Portland Council · District 4

What they say they would do

Pairs stronger frontline safety services with a no-new-taxes pledge and support for fareless transit.

• Prioritize police, fire, dispatch and behavioral-health staffing.
• Move people from tents into housing, shelter and services.
• Use existing clean-energy resources toward fareless transit.

Our reading

• Frontline safety
• Tax restraint

His program expands safety capacity while pledging no new taxes and promoting fareless transit. Those commitments compete for existing money; a complete funding plan and regional agreements would determine what can be delivered together.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 9 questions. Eli Arnold is on record on 4, with 5 still open. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Rezone the inner east side to allow apartment buildings off the main streets (the Inner Eastside Zoning Project)?

  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 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.

  nwexaminer.com, reporting source

• When, if ever, would they raise taxes or fees?

  Said: Says he will not support raising taxes and fees, and would use existing clean energy resources to move toward fareless transit.

  Pamphlet p. 65, pamphlet source

• Add police officers, expand non-police responders, or both?

  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.

  Emailed response, response source

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

  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.

  Campaign site, site source

Their answers to our questions

How would expanded staffing and transit commitments fit within existing revenue?

Said: No immediate increase to police funding. When vacancies are filled I would seek to increase authorized staffing if the city budget can accommodate. For fareless transit I would seek to use PCEF as a stable funding source. Total TriMet fare revenues are about $60 million, but only a portion of that is Portland. I would be seeking to redirect a portion of future revenue.

Received 2026-09-20

Policing work: the downtown fentanyl partnership

Said: When street fentanyl sales became ubiquitous downtown I developed a program in which police partnered with organizations [to] identify high volume dealers. We established a relationship with Federal Prosecutors to hold high volume dealers accountable in 2023. This has resulted in dozens of successful prosecutions and a decline in the fentanyl trade downtown.

Received 2026-09-20

Policing work: the Provider Police Joint Connection Program

Said: During Measure 110 I was concerned about the lack of meaningful interventions for people with serious addictions who were using drugs on the street downtown. The Portland Police Bureau Bike Squad and MHAAO partnered to bring peer support workers immediately to the scene and attempt to place people into treatment. The Provider Police Joint Connection Program was a success and was ultimately funded by the City, County, and State.

Received 2026-09-20

Council votes

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

A question the evidence leaves open

How would expanded staffing and transit commitments fit within existing revenue?

What they say they would do

Combines support for housing production, policing, Street Response and camp cleanups with opposition to several tax increases.

• Protect police and fire while supporting Street Response.
• Build housing and restrain tax and fee increases.
• Combine shelter, enforcement, cleanups and treatment; restore maintenance.

Our reading

• Services and enforcement
• Tax restraint

He would maintain several forms of response while resisting tax and fee increases. The key choice is what to reduce or reallocate if existing revenue cannot sustain police, fire, shelter, unarmed response and maintenance together.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 9 questions. Eric Zimmerman is on record on 8, 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.

• Rezone the inner east side to allow apartment buildings off the main streets (the Inner Eastside Zoning Project)?

  Said: Answered the question with one word: yes.

  Questionnaire, questionnaire source

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Eric Zimmerman: YesVoted yes on Approve the Moda negotiating framework

  No statement beyond the recorded vote.

  City record, record source

• When, if ever, would they raise taxes or fees?

  Said: Says he passed tax cuts and voted against increases, and is focused on lowering housing costs rather than raising taxes.

  Pamphlet p. 64, pamphlet source

• Add police officers, expand non-police responders, or both?

  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.

  Campaign site, site source

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Eric Zimmerman: AbsentAbsent for the vote on Shift funding away from homeless-camp removals

  Said: His statement says “YES to Camp Cleanups” and calls shelters, enforcement, camp cleanups and mental-health and addiction treatment all important.

  Pamphlet p. 64, pamphlet sourceCity record, record source

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

  Eric Zimmerman: YesVoted yes on Expand Portland Street Response’s role

  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.

  Campaign site, site sourceCity record, record source

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Eric Zimmerman: NoVoted no on Create a monthly transportation utility fee

  Said: Cites his vote against the new street fee as part of a record of opposing tax increases.

  Pamphlet p. 64, pamphlet sourceCity record, record source

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

  Eric Zimmerman: NoVoted no on Raise annual water rates

  No statement beyond the recorded vote.

  City record, record source

Council votes

1. 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 →

2. Add a monthly fee to help repair streets?

   No

   Our reading: Opposed the new charges, but helped direct the spending

   What Council decided

   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.

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

   Read the votes and their reasons →

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

   Yes

   Our reading: Kept the proposed police increase; opposed the overall annual budget

   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: Supported the arena terms while opposing the higher proposed rent

   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

Which spending would you reduce if existing revenue cannot sustain those services?

What they say they would do

Argues for progressive leadership grounded in housing stability and more accessible transportation.

• Build on work on tenant protections and housing access.
• Make buses faster and easier to use.
• Defend residents against federal overreach and concentrated financial influence.

Our reading

• Housing stability
• Accessible transportation

Evenstar’s platform treats housing and transport costs as linked barriers to staying in Portland. Social housing and improved transit need financing, and city spending cannot alone determine regional fares or service levels.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 9 questions. Jamey Evenstar is on record on 4, with 5 still open. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Add police officers, expand non-police responders, or both?

  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.

• Rezone the inner east side to allow apartment buildings off the main streets (the Inner Eastside Zoning Project)?

  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.

  Questionnaire, questionnaire source

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  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.

  Public post, post source

• When, if ever, would they raise taxes or fees?

  Said: Proposes a Housing Supply Impact Fee on homes not used as a primary residence, with revenue building permanently affordable homes.

  Campaign site, site source

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

  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.

  Campaign site, site source

Council votes

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

A question the evidence leaves open

Which tenant protections and bus improvements would you introduce first?

What they say they would do

Emphasizes collaboration, living-wage jobs and shared public spaces.

• Support jobs in Portland’s creative and sustainable economy.
• Invest in parks, trails, natural areas and business districts.
• Set shared government goals and regularly report results.

Our reading

• Shared public spaces
• Collaborative development

Her program emphasizes places and partnerships that support community life and jobs. The reviewed statement leaves the harder funding and housing choices open; collaboration alone does not resolve competing budget claims.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 9 questions. Jayne Cronlund is on record on 2, with 7 still open. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Rezone the inner east side to allow apartment buildings off the main streets (the Inner Eastside Zoning Project)?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• When, if ever, would they raise taxes or 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: 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.

  Emailed response, response source

• Add police officers, expand non-police responders, or both?

  Said: Supports a modest increase in police if it is tied to decreasing response times.

  Emailed response, response source

Their answers to our questions

What spending would you prioritize or reduce to sustain public-space investment?

Said: Sustain investment in our public parks and reduce the backlog of maintenance without reducing access. I propose a careful approach to achieving 35% reduction in the $800 million backlog without new taxes. I will advocate for clear reporting back to the voters on progress toward this goal. I support a modest increase in police if tied to decreasing response time. Moda Center renovations to secure short term, prevailing wage construction jobs and provide a centerpiece from which restorative development proposed in the Albina Vision Trust may succeed. [...] I will allocate funds from my office budget to support a City Hall led planning process.

Received 2026-09-23

Housing affordability and production; public safety and homelessness

Said: I will advocate for Portland Housing Bureau to exercise greater oversight and accountability for its nonprofit partners, including 1) ensuring that nonprofit expenses are legal and within budget, 2) existing housing is full to capacity, 3) residents are cared for and 4) neighbors feel safe around these affordable housing properties. I would direct Bureau of Development Services to explore how we could streamline downtown office vacancy to housing for willing property owners. Office vacancy downtown is at 37%.

Received 2026-09-23

Accomplishments

Said: While I was executive director of Three Rivers Land Conservancy, I championed and created the organizational foundation of the Backyard Habitat Certification program. The pilot program lasted for 4 years under Three Rivers before it was transferred to Audubon and Columbia Land Trust. [...] While working at Greenline Fine Woodworking with my husband on our small family business, I acted as business manager from 2010 through the end of 2023. [...] One of our significant accomplishments was restoring a private residence called Firehouse 17. This property and Greenline received a Restore Oregon DeMuro award in 2019.

Received 2026-09-23

Council votes

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

A question the evidence leaves open

How would the parks maintenance backlog shrink 35% without new taxes, and over what period?

What they say they would do

Proposes social housing, stronger tenant protections and a city Green New Deal.

• A renters’ bill of rights and more housing linked to treatment.
• Protect PCEF, improve walking and cycling, and address CEI Hub risks.
• A four-year AI data-center ban and expanded Street Response.

Our reading

• Public construction
• Climate and tenant protection

He combines social housing with climate infrastructure and regulation. Construction funding is only one requirement: maintenance, staffing and legal implementation are continuing obligations.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 9 questions. Jeremy Beausoleil Smith is on record on 7, with 2 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 the monthly street repair fee?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Rezone the inner east side to allow apartment buildings off the main streets (the Inner Eastside Zoning Project)?

  Said: Would vote to approve the project and re-legalize apartments, and would speed construction with modular and mass-timber building.

  Questionnaire, questionnaire source

• When, if ever, would they raise taxes or fees?

  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.

  Public post, post source

• Add police officers, expand non-police responders, or both?

  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.

  Campaign site, site source

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  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.

  Questionnaire, questionnaire source

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  Said: Supports a four-year moratorium on new data-center development, citing electricity rates, water use, pollution and grid reliability.

  Campaign site, site source

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

  Said: Supports expanding Portland Street Response to 24/7 citywide coverage with more staff and transport capacity.

  Campaign site, site source

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

  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.

  Public post, post source

Council votes

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

A question the evidence leaves open

How would you fund and maintain the proposed housing and infrastructure?

What they say they would do

A current platform has not yet been substantiated in the sources reviewed for this guide.

No 2026 pamphlet statement found in the reviewed Multnomah pamphlet. Further campaign and interview research is needed. This is a research gap, not evidence that the candidate has no positions.

Our reading

His 2026 filing establishes occupational and civic background. It does not provide enough reviewed policy evidence to characterize his governing priorities; those positions remain unknown in this edition.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 9 questions. John J Goldsmith is on record on 0, with 9 still open. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Rezone the inner east side to allow apartment buildings off the main streets (the Inner Eastside Zoning Project)?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• When, if ever, would they raise taxes or fees?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Add police officers, expand non-police responders, or both?

  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.

Council votes

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

A question the evidence leaves open

What are your three specific priorities, how would you fund them, and what results would you report?

What they say they would do

Supports major civic projects while calling for closer scrutiny of budgets and homelessness contracts.

• Modernize Moda Center and retain the Trail Blazers.
• Keep the Interstate Bridge Replacement moving.
• Limit new homelessness contracts and scrutinize existing providers.

Our reading

• Major civic investment
• Contract scrutiny

He supports large capital commitments while seeking tighter oversight of homelessness spending. Comparing those priorities requires the total public exposure and recurring costs of both, not just the appeal of the projects.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 9 questions. John McDonald is on record on 8, with 1 still open. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Rezone the inner east side to allow apartment buildings off the main streets (the Inner Eastside Zoning Project)?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  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.

  Emailed response, response source

• When, if ever, would they raise taxes or fees?

  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.

  Emailed response, response source

• Add police officers, expand non-police responders, or both?

  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.

  Emailed response, response source

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  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.

  Emailed response, response source

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  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.

  Emailed response, response source

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

  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.

  Emailed response, response source

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  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.

  Emailed response, response source

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

  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.

  Emailed response, response source

Their answers to our questions

Moda Center deal

Said: I fully support the city’s current proposal of $120 million up front with $275 million in ongoing maintenance over a 20-year lease. I’m confident that other revenue streams will become available with the success of our teams.

Received 2026-09-23

Street Response

Said: I support making PSR a 24/7 operation (68 FTEs / $10.5 million annually) primarily funded through the general fund while also pursuing partnerships with the VA, TriMet and Central City Concern. Additionally, we must collaborate with healthcare agencies at an executive level to understand upcoming changes to Medicaid under H.R. 1. Shifting funds from the city’s share of the Oregon Opioid Settlement could fill gaps in years when general funds are needed elsewhere.

Received 2026-09-24

Journalism

Said: Here’s some of my most recent journalism: “Commuter rail’s price of protection” (Trains) and “In Vancouver, Pride Became An Answer To Fear” (OutSFL, August 26, 2026).

Received 2026-09-24

Street repair fee

Said: Yes, I support keeping the monthly fee.

Received 2026-09-26

Police staffing

Said: At last count, PPB had 68 vacant sworn officer positions. Those should be filled immediately. I would also push for hiring more detectives to investigate graffiti bandits and street racers.

Received 2026-09-27

Streets, buses and air: how would you deliver the new I-5 bridge?

Said: With construction scheduled to begin in Q3 of 2028, there is plenty of time for the city to be a good partner and assist with federal and state lobbying efforts. New estimates put the project’s price range at $13.5 billion to $15.2 billion with $5.7 billion already committed. This is a great opportunity for a unified council, led by the mayor, to lobby Salem and Washington, D.C. legislators to earmark funding to make this long-awaited bridge a reality. Funding sources include: USDOT Mega Program grants, the sale of Oregon GO Bonds and revenue from tolls.

Received 2026-10-04

Data centers

Said: Not opposed to data centers in the city as it brings needed revenue, but council must craft new regulations to address electrical loads.

Received 2026-10-05

New taxes or fees

Said: Yes, we must hold the line on taxes and fees (sans the roads repair tax on water bills). New revenue comes from a robust business recruitment, carried out through the mayor’s office and a resized Prosper Portland. We can also cut costs through comprehensive auditing of all city departments, pausing grants and eliminating waste, fraud and abuse.

Received 2026-10-06

Camp removal funding

Said: No new contracts for camp removals. Audit existing contractors to ensure they are fulfilling their duties.

Received 2026-10-06

Water rates and the Bull Run filtration plant

Said: I’m a no on the Bull Run filtration plant as I need more information to make an informed decision.

Received 2026-10-06

Council votes

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

A question the evidence leaves open

What maximum public exposure would you accept in the arena and bridge projects?

What they say they would do

Connects housing development and economic recovery with enforcement and behavioral-health services.

• Combine public, private and federal resources to build housing.
• Address crime and disorder while treating unhoused people with dignity.
• Support the creative and technology economies and activate public spaces.

Our reading

• Housing production
• Economic recovery

He emphasizes financing and development as a route to affordability and recovery. The test is which projects have sites, committed money and attainable rents, rather than whether a housing total is ambitious.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 9 questions. Josh Leake is on record on 1, with 8 still open. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Rezone the inner east side to allow apartment buildings off the main streets (the Inner Eastside Zoning Project)?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• When, if ever, would they raise taxes or fees?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Add police officers, expand non-police responders, or both?

  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: 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.

  portlandmercury.com, reporting source

Council votes

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

A question the evidence leaves open

Which sites and financing commitments would produce homes in the first term?

What they say they would do

Proposes using vacant downtown buildings as energy infrastructure and improving navigation of social services.

• Develop the Grid-Connected Core with downtown building owners.
• Connect volunteers and professionals through a ReBoot service-navigation program.
• Use existing buildings and electrical capacity to attract activity.

Our reading

• Reuse of downtown assets
• Project-led recovery

His energy proposal uses existing downtown buildings as an economic resource, and his September 24, 2026 reply adds a household-cost cap (the Portland Affordability Rule), a service-navigation program and a Safe Routes deadline. Utility participation, engineering feasibility and private ownership arrangements still determine whether the downtown idea can become a deliverable city program.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 9 questions. Matt Schulte is on record on 8, with 1 still open. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Rezone the inner east side to allow apartment buildings off the main streets (the Inner Eastside Zoning Project)?

  Nothing on this exact choice in the sources we reviewed.

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  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.

  Emailed response, response source

• When, if ever, would they raise taxes or fees?

  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.

  Emailed response, response source

• Add police officers, expand non-police responders, or both?

  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.

  Emailed response, response source

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  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.

  Emailed response, response source

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  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.

  Campaign site, site source

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

  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.

  Emailed response, response source

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  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.

  Emailed response, response source

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

  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.

  Emailed response, response source

Their answers to our questions

Rent and homes

Said: Portland has to address both what it costs to live here and the potential for being able to earn here. Housing production is part of that, but the number of units is not the entire question. [...] The Home-Share Mitigation Fund would use part of the Home Sharing Pilot Program’s existing $500,000 budget to protect participating homeowners against property damage or sudden vacancy.

Received 2026-09-24

Camps, crime and who responds

Said: ReBoot would provide continuing human connection through paid navigators, professional support, trained volunteers, a Navigation Center and an immediate-action fund. [...] If someone in a shelter bed needs medication but cannot get to the pharmacy, misses an appointment because a phone was lost, or loses contact during a handoff, ReBoot would act before that small failure becomes another disconnect.

Received 2026-09-24

Your bills and taxes

Said: City Council’s first responsibility is to stop making Portland more expensive. [...] Put the combined effect of proposed City-controlled household costs in front of Council at the same time instead of approving increases separately. If the combined cost is growing faster than Portland household incomes, Council has to reduce, delay or offset discretionary increases.

Received 2026-09-24

Streets, buses and air

Said: Complete the Safe Routes priority network around every District 4 elementary school within one Council term. [...] TriMet’s missing riders and downtown’s missing workers are basically the same missing trips.

Received 2026-09-24

Moda Center deal

Said: Schulte would have been very hardline on requiring the Blazers to contribute. But the train has left the station on Portland’s approach. Now that we have committed, Schulte generally supports the term sheet and public funding as initial negotiating strategy, but not the City’s approach to negotiations. Portland should demand other concessions, such as what Dundon offered and agreed to in Raleigh. [...] Schulte would take Portland’s case directly and immediately to Commissioner Adam Silver and the NBA Board of Governors.

Received 2026-09-24

Police staffing

Said: Fill the positions that are already funded. Before expanding police staffing, stop sending officers to thousands of calls that do not require them. Move appropriate welfare checks, unattended deaths and repeat false alarms away from armed officers. Reassign the officer hours that creates to emergency response and investigations.

Received 2026-09-24

Street repair fee

Said: Yes. Portland’s streets need to be fixed. The fee should include completing the Safe Routes priority network around every District 4 elementary school.

Received 2026-09-24

What utility partners, engineering studies and financing would the energy proposal require?

Said: The first phase of the Grid would have PGE, Pacific Power, participating building owners and Prosper Portland identify candidate buildings and measure what is actually there: electrical service, current loads, equipment, building conditions and local-grid capacity. [...] Upgrades could be financed through PropertyFit, PCEF loans, Energy Trust incentives, state and federal funding and private investment. The General Fund would not be the main source.

Received 2026-09-24

Council votes

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

A question the evidence leaves open

If combined City costs outpace incomes under your Affordability Rule, which increases would Council cut or delay first?

What they say they would do

Identifies as a democratic socialist and proposes permanent affordability, tenant power and climate investment.

• Expand permanently affordable housing and tenant collective bargaining.
• Require greater contributions from large corporations.
• Protect climate funding and reduce fossil-fuel activity at the CEI Hub.

Our reading

• Permanent affordability
• Worker and tenant power

His approach changes ownership and bargaining power as well as housing supply. Establishing a housing study or tenant protection is an intermediate step; financing, production and long-term operating performance remain separate tests.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 9 questions. Mitch Green is on record on 7, with 2 still open. A question without an answer is a research gap, not a position.

• Add police officers, expand non-police responders, or both?

  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.

• Rezone the inner east side to allow apartment buildings off the main streets (the Inner Eastside Zoning Project)?

  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.

  Questionnaire, questionnaire source

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Mitch Green: NoVoted no on Approve the Moda negotiating framework

  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.

  Campaign site, site sourceCity record, record source

• When, if ever, would they raise taxes or fees?

  Said: Plans to make the biggest corporations pay their fair share; no rate or instrument is named.

  Pamphlet p. 62, pamphlet source

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Mitch Green: YesVoted yes on Shift funding away from homeless-camp removals

  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.

  Questionnaire, questionnaire sourceCity record, record source

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

  Mitch Green: YesVoted yes on Expand Portland Street Response’s role

  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.

  Campaign site, site sourceCity record, record source

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Mitch Green: YesVoted yes on Create a monthly transportation utility fee

  No statement beyond the recorded vote.

  City record, record source

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

  Mitch Green: YesVoted yes on Raise annual water rates

  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.

  Pamphlet p. 62, pamphlet sourceCity record, record source

Council votes

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

   Yes

   Our reading: Opposed construction borrowing; supported the annual 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 →

2. Add a monthly fee to help repair streets?

   Yes

   Our reading: Supported the fee and reconsidering how businesses are charged

   What Council decided

   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.

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

   Read the votes and their reasons →

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

   No

   Our reading: Favored restoring more services, then accepted a 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 cost; supported performing-arts planning

   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

Which corporate-revenue tools are legally available to Council, and how would they fund permanent housing?

What they say they would do

Emphasizes public safety, infrastructure maintenance, business recovery and removing barriers to housing.

• Improve 911 response and end street camping and open-air drug use.
• Protect police and fire funding and support local businesses.
• Maintain public assets and improve sidewalks and pavement.

Our reading

• Basic services
• Public-space enforcement

She pairs removing camping and public drug use with shelter and treatment. Implementation depends on actual placement capacity; restoring services also requires choosing between reserves, recurring revenue and other spending.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 9 questions. Olivia Clark is on record on 8, 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.

• Rezone the inner east side to allow apartment buildings off the main streets (the Inner Eastside Zoning Project)?

  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.

  Questionnaire, questionnaire source

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Olivia Clark: YesVoted yes on Approve the Moda negotiating framework

  No statement beyond the recorded vote.

  City record, record source

• When, if ever, would they raise taxes or fees?

  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.

  Questionnaire, questionnaire source

• Add police officers, expand non-police responders, or both?

  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.

  Public post, post source

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Olivia Clark: AbsentAbsent for the vote on Shift funding away from homeless-camp removals

  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.

  Campaign site, site sourceCity record, record source

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

  Olivia Clark: NoVoted no on Expand Portland Street Response’s role

  No statement beyond the recorded vote.

  City record, record source

• Keep the monthly street repair fee?

  Olivia Clark: YesVoted yes on Create a monthly transportation utility fee

  No statement beyond the recorded vote.

  City record, record source

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

  Olivia Clark: YesVoted yes on Raise annual water rates

  No statement beyond the recorded vote.

  City record, record source

Council votes

1. 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 →

2. Add a monthly fee to help repair streets?

   Yes

   Our reading: Supported a steady source of money for street repairs

   What Council decided

   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.

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

   Read the votes and their reasons →

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

   Yes

   Our reading: Favored police and fire services, using expected police-oversight savings

   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: Supported the arena terms while opposing the higher proposed rent

   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 shelter and treatment capacity would make the camping policy workable?

What they say they would do

Runs on listening, lived experience of homelessness and disability, and practical public service.

• Bring community and budget-committee experience to Council.
• Listen across neighborhood and political differences.
• Focus on whether city institutions work for residents.

Our reading

• Lived experience
• Audit first

His pamphlet statement makes a case for representation informed by homelessness and disability; his emailed answers add an audit-first program: map city spending and assets before any new tax or fee, more officers with lower-cost responders for routine calls, and housing growth through investability and reuse of city assets. His second reply answers most of the Council’s choices in a word or two, including public money for the Moda Center capped at $60 million. Beyond the audit’s $5 million cap, the costs and the mechanics of a Council pay freeze are not yet specified.

Where they stand

The choices this office faces

Every candidate in this race is asked the same 9 questions. Timothy (TJ) Anderson is on record on 8, with 1 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.

• Rezone the inner east side to allow apartment buildings off the main streets (the Inner Eastside Zoning Project)?

  Said: Answered the question with one word: yes.

  Questionnaire, questionnaire source

• Public money and terms for renovating the Moda Center?

  Said: Answered yes to public money for the Moda Center renovation, at no more than $60 million.

  Emailed response, response source

• When, if ever, would they raise taxes or fees?

  Said: Says no additional taxes or fees would be passed until a value-based audit shows where the city’s money has gone.

  Emailed response, response source

• Add police officers, expand non-police responders, or both?

  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.

  Emailed response, response source

• Keep funding camp removals at current levels?

  Said: Answered yes when asked whether to keep funding camp removals at current levels.

  Emailed response, response source

• Restrict new AI data centers in the city?

  Said: Answered yes when asked whether to restrict new AI data centers in the city.

  Emailed response, response source

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

  Said: Answered no to a full 24/7 Street Response “not without additions,” without yet saying what those additions would be.

  Emailed response, response source

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

  Said: Answered no when asked whether to raise water bills to pay for the Bull Run filtration plant and system repairs.

  Emailed response, response source

Their answers to our questions

Three policies and what each would cost

Said: First would be a value-based audit and investigation of where our money went over this year and the past two years as a starting point. [...] I would expect that to cost no more than $5 million. [...] While this is going on, no additional taxes or fees would be passed until we figure out where everything is going. Second would be [...] a resolution that each councilor would put in 100 hours of volunteer work per year while they are on council. [...] Third would be that until the City of Portland is back to growth in average salaries and jobs for at least two full years, with tests done every six months, benefits and the pay structure for City Council would be frozen at current levels.

Received 2026-09-19

Housing affordability and production

Said: We need more housing, and the fastest way could be to make the city more investable, but there may also be ways we could reuse city assets to help with it. [...] Reuse city assets at a lower cost for short-term help, and for the long term, we need to make the city more approachable and investable, not just to big accounts but to people who want to make Portland a home.

Received 2026-09-19

Public safety

Said: Get police response times down. We will need more officers. That is pretty much a given. But if we can find ways to handle issues that may not need our most highly trained officers and instead give those responsibilities to a combination of cadets, volunteers, and other programs as appropriate, we can work on getting response times down faster.

Received 2026-09-19

Homelessness

Said: Spending money without thought is not helping. We need to figure out what has been working, what has not, and work with urgency because there are people who need help. But there are also citizens who do not want to see their taxes wasted, so first a clear understanding of what got us hear, a timeline of peoples needs through homelessness and a method to best work with others in the city to accelerate it and covering what needs remain.

Received 2026-09-19

City spending and revenue

Said: Get it under control. We have enough to do what we need with what we have, or at least get a full view of what we need before asking for more. Revenue is in the same boat. When revenue is not growing, we are not growing our tax base, and that means what we have available for next year will generally be smaller than this year's budget.

Received 2026-09-19

Climate, transportation and environmental health

Said: I think we can use this to help our business investability. [...] It is good for both, and we can use those areas of focus that benefit multiple things to help our climate efforts. [...] We are always going to have some cars and trucks, but I would like to see more public transit and better train systems. Leave cars for those who want them and those who need them for their services. Don’t burn our finances for the future for what we want now.

Received 2026-09-19

Advisory and budget-committee work

Said: As chair for the Department of County Assets and Management, I helped bring the group's thoughts together toward the budget recommendations for our department and the projects being considered. [...] TriMet Committee for Accessible Transportation: We have gone through information related to recent cuts, trying to make sure the lowest number of people would be affected, as changes to the TriMet service area are also reflected in paratransit. [...] Tuition Review Advisory Committee at Portland State: As a student, we voted on a recommendation for an 8% tuition increase for students. [...] The 8% vote in our group passed 5-4 as a recommendation. The finance board ultimately felt it was not a move they could make.

Received 2026-09-19

The Council’s choices, in short

Said: I will say I’m not going to lock in to a lot with a full board view, so there is a lot I’m not going to see, but if we need the short list: [Moda Center] Yes, but no more than 60 million. [Clearing camps] Yes. [Data centers] Yes. [Street Response] No, not without additions. [Water rates] No. [Street repair fee] Need more info; not going to give a short answer.

Received 2026-09-22

Council votes

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

A question the evidence leaves open

How would the $5 million audit be funded, and what would its findings change first?