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.

Follow District 4 →

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

9 more choices, below9 more choices

Jump to a candidate

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	11 of 12 documented	11 of 12 documented	11 of 12 documented	11 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

Decisions ahead

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 9 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.
Housing
Resolution 37746 (12–0, April 15, 2026) set a goal of Council consideration by June 30, 2027 of zoning for more apartments and mixed-use buildings in the inner east side, from NE Fremont Street to SE Powell Boulevard; the planners’ schedule puts it before Council in 2028. Portland’s 2016 housing bond and its share of Metro’s 2018 bond are fully committed, and the City’s housing plan sets 2027 for a replacement source. A social housing study reached Council on August 31, 2026, and the Housing Bureau is evaluating renter protections, including relocation payments.
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 · nine more choices

Nine choices this Council has faced

One question at a time: every candidate’s answer, A–Z, with its source. Open a topic to compare the answers and see where information is still missing.

Inner Eastside zoningRezone the inner east side to allow apartment buildings off the main streets (the Inner Eastside Zoning Project)?6 of 12 on record

Resolution 37746, which set a goal of Council consideration by June 30, 2027, passed 12–0 on April 15, 2026 with every sitting councilor voting yes; planners schedule the zoning vote for 2028, and no draft zoning exists yet. The study area runs from NE Fremont Street to SE Powell Boulevard.

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
Yes
Said: What they said
Answered the question with one word: yes.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Jamey EvenstarCity Council chief of staff
Yes, ideal for density
Said: What they said
Yes; calls the inner east side ideal for upzoning given its amenities, and says she was part of the council office that worked with the group on the April resolution that sped up the project.
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
Yes, build faster
Said: What they said
Would vote to approve the project and re-legalize apartments, and would speed construction with modular and mass-timber building.
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
Not found
Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed; a research gap, not a position.
Mitch GreenIncumbent councilor; economist, Army veteran
Yes, co-sponsored timeline
Said: What they said
Will vote yes when it reaches Council; co-sponsored the 2026 resolution that set the timeline, and calls legalizing apartments off corridors the fix for the city’s 1981 downzoning.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Olivia ClarkIncumbent councilor; former TriMet public-affairs director
Yes
Said: What they said
Answered yes; elsewhere in the questionnaire she says she has supported Council’s work on inner east side zoning, permit streamlining and the three-year waiver of system development charges.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Timothy (TJ) AndersonStudent and disability advocate
Yes
Said: What they said
Answered the question with one word: yes.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.

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 negotiating terms in August and a joint City–County–State oversight body on October 21. These steps did not themselves approve the final lease or City funding.

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
Voted yes on 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
Voted no on 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
Voted yes on 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 feesWhen, if ever, would they raise taxes or fees?9 of 12 on recordNot found: Jayne Cronlund, John J Goldsmith, Josh Leake

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, and would use existing clean energy resources to move toward fareless transit.
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 non-primary 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
Hold the line
Said: What they said
Would hold the line on taxes and fees, except what he calls the roads repair tax on water bills; would recruit business through the mayor’s office and a resized Prosper Portland, and audit every department to cut costs.
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
Business taxes not first
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
Dedicated housing revenue
Said: What they said
Given the general fund shortfall, points to land banking, self-help housing and lobbying the state and federal government, and says that with an agreed dedicated revenue stream the City could sell bonds for affordable housing; she names no tax.
On the topic; the exact choice is unsaid. Our paraphrase.
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 staffingAdd police officers, expand non-police responders, or both?8 of 12 on record

Candidates differ on filling existing police vacancies, adding more police positions and expanding teams that respond without police. Each approach needs staff and funding.

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 and grow patrol and investigations, and would consider a short-term reduction in 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
Fill 68 vacancies now
Said: What they said
Would fill the Police Bureau’s 68 vacant sworn positions immediately (his count) and push to hire more detectives to investigate graffiti and street racing.
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
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?7 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: AbsentYes to camp cleanups
Recorded vote · Budget amendment
Absent for the vote on Shift funding away from homeless-camp removals
Said: What they said
His statement says “YES to Camp Cleanups” and calls shelters, enforcement, camp cleanups and mental-health and addiction treatment all important.
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
Move money from sweeps
Said: What they said
Would reallocate money from sweeps, which he calls cruel and no closer to solving the housing crisis, toward a range of supports including community-governed supportive campsites with showers, lockers and wraparound services.
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
No new contracts, audit
Said: What they said
Would sign no new camp-removal contracts and audit existing contractors to make sure they do their jobs; he does not say whether current funding should stay at its level.
On the topic; the exact choice is unsaid. Our paraphrase.
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: YesCut sweeps, fund housing
Recorded vote · Budget amendment
Voted yes on Shift funding away from homeless-camp removals
Said: What they said
Opposes sweeps as expensive and ineffective, would move money from removals to hygiene and housing investment, and opposes camping bans and hostile architecture that criminalize poverty.
Our paraphrase of the candidate’s statement.
Olivia ClarkIncumbent councilor; former TriMet public-affairs director
Olivia Clark: AbsentRemove street camping
Recorded vote · Budget amendment
Absent for the vote on Shift funding away from homeless-camp removals
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; the page does not say whether to keep removal funding at current levels.
On the topic; the exact choice is unsaid. Our paraphrase.
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?4 of 12 on record

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
Allow, regulate power
Said: What they said
Not opposed to data centers in the city because they bring needed revenue, but says Council must write new regulations to address their electrical loads.
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
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; the plan does not say whether it should run 24/7.
On the topic; the exact choice is unsaid. Our paraphrase.
Eric ZimmermanIncumbent councilor; National Guard officer
Eric Zimmerman: YesPSR may transport patients
Recorded vote
Voted yes on Expand Portland Street Response’s role
Said: What they said
Would let Street Response transport people to sobering centers and psychiatric emergency care; the page does not say whether it should run 24/7.
On the topic; the exact choice is unsaid. Our paraphrase.
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
Voted yes on 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
Voted no on 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?5 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
Voted no on 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
Keep the monthly fee
Said: What they said
Says the City should keep the street repair fee; asked which fee he meant, he confirmed on September 26 that he supports keeping the monthly transportation utility fee.
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
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
Voted yes on 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
Voted yes on 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?7 of 12 on record

Rates rose about $5 a month in 2026 for the whole water system, repairs included. Separately, on May 20, 2026 Council voted 9–3 to borrow up to $525 million for the filtration plant, repaid from water bills.

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
Voted no on 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
No on Bull Run
Said: What they said
Says he is a no on the Bull Run filtration plant because he needs more information to make an informed decision; he does not address the rate increases for system repairs.
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
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
Voted yes on 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; the statement does not say whether bills should rise to pay for the plant.
On the topic; the exact choice is unsaid. Our paraphrase.
Olivia ClarkIncumbent councilor; former TriMet public-affairs director
Olivia Clark: Yes
Recorded vote
Voted yes on 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.

What the fundraising records show

January 1, 2025–2026-11-04 · Current transaction snapshot. November–December 2024 is missing; recent filings and manual-export coverage are provisional. Reviewed candidate–committee links do not make every transaction a 2026 campaign transaction. Official account balances and editorial findings are updated separately.

City source checked November 4, 2026

The City’s latest matching-fund totals

The City reports $1,253,767.00 distributed to these 7 campaigns. Our transaction records contain $988,375.00 in matching receipts.

These are two views of the same public funding. They are shown side by side and are not added together. The City’s page has no common transaction cutoff; campaign-filed records here run through 2026-11-04.

City-reported distributionsMatching receipts in our records

District 4

Eli Arnold$294,859.00
Recorded receipts: $278,349.00 · Difference: +$16,510.00
Mitch Green$265,359.00
Recorded receipts: $211,047.00 · Difference: +$54,312.00
Olivia Clark$200,000.00
Recorded receipts: $100,000.00 · Difference: +$100,000.00
Eric Zimmerman$193,329.00
Recorded receipts: $169,979.00 · Difference: +$23,350.00
Jeremy Beausoleil Smith$149,250.00
Recorded receipts: $125,850.00 · Difference: +$23,400.00
Jamey Evenstar$100,000.00
Recorded receipts: $60,080.00 · Difference: +$39,920.00
Jayne Cronlund$50,970.00
Recorded receipts: $43,070.00 · Difference: +$7,900.00

A difference may reflect reporting dates or missing coverage; it is not a finding of unreported or improper money. These cumulative City figures do not supply payment dates for the transaction charts below. Gross distributions may later be reduced by returned funds.

Check the City’s figures Download City figures (CSV)Source and definitions (JSON)

Reviewed records are available for 8 of 12 candidates. These linked committees reported $1,430,316.75 in gross cash contributions during the observation window; this is not a complete race total.

Reviewed City matching receipts account for $988,375.00 (69.1%) of that cash. The remaining $441,941.75 includes individual, organizational, self/family, aggregate small contributions and other undisclosed receipts; it is not exclusively individual donations.

Eli Arnold reported the highest gross cash total among reviewed candidates ($370,715.15). Eric Zimmerman reported the highest cash total excluding reviewed City matches ($106,298.40).

$208,009.67 (47.1%) of cash outside reviewed matches is aggregate small contributions or other undisclosed sources. The underlying contributors cannot be counted or linked to other candidates from those records.

The largest combined monthly cash total in the observed part of 2026 was $301,433.59 in 2026-10, including $259,594.00 in reviewed City matches. The newest month is incomplete and recent receipts remain provisional; this timing does not identify a cause.

Outside reviewed City matches, $193,858.66 is reported with a Portland, Oregon location, $19,177.42 elsewhere in Oregon and $20,896.00 outside Oregon. Another $208,009.67 has unknown or aggregate location. Reported postal locality is not verified city or district residency.

Same observation window and accounting definitions for every candidate. Listed in voter-guide order, not ranked by fundraising.
Candidate	Gross cash contributions	Included City matches	Cash excluding matches	Coverage
Timothy (TJ) Anderson	Not available	Not available	Not available	No reviewed link; not zero
Eli Arnold	$370,715.15	$278,349.00	$92,366.15	Reviewed committee records
Olivia Clark	$186,151.75	$100,000.00	$86,151.75	Reviewed committee records
Jayne Cronlund	$59,807.00	$43,070.00	$16,737.00	Reviewed committee records
Jamey Evenstar	$85,541.47	$60,080.00	$25,461.47	Reviewed committee records
John J Goldsmith	$600.00	$0.00	$600.00	Reviewed committee records
Mitch Green	$302,561.98	$211,047.00	$91,514.98	Reviewed committee records
Josh Leake	Not available	Not available	Not available	No reviewed link; not zero
John McDonald	Not available	Not available	Not available	No reviewed link; not zero
Matt Schulte	Not available	Not available	Not available	No reviewed link; not zero
Jeremy Beausoleil Smith	$148,662.00	$125,850.00	$22,812.00	Reviewed committee records
Eric Zimmerman	$276,277.40	$169,979.00	$106,298.40	Reviewed committee records

Fundraising totals describe financial activity, not voter support or a forecast of the result. A difference in recorded receipts does not establish the effect of an endorsement, controversy or campaign strategy. Candidate profiles separate source types, geography, timing, loans, noncash support and refunds.

Inspect this race’s linked cash-contribution records Accounting and identity methods Download current evidence

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

Election Day: November 3, 2026 · official drop boxes close at 8 p.m.

Find an official ballot drop box

The League of Women Voters' VOTE411.org shows every race on your ballot from your address, in your choice of language, with candidates' answers to the League's questions where they gave them.

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 short label summarizes a sourced position; we do not endorse, rank or score. The four featured votes illustrate disagreements over spending and city services; the Votes page covers 29 topics. This is a selected record, not every Council vote.

The comparison covers the 12 names printed on this district’s ballot. The City also lists Rachelle A. Dixon as a certified write-in candidate; we have not completed a profile. See the official candidate register.

Candidate sources and plain-language comparisons checked November 2, 2026. Original Council record reviewed September 18, 2026; recent developments are dated separately. AI-assisted; a separate human editorial review is still pending.

See the latest Zenith, arena, budget and police-oversight votes →

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.