We’ll never change what comes out of City Hall if we don’t change who we elect to office. We need to start electing people who want to DO something, not just be something.

No one in my district has similar experience. Most candidates are currently, or are retired from, government and non-profit positions. I am a practicing architect and a partner in many Portland bars and restaurants. I have permitted and built more housing than anyone on city council or who is running. And I have set aside my professional practice – closed shop – to bring my experience to the city.

As an architect, I have a history of building places where people want to be; I have experience delivering projects on-time and on-budget, I am a straight talker, and I know how to get things done. I care too much for this city to stand on the sidelines and watch what’s happened to the city I love. I am committed to making measurable progress for Portland, not just generating more talk.

As a working city employee and mom of three, I understand the struggles families in our district face daily. I’m running because Portland needs leaders who will fight for affordable housing, fair wages, accessible childcare, and a future where working families can thrive.
I have a deep connection to Portland, having grown up navigating its diverse neighborhoods. Now, as an environmental engineer, I’m committed to ensuring the city grows sustainably for everyone.

I believe in effective, sustainable change through leadership that listens and acts on the community’s needs. With my background in the Portland Water Bureau, I’ve seen how decisions impact infrastructure, the environment, and residents. I’m committed to bringing transparency, accountability, and practical solutions to the City Council.

I’m passionate about fostering inclusive communities, advocating for workers’ rights, and ensuring every resident’s voice is heard. I’m ready to bring my expertise and commitment to drive positive changes for Portland.

My decision to run is driven by a lifelong passion for public service and a track record of success in often challenging circumstances. I want to use my experience and skills to ensure that our new form of government works to solve the issues that confront us in Portland.

Throughout my career, I have achieved results in affordable housing, public transportation and environmental protection. I am a coalition-builder with the ability reach across the aisle and get things done. I want to use my knowledge and experience working at the neighborhood, local, regional and state levels to make things better and safer for everyone in Portland. I also have experience as the leader and Chairman of several large boards, including the Oregon Providence Health System.

Lastly, this is my community, and it is my responsibility to make life better, safer and more prosperous for all Portlanders.

I was born in Alabama to two teenage parents. My mom suffered from untreated addiction and mental health issues from a very early age. It wasn’t always safe to be around her. She pulled a gun on me in the middle of the night. She married a man that scared me so bad that I slept with a knife under my pillow. I am running for Portland City Council because every family deserves access to the mental health services and addiction treatment that I wish my family had. And every one of us deserves to feel safe and have a good job and a roof over our head.

I earned my PhD in Leadership and Policy and had a career as a policy researcher. I used my leadership and policy experience to start a small business, Rose City Chess, that has programs in more than 20 schools and reaches thousands of students throughout the community. I have worked through bureaucracy and had a bigger impact in this district, and touched the lives of more working families who live in these neighborhoods, than any other candidate.

I see a once in a generation opportunity to use the skills and experience I’ve developed as a researcher and small business owner to bring the city together and solve the crises in housing and homelessness. We haven’t had vision lately. My vision is that we solve housing by building connected and complete neighborhoods. And we solve homelessness by following the evidence as to what has worked best here: give people a room with a door and add services as needed.

I’m running because Portland’s future is personal for me. Public safety, camp cleanups, and drug enforcement are front of mind for my district and most Portlanders. I think we can improve livability and public safety while also remaining compassionate. I think increasing the number of shelters is critical to be able to clean up our streets and the public expects us to make serious improvements. I’m running because I’ve helped get the city pointed in the right direction finally, but we have a long way to go and I want to make sure the next city council continues to focus on livability improvements.

I’m a Portland born, lifelong Oregonian, son to a retired Portland Public Schools Teacher and an uncle to three nephews and one neice. I’ve worked at City Hall and for two Multnomah County Commissioners and I’ve been the Deputy City Manager in two mid-sized cities in Oregon. I’ve also spent over 17 years in the Army as a member of the Oregon National Guard with multiple overseas assignments and emergency response here in Oregon. I care deeply for and have always stepped up for my community. Portland’s next chapter will need someone with experience to help deliver for out public and to make Portland a safer community we can be proud of again and that’s why I am running for District 4.