Portland City Council · November 3, 2026

Portland City Council, District 4

12
Candidates: 3
Seats: 6
Rank up to: Nov 3
Due 8 p.m.

The west side plus a slice of Southeast: Downtown, Pearl District, Old Town, Northwest District, Goose Hollow, Southwest Hills, Hillsdale, Multnomah, Forest Park, Linnton, South Portland, Sellwood-Moreland and Eastmoreland. Some neighborhoods are split between districts; use the lookup link.The west side plus a slice of SoutheastNot yours? District 3

Our readingDraft

Candidates differ on how far to fund recovery through public housing and new corporate contributions versus private development and restraint on taxes, on camp enforcement, and on public investment in Moda Center. Many propose some of each.

12 candidates, A–Z. Tap any position to read the sentence, how they would deliver it, and the source.

8 more choices, below8 more choices

Where each candidate stands on four issues, in our short reading of their statements. Each position is a button; activate it to read the sentence, how they would deliver it, and the source. Candidates appear alphabetically.
Candidate	10 of 12 documented	11 of 12 documented	11 of 12 documented	9 of 12 documented
Eli ArnoldBicycle police officer; military veteran	Homes	Safety	Money	Streets
Eric ZimmermanIncumbent councilor; National Guard officer	Homes	Safety	Money	Streets
Jamey EvenstarCity Council chief of staff	Homes	Safety	Money	Streets
Jayne CronlundSmall-business owner; former nonprofit executive	Homes	Safety	Money	Streets
Jeremy Beausoleil SmithPSU capital-projects and construction manager	Homes	Safety	Money	Streets
John J GoldsmithSecurity officer; former Justice Department analystNo platform found	Homes	Safety	Money	Streets
John McDonaldTriMet hydro technician and journalist	Homes	Safety	Money	Streets
Josh LeakeHousing-finance professional and business owner	Homes	Safety	Money	Streets
Matt SchulteMusician, filmmaker and business founder	Homes	Safety	Money	Streets
Mitch GreenIncumbent councilor; economist, Army veteran	Homes	Safety	Money	Streets
Olivia ClarkIncumbent councilor; former TriMet public-affairs director	Homes	Safety	Money	Streets
Timothy (TJ) AndersonStudent and disability advocate	Homes	Safety	Money	Streets

What this office decides right now

What’s at stake

A district councilor is one of twelve under the 2025 charter: four districts, three seats each, a Council that passes the budget, ordinances and resolutions while the mayor and city administrator run the bureaus. District 4 covers the west side, from Downtown, Old Town and the Pearl through Northwest and the Southwest hills to Multnomah, plus Sellwood-Moreland and Eastmoreland across the river. The 2024 winners here drew two-year terms; this election fills four-year seats, so the next three councilors vote on four budgets in a City that spends $8.55 billion a year with about $803 million of it discretionary.

Each of this office’s 8 live choices is a board below, with every candidate’s stated position or the gap.

Next budget gap
Council balanced the $8.55 billion FY 2026–27 budget (about $803.4 million of it discretionary) against a $170 million General Fund gap with roughly 140 positions cut, $47 million from reserves and contingency and $27 million of Clean Energy Fund interest. A September 2026 workgroup report before Council on September 23 finds citywide assessed value growth below 2.2% for two years running and personnel at about 70% of ongoing General Fund bureau costs, and recommends biennial budgets, a defined list of core services and a new revenue strategy.
Moda Center deal
Resolution 37750 (8–4, August 12, 2026) approved a non-binding term sheet for a roughly $500 million arena renovation with a $573 million public budget: up to $365 million in state bonds, $120 million from the City “from sources yet to be confirmed” and $88 million from the county, plus $275 million in City payments over 20 years from the ticket- and parking-funded Spectator Venues fund. Definitive agreements are due before Council by December 31, 2026.
Camping and removals
City code bars camping on public property when reasonable shelter is available and restricts how people may camp; the Impact Reduction Program removed 7,480 campsites in FY 2025–26 on 105,180 reports, with removal costs of $8.52 million. A November 2025 amendment to move about $4.3 million from removals to services drew five votes and needed seven, and the City expects 580 adult overnight shelter beds this winter, down from 876.
Street Response
Portland Street Response runs on about $10 million a year with 52 staff, answering calls seven days a week but not around the clock; it took 15,353 calls in 2025, and 6% needed police or ambulance co-response. Council’s June 2025 resolution (10–2) made it an integrated branch of first response dispatched through 911, and the FY 2026–27 budget restored four peer-support positions ($659,274) the proposed budget had cut.
Street fee, water bills
A street repair fee passed 9–3 in April 2026 adds $12 a month for a single-family home and $8.40 per apartment unit from January 1, 2027, an estimated $46 million a year with 75% for maintenance; the May 2026 water ordinance (8–4) raised the typical monthly water charge from $65.57 to $70.89. Water bills carry the Bull Run filtration project, whose budget rose about $450 million in February 2026 to $2.56 billion ($2.58 billion program-wide after the FY 2026–27 budget), with the state deadline moved to September 2029.
Police staffing
The June 2026 staffing report Council requested (7–5) counts 877 authorized sworn positions, about 89 of them ($11.7 million) unfunded within a roughly $320 million budget, and high-priority response times averaging 20.4 minutes in FY 2024–25 against 7.5 in FY 2015–16. Growing the sworn ranks at current hiring rates would cost about $37.3 million a year more by FY 2035–36, before an estimated $338 million in facilities.
Data centers
Resolution 37753 (11–0, September 16, 2026) asks the City Administrator not to sign data-center non-disclosure agreements, to notify Council of any inquiry for a facility drawing 20 megawatts or more, and states Council’s intent to pursue a moratorium or zoning limits on hyperscale data centers. Any actual restriction needs a code change and a further vote; the resolution notes data centers now use 5.6% of Oregon’s electricity.
Keller and PSU venue
Resolution 37752 (8–4, September 9, 2026) backed planning for a City-owned, roughly 3,000-seat Broadway-capable venue at Portland State with a 2030 opening goal and a $137.5 million state funding commitment, and started planning for a smaller 1,200- to 1,800-seat Keller Auditorium, which needs $8.5 million to $17.5 million of maintenance over ten years. Staff owe a project commitment agreement with PSU by December 1, 2026 and a detailed financial plan before any City money is committed.

Where they stand · eight more choices

Eight choices this Council has faced

One question at a time: every candidate’s answer, A–Z, with its source. Open all to see who has said nothing about what.

Moda Center dealPublic money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?9 of 12 on recordNot found: Jeremy Beausoleil Smith, John J Goldsmith, Josh Leake

Council approved non-binding negotiating terms in August 2026. A final deal, and any public money, would need further votes.

Eli ArnoldBicycle police officer; military veteran
Best deal, but proceed
Said: What they said
Told the NW Examiner that securing the best possible deal with public funds is important but moving forward on the renovation is also crucial, to keep Moda’s economic activity, tourism and jobs.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Eric ZimmermanIncumbent councilor; National Guard officer
Eric Zimmerman: Yes
Recorded vote
Approve the Moda negotiating framework
No statement beyond the recorded vote; a research gap, not a position.
Jamey EvenstarCity Council chief of staff
Terrible deal; amendments better
Said: What they said
Called the original Moda term sheet a terrible deal and the August 12 amendments a big improvement; other posts ask for Albina community benefits and escalating rent; she does not say whether public money should go in.
On the topic; the exact choice is unsaid. Our paraphrase.
Jayne CronlundSmall-business owner; former nonprofit executive
Renovate for jobs
Said: What they said
Lists Moda Center renovations among spending she would prioritize, for short-term prevailing-wage construction jobs and as a centerpiece for the Albina Vision Trust’s restorative development.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Jeremy Beausoleil SmithPSU capital-projects and construction manager
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
John J GoldsmithSecurity officer; former Justice Department analyst
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
John McDonaldTriMet hydro technician and journalist
Backs the $120M plan
Said: What they said
Fully supports the City’s current proposal of $120 million up front and $275 million in ongoing maintenance over a 20-year lease, and expects other revenue to come with the teams’ success.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Josh LeakeHousing-finance professional and business owner
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Matt SchulteMusician, filmmaker and business founder
Back terms, demand more
Said: What they said
Generally supports the term sheet and public funding as a starting position but not the City’s negotiating approach; would press for concessions like the $800 million private investment he says Dundon pledged in Raleigh and appeal to the NBA.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Mitch GreenIncumbent councilor; economist, Army veteran
Mitch Green: NoOwners pay, not taxpayers
Recorded vote
Approve the Moda negotiating framework
Said: What they said
Says Portlanders should not cover the cost of remodeling the Moda Center and the Blazers' ownership will pay their fair share; refused an NDA to negotiate.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Olivia ClarkIncumbent councilor; former TriMet public-affairs director
Olivia Clark: Yes
Recorded vote
Approve the Moda negotiating framework
No statement beyond the recorded vote; a research gap, not a position.
Timothy (TJ) AndersonStudent and disability advocate
Yes, capped at $60M
Said: What they said
Answered yes to public money for the Moda Center renovation, at no more than $60 million.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.

New taxes or feesRaise new revenue, or hold the line on taxes and fees?7 of 12 on record

Recent votes raised water rates and created a street repair fee; candidates differ on whether households or large companies should pay more.

Eli ArnoldBicycle police officer; military veteran
No new taxes, fees
Said: What they said
Says he will not support raising taxes and fees; his transit plan is framed as using existing PCEF revenue without new taxes.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Eric ZimmermanIncumbent councilor; National Guard officer
No tax increases
Said: What they said
Says he passed tax cuts and voted against increases, and is focused on lowering housing costs rather than raising taxes.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Jamey EvenstarCity Council chief of staff
Fee on empty homes
Said: What they said
Proposes a Housing Supply Impact Fee on homes not used as a primary residence, with revenue building permanently affordable homes.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Jayne CronlundSmall-business owner; former nonprofit executive
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Jeremy Beausoleil SmithPSU capital-projects and construction manager
Tax the rich
Said: What they said
Answers “Yes” to “Should we Tax the Rich in Portland?” in a campaign post; his platform expects large corporations to contribute their fair share, with no specific tax named.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
John J GoldsmithSecurity officer; former Justice Department analyst
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
John McDonaldTriMet hydro technician and journalist
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Josh LeakeHousing-finance professional and business owner
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Matt SchulteMusician, filmmaker and business founder
No new City taxes
Said: What they said
Says Portland’s tax burden is too high and he would not begin with new City business taxes or fees; his Affordability Rule would hold combined taxes, fees and rates below household income growth.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Mitch GreenIncumbent councilor; economist, Army veteran
Big corporations pay more
Said: What they said
Plans to make the biggest corporations pay their fair share; no rate or instrument is named.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Olivia ClarkIncumbent councilor; former TriMet public-affairs director
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Timothy (TJ) AndersonStudent and disability advocate
None until audit done
Said: What they said
Says no additional taxes or fees would be passed until a value-based audit shows where the city’s money has gone.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.

Police staffingHire more sworn officers, or invest first elsewhere?7 of 12 on record

Council adopted a staffing assessment but has not funded a specific hiring target; unarmed responders and clinicians are the alternative or complement.

Eli ArnoldBicycle police officer; military veteran
Fill vacancies, then grow
Said: What they said
Says there would be no immediate increase to police funding; once vacancies are filled he would seek more authorized positions if the budget can accommodate it, toward the roughly 1.5 officers per 1,000 residents on his site.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Eric ZimmermanIncumbent councilor; National Guard officer
1,000 sworn officers
Said: What they said
Would expand the Police Bureau to 1,000 sworn officers, growing patrol and investigations and trimming other support roles until fully staffed.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Jamey EvenstarCity Council chief of staff
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Jayne CronlundSmall-business owner; former nonprofit executive
Modest, tied to response
Said: What they said
Supports a modest increase in police if it is tied to decreasing response times.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Jeremy Beausoleil SmithPSU capital-projects and construction manager
Audit before more money
Said: What they said
Calls for a City Auditor review of police response times, staffing and overtime; says the answer cannot be more money for PPB without understanding the problem.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
John J GoldsmithSecurity officer; former Justice Department analyst
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
John McDonaldTriMet hydro technician and journalist
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Josh LeakeHousing-finance professional and business owner
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Matt SchulteMusician, filmmaker and business founder
Fill funded jobs first
Said: What they said
Would fill the police positions already funded and, before expanding, move welfare checks, unattended deaths and repeat false alarms away from armed officers, shifting those hours to emergencies and investigations.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Mitch GreenIncumbent councilor; economist, Army veteran
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Olivia ClarkIncumbent councilor; former TriMet public-affairs director
Understaffed police unacceptable
Said: What they said
Says the Police Bureau is one of the nation’s most understaffed and calls that unacceptable; her site says she acted to protect core police funding against proposed cuts.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Timothy (TJ) AndersonStudent and disability advocate
More officers, plus cadets
Said: What they said
Says more officers are “pretty much a given” to get response times down, with cadets, volunteers and other programs handling calls that do not need the most highly trained officers.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.

Clearing campsKeep funding camp removals at current levels?5 of 12 on record

A 2025 amendment to move about $4.3 million from removals to services failed; camping rules stayed in place.

Eli ArnoldBicycle police officer; military veteran
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Eric ZimmermanIncumbent councilor; National Guard officer
Eric Zimmerman: AbsentEnd unsanctioned camping
Recorded vote
Budget amendment
Said: What they said
Calls ending unsanctioned camping a must, with an enforceable time-place-manner ordinance, camp cleanups and more TASS shelter sites.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Jamey EvenstarCity Council chief of staff
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Jayne CronlundSmall-business owner; former nonprofit executive
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Jeremy Beausoleil SmithPSU capital-projects and construction manager
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
John J GoldsmithSecurity officer; former Justice Department analyst
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
John McDonaldTriMet hydro technician and journalist
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Josh LeakeHousing-finance professional and business owner
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Matt SchulteMusician, filmmaker and business founder
Not as structured
Said: What they said
Not as currently structured: removal may be needed for an immediate safety or access problem, but people need somewhere real to go, and his ReBoot program would keep them connected to services.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Mitch GreenIncumbent councilor; economist, Army veteran
Mitch Green: Yes
Recorded vote
Budget amendment
No statement beyond the recorded vote; a research gap, not a position.
Olivia ClarkIncumbent councilor; former TriMet public-affairs director
Olivia Clark: AbsentRemove street camping
Recorded vote
Budget amendment
Said: What they said
Would make the city safe by removing street camping and public drug use while adding shelter beds, sobering stations and treatment.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Timothy (TJ) AndersonStudent and disability advocate
Keep current funding
Said: What they said
Answered yes when asked whether to keep funding camp removals at current levels.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.

Data centersRestrict new AI data centers in the city?3 of 12 on recordOn record: Jeremy Beausoleil Smith, Matt Schulte, Timothy (TJ) Anderson

Data centers draw large amounts of power and water; several candidates propose a moratorium or ban, others are silent.

Eli ArnoldBicycle police officer; military veteran
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Eric ZimmermanIncumbent councilor; National Guard officer
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Jamey EvenstarCity Council chief of staff
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Jayne CronlundSmall-business owner; former nonprofit executive
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Jeremy Beausoleil SmithPSU capital-projects and construction manager
Four-year moratorium
Said: What they said
Supports a four-year moratorium on new data-center development, citing electricity rates, water use, pollution and grid reliability.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
John J GoldsmithSecurity officer; former Justice Department analyst
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
John McDonaldTriMet hydro technician and journalist
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Josh LeakeHousing-finance professional and business owner
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Matt SchulteMusician, filmmaker and business founder
Ban until value standard
Said: What they said
Supports a ban on data centers until a Load-Value Standard measures public return per megawatt in jobs, tax revenue, infrastructure cost and environmental effects.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Mitch GreenIncumbent councilor; economist, Army veteran
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Olivia ClarkIncumbent councilor; former TriMet public-affairs director
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Timothy (TJ) AndersonStudent and disability advocate
Restrict new data centers
Said: What they said
Answered yes when asked whether to restrict new AI data centers in the city.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.

Street ResponseExpand Portland Street Response to a full 24/7 role?10 of 12 on recordNot found: Jayne Cronlund, John J Goldsmith

The unarmed crisis team's scope and funding have been contested at Council.

Eli ArnoldBicycle police officer; military veteran
Scale PSR citywide
Said: What they said
Would expand Street Response scope in 2027–2028 and citywide by 2029–2031 so calls go to the right responder; 24/7 is not stated.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Eric ZimmermanIncumbent councilor; National Guard officer
Eric Zimmerman: YesPSR may transport patients
Recorded vote
Expand Portland Street Response’s role
Said: What they said
Would let Street Response transport people to sobering centers and psychiatric emergency care; 24/7 coverage is not addressed.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Jamey EvenstarCity Council chief of staff
Unarmed response; 24/7 unsaid
Said: What they said
Would expand unarmed crisis response for behavioral-health and quality-of-life calls and, in a July post, backed approving a lease for Portland Street Response; she does not say whether it should run 24/7 citywide.
On the topic; the exact choice is unsaid. Our paraphrase.
Jayne CronlundSmall-business owner; former nonprofit executive
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Jeremy Beausoleil SmithPSU capital-projects and construction manager
PSR 24/7 citywide
Said: What they said
Supports expanding Portland Street Response to 24/7 citywide coverage with more staff and transport capacity.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
John J GoldsmithSecurity officer; former Justice Department analyst
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
John McDonaldTriMet hydro technician and journalist
24/7, General Fund
Said: What they said
Supports a 24/7 Street Response (he puts it at 68 full-time staff and $10.5 million a year) paid mainly from the General Fund, with VA, TriMet and Central City Concern partners and opioid-settlement money in lean years.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Josh LeakeHousing-finance professional and business owner
Street Response 24/7
Said: What they said
Told the Mercury’s candidate questionnaire that expanding Portland Street Response to 24/7 service is one of his priorities; staffing or funding details are not given.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Matt SchulteMusician, filmmaker and business founder
24/7 within a year
Said: What they said
Would require a plan and budget within 60 days for a citywide 24/7 Street Response and finish the expansion within a year, alongside the 911 call-allocation recommendations.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Mitch GreenIncumbent councilor; economist, Army veteran
Mitch Green: YesFund PSR toward 24/7
Recorded vote
Expand Portland Street Response’s role
Said: What they said
Created a public-safety set-aside fund to add Street Response staff as the program moves to a 24/7 model, and funded an independent evaluation.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Olivia ClarkIncumbent councilor; former TriMet public-affairs director
Olivia Clark: No
Recorded vote
Expand Portland Street Response’s role
No statement beyond the recorded vote; a research gap, not a position.
Timothy (TJ) AndersonStudent and disability advocate
Not without additions
Said: What they said
Answered no to a full 24/7 Street Response “not without additions,” without yet saying what those additions would be.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.

Street repair feeKeep the monthly street repair fee?4 of 12 on record

Council created a monthly transportation utility fee in 2026; some candidates would repeal or replace it.

Eli ArnoldBicycle police officer; military veteran
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Eric ZimmermanIncumbent councilor; National Guard officer
Eric Zimmerman: NoVoted against street fee
Recorded vote
Create a monthly transportation utility fee
Said: What they said
Cites his vote against the new street fee as part of a record of opposing tax increases.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Jamey EvenstarCity Council chief of staff
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Jayne CronlundSmall-business owner; former nonprofit executive
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Jeremy Beausoleil SmithPSU capital-projects and construction manager
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
John J GoldsmithSecurity officer; former Justice Department analyst
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
John McDonaldTriMet hydro technician and journalist
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Josh LeakeHousing-finance professional and business owner
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Matt SchulteMusician, filmmaker and business founder
Keep, add Safe Routes
Said: What they said
Would keep the monthly street repair fee because the streets need fixing, and include completing the Safe Routes network around every District 4 elementary school.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Mitch GreenIncumbent councilor; economist, Army veteran
Mitch Green: Yes
Recorded vote
Create a monthly transportation utility fee
No statement beyond the recorded vote; a research gap, not a position.
Olivia ClarkIncumbent councilor; former TriMet public-affairs director
Olivia Clark: Yes
Recorded vote
Create a monthly transportation utility fee
No statement beyond the recorded vote; a research gap, not a position.
Timothy (TJ) AndersonStudent and disability advocate
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.

Water ratesRaise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs?6 of 12 on record

Rates rose about $5 a month in 2026; the filtration plant and borrowing drive future increases.

Eli ArnoldBicycle police officer; military veteran
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Eric ZimmermanIncumbent councilor; National Guard officer
Eric Zimmerman: No
Recorded vote
Raise annual water rates
No statement beyond the recorded vote; a research gap, not a position.
Jamey EvenstarCity Council chief of staff
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Jayne CronlundSmall-business owner; former nonprofit executive
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Jeremy Beausoleil SmithPSU capital-projects and construction manager
Pursue Bull Run alternatives
Said: What they said
Says the $3 billion Bull Run filtration project will double water bills over a decade; asks Council for affordability, accountability and pursuit of alternatives to the plant.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
John J GoldsmithSecurity officer; former Justice Department analyst
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
John McDonaldTriMet hydro technician and journalist
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Josh LeakeHousing-finance professional and business owner
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Matt SchulteMusician, filmmaker and business founder
Under affordability cap
Said: What they said
Would fold already-committed Bull Run costs into his Affordability Rule baseline but not accept doubled bills; future discretionary increases would count against the cap, with grants, cost scrutiny and automatic discounts.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Mitch GreenIncumbent councilor; economist, Army veteran
Mitch Green: YesBull Run cost controls
Recorded vote
Raise annual water rates
Said: What they said
Says he pushed for cost controls on the Bull Run project to prevent water rates from doubling; does not oppose the project itself.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Olivia ClarkIncumbent councilor; former TriMet public-affairs director
Olivia Clark: Yes
Recorded vote
Raise annual water rates
No statement beyond the recorded vote; a research gap, not a position.
Timothy (TJ) AndersonStudent and disability advocate
No rate increases
Said: What they said
Answered no when asked whether to raise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.

Four votes that split this Council

Only Zimmerman, Green and Clark sit on Council today. The other 9 have no votes yet; that is not a judgment.

Raise water bills by about $5 a month?

Eric Zimmerman: No

Mitch Green: Yes

Olivia Clark: Yes

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.

Our reading of the record

Eric ZimmermanSupported construction borrowing; opposed higher utility charges
Mitch GreenOpposed construction borrowing; supported the annual charges
Olivia ClarkSupported water-project borrowing and the annual utility 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.

No other candidate addresses this exact choice in the sources we reviewed (9 checked).

Read the votes and their reasons

Add a monthly fee to help repair streets?

Eric Zimmerman: No

Mitch Green: Yes

Olivia Clark: Yes

The fee is $12 for a typical house or $8.40 per apartment. Most of the money goes to street repairs; the rest goes to safety improvements.

Our reading of the record

Eric ZimmermanOpposed the new charges, but helped direct the spending
Mitch GreenSupported the fee and reconsidering how businesses are charged
Olivia ClarkSupported a steady source of money for street repairs

Approving a revenue source does not show that every promised repair has happened. The ordinance includes review of business charges and assistance for residents.

No other candidate addresses this exact choice in the sources we reviewed (9 checked).

Read the votes and their reasons

Use expected savings to help fund police and firefighters?

Eric Zimmerman: Yes

Mitch Green: No

Olivia Clark: Yes

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.

Our reading of the record

Eric ZimmermanKept the proposed police increase; opposed the overall annual budget
Mitch GreenFavored restoring more services, then accepted a smaller plan
Olivia ClarkFavored police and fire services, using expected police-oversight savings

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

No other candidate addresses this exact choice in the sources we reviewed (9 checked).

Read the votes and their reasons

Back these starting terms for renovating Moda Center?

Eric Zimmerman: Yes

Mitch Green: No

Olivia Clark: Yes

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.

Our reading of the record

Eric ZimmermanSupported the arena terms while opposing the higher proposed rent
Mitch GreenRejected the arena cost; supported performing-arts planning
Olivia ClarkSupported the arena terms while opposing the higher proposed rent

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

What other candidates have said

John McDonaldSaid: Supports modernizing Moda Center and retaining the Trail BlazersPamphlet p. 63

Not addressed in their sources (8)

Read the votes and their reasons

About this race

How to vote

You rank up to six candidates for three seats. Ranking more people never hurts your first choice. How it works

Ballots mail Oct 14 · return by 8 p.m. Nov 3

What this Council can do

Council adopts city laws and the budget. The mayor and city administrator run operations. Council cannot independently set TriMet fares, school curricula or state law.

How this list was made

Same questions for everyone, A–Z. Each chip is our short reading of a sourced statement; we do not endorse, rank or score. The four featured votes are this district’s most reported, most divided decisions; the Votes page has all 29.

Reviewed September 18, 2026 · lines 2026-09-19.1 · AI-assisted, human review pending

Terms explained

Amendment: A proposed change to a measure before the final vote. Voting for an amendment is not the same as voting for the whole measure.
Supplemental budget: A mid-year change to the city budget after the main budget is adopted.
Appropriation: Permission to spend money on something. It does not mean the money has been spent or the result achieved.
PCEF: The Portland Clean Energy Fund: a tax on large retailers that pays for climate projects. Council has debated using its interest for other services.
Term sheet: Starting terms for a negotiation. Approving one is not a final contract.
Social housing: Housing owned by the public or a nonprofit and rented at controlled prices.
CEI Hub: The fuel-storage area along the Willamette in Northwest Portland, where Zenith Energy operates.
Ranked choice: You rank candidates in order. If your first choice is eliminated or already elected, your vote counts toward your next choice.