Thank you, once again, for the honor of serving on the Portland City Council.
2012 was another challenging and productive year.
The Council crafted a balanced budget - focusing on job creation, public safety, education, and the safety net. We approved an Office of Equity, took steps to improve community policing, and invested in neighborhood prosperity.
We also had principled disagreements. I continued to oppose risky public funding plans for the Oregon Sustainability Center. And, over significant objections, I created a new Park Rangers program to keep our public parks safe, and strengthen community engagement.
As we close the year, I want to thank all of our partners—faith, business, non-profit, and government. We have much to celebrate.
Favorite quote:
“We are all in this together.” - Bill Clinton
Most Inspiring Moments:
Joining Harper Goldberg at the opening of her new fully-accessible playground, and honoring Charles Jordan for his lifetime of service.
Proudest Achievements:
Reaching our 1,000 Gardens goal, protecting the safety net during a tough budget cycle and welcoming our veterans home to Gray’s Landing.
Unsung Heroes:
Our partners who brought the new Blanchet House to life, built a new home for the City’s historic locomotives at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center, and fought to protect funding for Leach Botanical Garden.
Unsung Heroes II:
My Parks team for completing ten more E205 park improvements in East Portland, and my Housing team for preserving more than 300 homes for older adults and people with disabilities.
I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of the professionals at the Portland Housing Bureau, Portland Parks & Recreation, and in my City Hall office.
Thanks to Sam and Randy for their many years of service to our city, and welcome to Mayor-elect Charlie Hales and Commissioner-elect Steve Novick.
And finally—thanks for all that you do to make Portland a better place.
Sincerely,
Nick
