Portland stands at a crossroads—and the path forward requires bold leadership and real solutions. I’ve outlined 7 principles to reimagine our city through growth, livability, and action. If you believe Portland is still worth fighting for, this plan is for you.
I agree it starts with the downtown. It's the jewell of Portland. Everyone should be able to walk around the waterfront and see, feel, even smell the beauty. Not the case now. It needs thriving business, safe recreation and parks, and clean/easy transportation.
I received a question about whether this plan is even possible under Portland’s unique form of government.
It’s a fair concern.
Historically, power was fragmented under the commission model—council members managing bureaus in silos, with little coordination. But in 2024, voters approved sweeping reform: ending that model, expanding council, adopting districts, and appointing a professional city administrator.
That creates new opportunity—if we use it.
First, we operate on two tracks: lead now, and keep reforming. The mayor doesn’t control every lever but can still set direction, build coalitions, and drive execution. Many parts of my plan can begin now—through urgency and alignment.
Second, we stay focused on clarity. Principle 6 of my plan is about making government work—by consolidating services and empowering leadership to act decisively.
Finally, we must build public will. Portlanders voted to fix how the city runs. Now we must connect that to better outcomes—housing, safety, growth.
Yes, this plan can be done—but only if we lead boldly, partner strategically, and move with urgency.
Bravo, Justin. Not often that I come across such a well written, inspirational, commentary. You have obviously given this a lot of thought. I’m a pipe dreamer. Have been from an early age. You bring to mind one of my favorite quotes. “If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost, that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them”. Henry David Thoreau.
I agree it starts with the downtown. It's the jewell of Portland. Everyone should be able to walk around the waterfront and see, feel, even smell the beauty. Not the case now. It needs thriving business, safe recreation and parks, and clean/easy transportation.
I received a question about whether this plan is even possible under Portland’s unique form of government.
It’s a fair concern.
Historically, power was fragmented under the commission model—council members managing bureaus in silos, with little coordination. But in 2024, voters approved sweeping reform: ending that model, expanding council, adopting districts, and appointing a professional city administrator.
That creates new opportunity—if we use it.
First, we operate on two tracks: lead now, and keep reforming. The mayor doesn’t control every lever but can still set direction, build coalitions, and drive execution. Many parts of my plan can begin now—through urgency and alignment.
Second, we stay focused on clarity. Principle 6 of my plan is about making government work—by consolidating services and empowering leadership to act decisively.
Finally, we must build public will. Portlanders voted to fix how the city runs. Now we must connect that to better outcomes—housing, safety, growth.
Yes, this plan can be done—but only if we lead boldly, partner strategically, and move with urgency.
Bravo, Justin. Not often that I come across such a well written, inspirational, commentary. You have obviously given this a lot of thought. I’m a pipe dreamer. Have been from an early age. You bring to mind one of my favorite quotes. “If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost, that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them”. Henry David Thoreau.