

Received 2026-09-22

Council votes

No Council vote yet. That is not a judgment about experience.

A question the evidence leaves open

Which agreement among the City, the County and Metro would move homeless services and their funding, and on what timeline?

What they say they would do

Applies a business-management approach to homelessness, public safety and utility costs.

• Hire more police officers and 911 dispatchers.
• Reduce infrastructure-project costs and utility bills.
• Change the approach to street homelessness.

Our reading

• Operational delivery
• Household costs

His stated goals connect city performance to safety and utility bills. His emailed replies of September 19 and 22, 2026 add the mechanisms: competitive bidding, independent cost estimates and scope control for projects; Clean Energy Fund money and building purchases for affordable housing; more shelter and treatment capacity; and a proposed one-year pause on cash bottle redemptions as a measured experiment. He would hold the line on new taxes and fees while hiring more officers and dispatchers; savings are not quantified, and what would pay for the new positions is open.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 8 questions. Keir Legree is on record on 8. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Said: Wants the Blazers kept but opposes spending hundreds of millions in public money on the Moda Center, which the City acquired for $1 in 2024; would explore giving it to the team’s new owner for an ironclad 20-year commitment.

  Emailed response, response source

• Raise new revenue, or hold the line on taxes and fees?

  Said: Says his priority is to hold the line on new taxes and fees.

  Emailed response, response source

• Hire more sworn officers, or invest first elsewhere?

  Said: Would hire more police officers and 911 dispatchers to improve response times.

  Pamphlet p. 59, pamphlet source

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Said: Would consistently enforce clear boundaries citywide: when shelter is available, camping should not be allowed indefinitely in rights-of-way, parks or on private property, with camps near schools first.

  Campaign site, site source

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  Said: Supports restricting new AI data centers.

  Emailed response, response source

• Expand Portland Street Response to a full 24/7 role?

  Said: Supports Street Response, but before a 24/7 expansion would first add police officers for 911 calls and for situations where Street Response needs police support; open to expanding it once police staffing is adequate.

  Emailed response, response source

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Said: Would keep the street repair fee only if PBOT clearly shows it is necessary and produces measurable results; otherwise would support repealing it.

  Emailed response, response source

• Raise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs?

  Said: Says water and sewer bills are over four times Las Vegas’s and rising; would cut project costs to lower bills.

  Pamphlet p. 59, pamphlet source

Their answers to our questions

Infrastructure costs and utility bills

Said: I am not proposing that Portland defer essential maintenance. My goal is to reduce the cost of delivering infrastructure, not reduce necessary infrastructure. I support stronger competitive bidding, independent cost estimates, tighter control of project scope and change orders, and comparing Portland’s project costs with comparable cities.

Received 2026-09-19

Housing affordability and production

Said: I support increasing housing supply, speeding up permitting and reducing unnecessary barriers to construction. I also support expanding government-owned affordable housing and preserving existing affordable housing. Portland should focus more on whether subsidized units are actually affordable to lower-income residents and on getting existing vacant affordable units occupied.

Received 2026-09-19

Homelessness

Said: I support a different approach focused on measurable results: moving people from the street into shelter, treatment, housing and greater stability. That includes expanding shelter and mental-health/addiction treatment capacity; expecting reasonable progress toward stability in exchange for publicly funded services; and greater accountability for how City and County homelessness dollars are spent.

Received 2026-09-19

Climate, transportation and environmental health

Said: I support reducing emissions and improving environmental health, but I believe programs should be evaluated for measurable results and cost effectiveness. I support a balanced transportation system where people can safely walk, bike, take transit or drive, [with] pedestrian and bicycle improvements where there is demonstrated safety or transportation need.

Received 2026-09-19

Business experience

Said: I have spent approximately 30 years managing Savoy Studios, an architectural art-glass company, where I manage employees, budgets, contracts, vendors, schedules and complex projects in the U.S. and internationally. I also founded PlanXT, a project-management software company.

Received 2026-09-19

Rent and homes: how would you deliver it?

Said: My approach would be a change in priorities. I would explore expanding the allowable use of PCEF funds so they can help acquire, build or preserve affordable housing when those projects also meet strong energy-efficiency and carbon-reduction standards. [...] I would also prioritize purchasing existing apartment buildings when that is faster and less expensive than building new housing.

Received 2026-09-22

Streets, buses and air: what would show it worked?

Said: When we see fewer traffic deaths and serious injuries, while maintaining reasonable travel times for buses and cars and avoiding significant traffic diversion onto neighborhood streets. For major street redesigns, PBOT should publish before-and-after results so we can see whether the project actually worked. If it didn’t, we should be willing to modify it.

Received 2026-09-22

Street Response

Said: I support Portland Street Response and believe it plays an important role. Before expanding PSR to 24/7, however, I would prioritize increasing the number of police officers available to respond to 911 calls and to situations where PSR needs police support. Once we have adequate police staffing, I would be open to expanding PSR.

Received 2026-09-22

Moda Center deal

Said: I think it’s very important that we keep the Trail Blazers in Portland. But I don’t like the idea of spending hundreds of millions of public dollars on the Moda Center we don’t have. One option I’d want to explore is transferring ownership of the Moda Center to the Blazers’ new owner in exchange for an ironclad agreement to keep the Blazers in Portland for at least 20 years. The City acquired the arena for $1 in 2024.

Received 2026-09-22

New taxes or fees

Said: My priority is to hold the line on new taxes and fees.

Received 2026-09-22

Data centers

Said: I support restricting new AI data centers.

Received 2026-09-22

Street repair fee

Said: I would keep the street repair fee only if PBOT can clearly demonstrate that it is necessary and show measurable results. If they cannot demonstrate that the fee is necessary and effective, I would support repealing it.

Received 2026-09-22

Council votes

No Council vote yet. That is not a judgment about experience.

A question the evidence leaves open

Holding the line on new taxes and fees, what would pay for more police officers and 911 dispatchers?

What they say they would do

Emphasizes public-service experience, partnerships and protection of core services.

• Protect services and require accountability for spending.
• Support small businesses and safe, connected neighborhoods.
• Defend immigrant families and civil rights.

Our reading

• Service delivery
• Civic partnerships

She treats administrative coordination and partnerships as ways to increase city capacity. Private or philanthropic support can help projects, but it does not establish stable operating revenue or guarantee equal investment across neighborhoods.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 8 questions. Kellie Torres is on record on 1, with 7 still open. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Raise new revenue, or hold the line on taxes and fees?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Expand Portland Street Response to a full 24/7 role?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Raise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Hire more sworn officers, or invest first elsewhere?

  Said: Supports public safety staffing and resources that let police follow through on investigations and fix response times.

  Campaign site, site source

Council votes

No Council vote yet. That is not a judgment about experience.

A question the evidence leaves open

Which services would receive priority if revenue falls short?

What they say they would do

Centers his campaign on consensus, public-service experience and making the new Council work as a legislature.

• Seek unanimous decisions through consensus or compromise.
• Ensure tax dollars support public work.
• Resist recreating the former commission system.

Our reading

• Consensus
• Legislative cooperation

Seeking unanimity may build broader buy-in, but can also prolong decisions when interests conflict. His statement does not explain when he would accept a majority decision or which policy compromises he would make.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 8 questions. Kenneth (Kent) R Landgraver III is on record on 3, with 5 still open. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Raise new revenue, or hold the line on taxes and fees?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Raise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Said: Told 350PDX the Moda Center is not within the Clean Energy Fund’s mandate and proposes covering the arena and parking structures with solar and wind; his statement does not say whether other public money should pay.

  On the topic; the exact choice is unsaid.

  Campaign site, site source

• Hire more sworn officers, or invest first elsewhere?

  Said: Told City Club in 2024 he would increase the police force to at least on par with other cities of Portland’s size, with first responders handling non-violent, low-risk calls.

  Campaign site, site source

• Expand Portland Street Response to a full 24/7 role?

  Said: Told City Club in 2024 he would increase Portland Street Response and similar services and move them to 24/7 staffing so police can respond to calls requiring a sworn officer.

  Campaign site, site source

Council votes

No Council vote yet. That is not a judgment about experience.

A question the evidence leaves open

How would you resolve an urgent decision when unanimity is impossible?

What they say they would do

Emphasizes program accountability, constituents’ needs and stronger cost-benefit analysis of city spending.

• Examine why programs receive or lose funding.
• Evaluate whether spending decisions are adequately supported.

Our reading

• Program evaluation
• Spending accountability

Her response explains how she would judge programs, but not which policy outcomes she would prioritize when evidence and resources point in competing directions. That distinction remains important for comparing her with detailed platforms.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 8 questions. Kimberly Tucker is on record on 1, with 7 still open. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Raise new revenue, or hold the line on taxes and fees?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Expand Portland Street Response to a full 24/7 role?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Raise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Hire more sworn officers, or invest first elsewhere?

  Said: Says Portland needs additional armed officers and additional specialists to respond to non-criminal calls, with the police budget published jargon-free with a cost-benefit analysis.

  Campaign site, site source

Council votes

No Council vote yet. That is not a judgment about experience.

A question the evidence leaves open

Which programs would you evaluate first, and what evidence would change your funding decision?

What they say they would do

Connects housing affordability, mental-health services and small-business support.

• Expand housing options and remove unnecessary barriers.
• Support Street Response, addiction treatment and permanent housing.
• Make local government easier for small businesses to work with.

Our reading

• Housing access
• Treatment and support

He combines reducing housing barriers with services rather than treating either as sufficient. The statement does not specify which rules change or how much treatment and housing capacity would be funded.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 8 questions. Larry Kelly is on record on 1, with 7 still open. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Raise new revenue, or hold the line on taxes and fees?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Hire more sworn officers, or invest first elsewhere?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Raise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Expand Portland Street Response to a full 24/7 role?

  Said: Says Portland needs to expand mental health and addiction services and support the street response team; his statement does not say whether Street Response should expand to a 24/7 role.

  On the topic; the exact choice is unsaid.

  Pamphlet p. 54, pamphlet source

Council votes

No Council vote yet. That is not a judgment about experience.

A question the evidence leaves open

Which housing barriers would you remove first, and what services would you fund?

What they say they would do

Combines public housing and large proposed spending cuts with opposition to abortion, gender-related surgery and same-sex relationships.

• Test government-owned housing and build permanent shelter.
• Reject Moda renovations and the proposed Lloyd Center demolition.
• Pursue restrictions on several forms of reproductive care and sexual conduct.

Our reading

• Public housing
• Restrictions on personal conduct

His platform combines public provision with restrictions on reproductive care and consensual relationships. Those restrictions are substantive policy commitments; the guide does not adopt his classification of consensual conduct as crime or imply Council can enact all of them.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 8 questions. Martin Ward is on record on 4, with 4 still open. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Expand Portland Street Response to a full 24/7 role?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Raise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Said: States flatly: no renovations on the Moda Center, none.

  Pamphlet p. 55, pamphlet source

• Raise new revenue, or hold the line on taxes and fees?

  Said: Would eliminate the Arts Tax, gas tax, lodging tax, heavy-vehicle tax, paid parking and the Clean Energy Fund, and restructure two others.

  Campaign site, site source

• Hire more sworn officers, or invest first elsewhere?

  Said: Would increase police officers, install cameras at every intersection and buy non-lethal equipment.

  Pamphlet p. 55, pamphlet source

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Said: Says that until new shelters are built, people reported camping would return to their camp or a shelter as they prefer, then be moved into shelters; his page does not address current removal funding.

  On the topic; the exact choice is unsaid.

  Campaign site, site source

Council votes

No Council vote yet. That is not a judgment about experience.

A question the evidence leaves open

What legally available city actions would implement these proposals, and what supports the claimed savings?

What they say they would do

Argues that police staffing, faster permitting and a more competitive business tax structure are prerequisites for Portland’s recovery.

• Fund police recruitment, retention and neighborhood presence.
• Set permitting deadlines with escalation for stalled applications.
• Recruit manufacturing and other employers that sell outside the region.

Our reading

• Police capacity
• Private-sector recovery

He links economic recovery to stronger policing and a lighter burden on business. Expanding staffing without new taxes depends on reallocations or growth; the reviewed materials do not reconcile those costs.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 8 questions. Matthias Hallett is on record on 3, with 5 still open. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Expand Portland Street Response to a full 24/7 role?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Raise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Said: Wants a deal that keeps the Blazers long-term while protecting taxpayers; calls for good-faith, transparent negotiation.

  Campaign site, site source

• Raise new revenue, or hold the line on taxes and fees?

  Said: Says Portland cannot tax its way out of a shrinking base and must grow it back; backs police funding with no new taxes.

  Pamphlet p. 58, pamphlet source

• Hire more sworn officers, or invest first elsewhere?

  Said: Backs the Safer Portland goal of two sworn officers per 1,000 residents, funded without raising taxes.

  Campaign site, site source

Council votes

No Council vote yet. That is not a judgment about experience.

A question the evidence leaves open

Which taxes would change, and how would police expansion be funded during the transition?

What they say they would do

Wants housing policy to protect existing buildings, neighborhood businesses and tenants while creating paths to ownership.

• Prioritize adaptive reuse, community land trusts and co-housing.
• Expand safe-sleeping infrastructure and consistent public-space rules.
• Tax vacant units and polluters; redirect consultant spending.

Our reading

• Preservation
• Community ownership

Adaptive reuse and shared ownership seek to protect people and places from displacement. The unresolved comparison is how quickly those tools would add affordable homes relative to redevelopment.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 8 questions. Patrick Hilton is on record on 4, with 4 still open. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Raise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Raise new revenue, or hold the line on taxes and fees?

  Said: Would tax polluters and vacant units, and redirect consultant spending to core services.

  Pamphlet p. 57, pamphlet source

• Hire more sworn officers, or invest first elsewhere?

  Said: Told OPB in 2024 he would fully fund Street Response and CHAT and use police sparingly, but that more police and budget are needed for officers who are well-trained and not over-stressed.

  Questionnaire, questionnaire source

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Said: Says the city cannot allow camping on sidewalks anymore and must create managed campgrounds as soon as possible as the immediate alternative; his page does not say whether removal funding should stay at current levels.

  On the topic; the exact choice is unsaid.

  Campaign site, site source

• Expand Portland Street Response to a full 24/7 role?

  Said: Told OPB in 2024 he would vote to fully fund Portland Street Response and CHAT; his answer does not say whether Street Response should expand to a 24/7 role.

  On the topic; the exact choice is unsaid.

  Questionnaire, questionnaire source

Council votes

No Council vote yet. That is not a judgment about experience.

A question the evidence leaves open

How many homes would the preservation and ownership programs create, and on what timeline?

What they say they would do

Combines progressive policy goals with cost scrutiny and support for some enforcement measures.

• Reduce Council office spending and shift welfare checks to unarmed responders.
• Use red-flag gun laws and preserve hazardous-camp removal funding.
• Scrutinize the Moda agreement and remove minor business regulations.

Our reading

• Cost-effective services
• Targeted enforcement

His agenda combines unarmed response with police investigations and hazardous-camp removal. The distinction is which intervention fits which problem, rather than a simple choice between enforcement and services.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 8 questions. Steve Novick is on record on 7, with 1 still open. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Steve Novick: YesApprove the Moda negotiating framework

  Said: Wants to keep the Blazers, but only under a deal where the city gets as much money out of the Moda Center as it puts in.

  Campaign site, site sourceCity record, record source

• Raise new revenue, or hold the line on taxes and fees?

  Said: Voted against increasing the Arts Tax and wants to replace it without cutting arts funding, possibly by folding it into the Children’s Levy.

  Campaign site, site source

• Hire more sworn officers, or invest first elsewhere?

  Said: Says that as Portland adds police officers it should prioritize detectives who follow through on reports.

  Campaign site, site source

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Steve Novick: NoBudget amendment

  Said: Says he protected funding for removing the most hazardous camps when others tried to cut it; opposes indiscriminate sweeps.

  Pamphlet p. 57, pamphlet sourceCity record, record source

• Expand Portland Street Response to a full 24/7 role?

  Steve Novick: YesExpand Portland Street Response’s role

  Said: Is working to move 911 welfare-check calls to unarmed responders and to get Medicaid to reimburse Street Response.

  Campaign site, site sourceCity record, record source

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Steve Novick: YesCreate a monthly transportation utility fee

  Said: Says Council should tell voters that at best the fees keep major streets from getting worse, and that the alternative is to let the city die.

  portlandmercury.com, reporting sourceCity record, record source

• Raise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs?

  Steve Novick: YesRaise annual water rates

  Said: Would use Clean Energy Fund money to pay part of the water filtration plant and offset water-rate increases.

  Campaign site, site sourceCity record, record source

Their answers to our questions

Why he opposed Services First and co-proposed the smaller restoration package

Said: I thought “services first” spent too much money that we should be counting on to balance next year’s budget, and would have unacceptably exacerbated what will already be a tough budget next year. Also, I thought restoring cuts in police training was essential. I agree with Zohran Mamdani that the police should be well trained in things like deescalation and driving safely in emergency situations.

Received 2026-09-21

Concrete accomplishments, in his words

Said: Red flag law. Passed gas tax. Was the lead lawyer for the “cost recovery” portion of a Superfund lawsuit; won precedent-setting decisions. Was policy researcher and one of the lead communicators for the successful measures 66 and 67 in 2010.

Received 2026-09-21

What evidence would determine when an unarmed response or camp removal is appropriate?

Said: I don’t understand the question — when is there a choice between unarmed response and camp removal? [The Lab has since clarified that it asked two separate questions: what should decide when an unarmed response is the right call, and what should decide when a camp removal is; his answer is pending.]

Received 2026-09-21

Council votes

1. Spend less on clearing camps to fund other services?

   No

   Our reading: Opposed moving the camp-removal money in this proposal

   What Council decided

   This proposal would move about $4.3 million from clearing homeless camps to a package supporting housing, food, immigration services and city staff. Camping rules would stay in place.

   This was a spending amendment, not a vote to repeal the criminal camping ban. Green’s related Ground Score amendment did not take effect because the parent proposal failed.

   Read the votes and their reasons →

2. Raise water bills by about $5 a month?

   Yes

   Our reading: Supported water-project borrowing and the annual utility charges

   What Council decided

   This increase would bring in more money for the water system. A typical monthly water charge would rise from about $66 to $71, before sewer and stormwater charges.

   The typical-bill estimate assumes five hundred cubic feet of monthly water use. Actual bills depend on use, billing period and applicable assistance; this is not the total combined utility bill.

   Read the votes and their reasons →

3. Use expected savings to help fund police and firefighters?

   Yes

   Our reading: Supported several ways to pay for a smaller set of services

   What Council decided

   The city expected the office that checks police conduct to have money left over. This proposal would use those expected savings for police and fire services. The savings were not guaranteed.

   The tradeoff concerned using money allocated to the new oversight office. The proposal did not abolish that office, and expected underspending was a forecast.

   Read the votes and their reasons →

4. Back these starting terms for renovating Moda Center?

   Yes

   Our reading: Raised the proposed arena rent, then supported the terms

   What Council decided

   The city proposed $120 million for renovations and $275 million for future building needs over 20 years. This vote approved terms for negotiations, not a final contract.

   A negotiating framework, not a final construction contract. Support or opposition to this package is not a complete position on retaining the Trail Blazers.

   A term sheet, not a final contract.

   Read the votes and their reasons →

A question the evidence leaves open

What evidence would determine when an unarmed response or camp removal is appropriate?

What they say they would do

Prioritizes maintaining existing infrastructure, police and fire staffing, and a stronger voice for drivers.

• Maintain streets and parks before undertaking new projects.
• Oppose business-access-and-transit lanes on 82nd Avenue.
• Fund police and fire staffing and long-term support for unhoused people.

Our reading

• Maintenance first
• Driver access

He puts upkeep and motor-vehicle access ahead of some new transport projects. That leaves a concrete tradeoff over street space: how to improve bus reliability and safety without the dedicated lanes he opposes.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 8 questions. Terry Parker is on record on 5, with 3 still open. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Raise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Raise new revenue, or hold the line on taxes and fees?

  Said: Told OPB in 2024 he would eliminate the $35 Arts Tax on individuals, which charges low and high earners the same amount; he named no tax or levy he would create.

  Questionnaire, questionnaire source

• Hire more sworn officers, or invest first elsewhere?

  Said: Would increase funding to add police officers and fully staff every fire station.

  Pamphlet p. 55, pamphlet source

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Said: Told OPB in 2024 he favors arresting and jailing campers who refuse repeated shelter offers, with compassionate camping ban enforcement and wrap-around services; the answer does not address current removal funding.

  On the topic; the exact choice is unsaid.

  Questionnaire, questionnaire source

• Expand Portland Street Response to a full 24/7 role?

  Said: Told City Club in 2024 the city must add shelter beds and make Portland Street Response a 24-hour service by adding personnel.

  Campaign site, site source

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Said: Wants Comprehensive Plan Policy 8.28, sharing facility costs among those who benefit, applied more broadly to transportation; his statement does not say whether to keep the monthly street repair fee.

  On the topic; the exact choice is unsaid.

  Pamphlet p. 55, pamphlet source

Council votes

No Council vote yet. That is not a judgment about experience.

A question the evidence leaves open

What alternative would improve transit reliability and safety on 82nd Avenue?

What they say they would do

Identifies as a democratic socialist and emphasizes workers, renters, immigrant protections and public participation.

• Continue support for rental assistance and social housing.
• Protect immigrant and LGBTQIA+ families and improve street safety.
• Demand public oversight of oil infrastructure, data centers and the Moda deal.

Our reading

• Worker and tenant power
• Public investment

Public ownership and regulation are central tools in her program. Building homes and sustaining services require recurring funding; voting for a study or regulation is different from demonstrating its eventual results.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 8 questions. Tiffany Koyama Lane is on record on 8. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Tiffany Koyama Lane: NoApprove the Moda negotiating framework

  Said: Says she fought for a fair deal for Portlanders in the Moda Center negotiations and will make sure it is fair for taxpayers.

  Pamphlet p. 54, pamphlet sourceCity record, record source

• Raise new revenue, or hold the line on taxes and fees?

  Said: Lists “Tax the Rich to Fund our Communities” as a goal while lowering the tax burden on working families.

  Campaign site, site source

• Hire more sworn officers, or invest first elsewhere?

  Said: Told OPB in 2024 she wants to free police to do the job they were trained for, not fill safety-net holes, and supports expanding Street Response; her answer does not say whether to hire more officers.

  On the topic; the exact choice is unsaid.

  Questionnaire, questionnaire source

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Tiffany Koyama Lane: YesBudget amendment

  No statement beyond the recorded vote.

  City record, record source

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  Said: Would champion a moratorium on data centers to protect the water supply and farmland and keep costs off households.

  Campaign site, site source

• Expand Portland Street Response to a full 24/7 role?

  Tiffany Koyama Lane: YesExpand Portland Street Response’s role

  No statement beyond the recorded vote.

  City record, record source

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Tiffany Koyama Lane: YesCreate a monthly transportation utility fee

  Said: Says she secured low-income relief under the new Transportation Utility Fee and directed 25 percent of it to Vision Zero and sidewalks.

  Campaign site, site sourceCity record, record source

• Raise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs?

  Tiffany Koyama Lane: NoRaise annual water rates

  Said: Says she reduced utility hikes for working-class Portlanders.

  Pamphlet p. 54, pamphlet sourceCity record, record source

Council votes

1. Spend less on clearing camps to fund other services?

   Yes

   Our reading: Supported moving camp-removal money to other services

   What Council decided

   This proposal would move about $4.3 million from clearing homeless camps to a package supporting housing, food, immigration services and city staff. Camping rules would stay in place.

   This was a spending amendment, not a vote to repeal the criminal camping ban. Green’s related Ground Score amendment did not take effect because the parent proposal failed.

   Read the votes and their reasons →

2. Raise water bills by about $5 a month?

   No

   Our reading: Supported construction borrowing; opposed higher utility charges

   What Council decided

   This increase would bring in more money for the water system. A typical monthly water charge would rise from about $66 to $71, before sewer and stormwater charges.

   The typical-bill estimate assumes five hundred cubic feet of monthly water use. Actual bills depend on use, billing period and applicable assistance; this is not the total combined utility bill.

   Read the votes and their reasons →

3. Use expected savings to help fund police and firefighters?

   No

   Our reading: Favored restoring more services; rejected July’s smaller plan

   What Council decided

   The city expected the office that checks police conduct to have money left over. This proposal would use those expected savings for police and fire services. The savings were not guaranteed.

   The tradeoff concerned using money allocated to the new oversight office. The proposal did not abolish that office, and expected underspending was a forecast.

   Read the votes and their reasons →

4. Back these starting terms for renovating Moda Center?

   No

   Our reading: Rejected the arena terms after seeking stronger financial conditions

   What Council decided

   The city proposed $120 million for renovations and $275 million for future building needs over 20 years. This vote approved terms for negotiations, not a final contract.

   A negotiating framework, not a final construction contract. Support or opposition to this package is not a complete position on retaining the Trail Blazers.

   A term sheet, not a final contract.

   Read the votes and their reasons →

A question the evidence leaves open

What recurring revenue would sustain housing and service commitments?

What they say they would do

Wants dependable basic services and a Council that makes bureaus and contractors follow through.

• Improve permit processing, maintenance and responsiveness.
• Invest in gathering places, local businesses and neighborhoods.
• Use Council oversight to coordinate service delivery.

Our reading

• Reliable public services
• Community participation

His focus is making existing institutions respond and coordinate, and his emailed reply attaches a measure to each issue: homes preserved and occupied, response times and repeat calls, audit findings acted on, street condition and transit reliability. What remains open is what would pay for street maintenance if the repair fee ends.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 8 questions. Tom Sollitt is on record on 8. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Said: Says he would have voted no on the Moda term sheet: he wants the Blazers kept but says the City started from a weak position and should have secured a clear return, accountability and remedies.

  Emailed response, response source

• Raise new revenue, or hold the line on taxes and fees?

  Said: Would strengthen oversight and scrutinize contracts before raising taxes or fees.

  Campaign site, site source

• Hire more sworn officers, or invest first elsewhere?

  Said: If staffing must rise, would target investigations and specialized units; staffing should follow need, not a fixed officer total.

  Campaign site, site source

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Said: Answered no, but would pause any increase or cut until a clear accounting shows what the program spends and achieves; wants rights-of-way kept clear through a coordinated approach with the County and providers.

  Emailed response, response source

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  Said: Supports restricting new AI data centers while the City sets standards for resource use, environmental impacts, infrastructure costs, community impacts and transparency; a facility meeting them with a public benefit could be considered.

  Emailed response, response source

• Expand Portland Street Response to a full 24/7 role?

  Said: Supports a 24/7 Street Response eventually, but first an operational overhaul of dispatch, coverage, recruitment and retention and a way to share the cost with the County; would consider temporarily reducing hours to relieve current staff.

  Emailed response, response source

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Said: Would eliminate the monthly street repair fee, citing the equity of its largely flat charge for renters, transit users and lower-income households; would audit transportation obligations and seek outside and fairer revenue, naming no single replacement.

  Emailed response, response source

• Raise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs?

  Said: Would not support more water-rate increases until alternatives are exhausted, through outside funding, scrutiny of remaining costs and independent oversight; says the plant is legally required and he cannot promise increases are avoidable.

  Emailed response, response source