First Year of Council

Accomplishments

After her first year on Council under the new form of City government, Olivia remains committed to helping make Portland a better & safer place for everyone.

Delivering Results

  • The Problem
    Portland owns critical infrastructure—including our performing arts venues—but lacked a coordinated, citywide plan to maintain and protect these public assets.

    The Action
    Passed a budget amendment requiring a citywide Asset Management strategy to ensure city infrastructure is maintained proactively, not reactively.

    The Impact
    Protects taxpayer-owned facilities, reduces costly emergency repairs, and ensures Portland’s cultural and civic spaces are cared for for generations.

  • The Problem
    Many neighborhoods in Districts 4 and 1 lack safe, complete sidewalks—making it harder and more dangerous for residents to walk, commute, or access basic services.

    The Action
    Passed a resolution creating a sidewalk improvement and paving program focused on expanding walkable pathways in the parts of Portland that need them most.

    The Impact
    Improves safety and accessibility, connects neighborhoods, and makes it easier for Portlanders to walk where they live—especially in historically underserved areas.

  • The Critical Energy Infrastructure tank farm in Linnton sits on unstable soils, posing serious safety and environmental risks to nearby residents and the broader region.

    The Action
    Passed a budget amendment to address these risks by prioritizing assessment, planning, and mitigation of the tank farm’s vulnerability.

    The Impact
    Strengthens public safety, reduces environmental risk, and ensures the city is taking proactive steps to protect Linnton neighborhood and the city of Portland.

  • The Problem
    Proposals to significantly reduce police funding risked undermining Portland’s public safety system at a time when residents needed reliable emergency response.

    The Action
    Acted to protect core public safety funding, ensuring police services remained adequately staffed and operational.

    The Impact
    Preserved emergency response capacity and helped keep communities safe while the city continues working toward long-term public safety improvements.

  • The Problem
    Portland needed expanded shelter capacity, but neighborhoods rightly raised concerns about safety, cleanliness, and quality of life around new shelter sites.

    The Action
    Supported Mayor Wilson’s shelter plan while requiring coordinated public safety response, graffiti removal, and sanitation services for impacted neighborhoods.

    The Impact
    Expanded shelter access while ensuring surrounding communities received the support they needed—creating a more balanced, responsible approach to addressing homelessness.

  • The Problem
    Too often, neighborhood voices feel unheard or disconnected from decision-making at City Hall.

    The Action
    Held 27 outreach meetings across 32 neighborhoods in District 4 and directed a portion of office funds to support neighborhood associations.

    The Impact
    Strengthened communication between residents and city government, ensured neighborhood concerns informed policy decisions, and provided tangible support to local civic groups.

Accomplishments Prior to Serving on City Council

  • Founded CASA, a non-profit dedicated to building farm worker housing — which is thriving. It has built thousands of affordable units.  I built a statewide housing coalition and pressed for progressive housing legislation.

  • Served as Legislative Director for three mayors in the City of Salem where I brought a new approach, resources and much-needed fire trucks.

  • Served as the Legislative Director of the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and gained legislative approval of Oregon’s Air Quality Plan with a commitment to our environment.

  • Served as the liaison to Oregon’s cities & counties under Governor John Kitzhaber and forged a strong state-local partnership.  I later became his Legislative Director, able to navigate a complex political landscape.

  • At TriMet I successfully raised funds for the Green & Orange light rail lines including our iconic Tilikum Crossing Bridge.

  • Served on Boards including Chair of the Oregon Providence Health System Board leading the change in governance and bringing forward policies on quality of care.