Meet Olivia
#1 FOR PORTLAND CITY COUNCIL
A seasoned, pragmatic professional, an optimist and a collaborator with a record of success.
About Olivia Clark
I grew up working in my father’s 20-seat diner where my mother was a waitress. Growing up, my brother and I washed pots, peeled potatoes, and polished floors after church on Sundays. I learned the value of hard work.
A scholarship enabled me to be the first in my family to graduate from college. I moved to Oregon to attend graduate school at the University of Oregon. It was there I realized my passion for making tangible changes rather than solely studying them.
This led me to become a neighborhood activist, focusing on affordable housing at the local and statewide level. When President Reagan cut the housing programs, I shifted my focus to local government and later joined Governor John Kitzhaber’s office.
My move to Portland was driven by my desire to assist TriMet in securing funds for the expansion of the light rail system. Through building a strong coalition, I successfully achieved this goal.
My experience with Boards and building coalitions has equipped me with the skills to build consensus and foster collaboration.
