Arlene Kimura has been working tirelessly to build community and to revitalize East Portland neighborhoods for over 15 years. She has been on the Hazelwood Neighborhood Association (HNA) board since 1996, serving as Land Use Chair since 1998 and as President since 2005. In these roles, she represents Hazelwood at both the East Portland Neighborhood Office Chairs Committee and the East Portland Land Use & Transportation Committee. She has been involved with Gateway Urban Renewal for more than 15 years, and is a current member of the Gateway Policy Advisory Committee. Arlene is also a founding member of the East Portland Parks Coalition in 2003 and continues to be actively involved.

Because of her unique experience and knowledge of East Portland neighborhoods, Arlene plays a key role in the East Portland Action Plan (EPAP) – first as an active community member developing the plan over two years, and for three years as co-chair of the group working to implement the Plan. With Arlene’s leadership, EPAP has made progress on many of the changes identified as critical to improving East Portland livability while preventing displacement.

Arlene has demonstrated civic values by serving on numerous citizen advisory committees throughout her volunteerism, including the Portland Streetcar System Concept Plan; Community Residential Siting Advisory Committee (CSAC); Environmental Code Improvement Project; Gateway Regional Center Design Guidelines; Gateway Redevelopment, Urban Plaza and Neighborhood Park, and more. She volunteers at numerous community events, including neighborhood clean-ups, trail counts for both Metro & the City, on-site work parties and events at Gateway Green, neighborhood tours, East Portland Concerts, and more.

Her involvement in civic life is dedicated. Arlene frequently testifies, orally and in writing, before City Council, the Planning Commission, PDC, Metro, Multnomah County Commission and more. She volunteers at numerous community events, including neighborhood clean-ups, trail counts for both Metro & the City, on-site work parties and events at Gateway Green, neighborhood tours, East Portland Concerts, and more. She also attends many open houses, public hearings, and cultural events.