Our Work

Over the next months we'll be talking about many things facing Oregon and facing our neighborhoods. Including health care, safer streets, schools, living wage jobs and more. And we'll make progress only if we engage more people in the issues facing our communities. Check this page as we learn more and more from the thousands of neighbors we connect with.


Issues Facing Our Community Right Now:

There are several big things happening in our community right now. As we move forward with the campaign, I'll post ideas and thoughts on this page on how to approach and deal with some of these challenges.

Below are some important new issues facing our community, listed in order of how much I think they’ll impact our communities:

A Chance-of-a generation to improve East Portland


The David Douglas Urban Renewal Plan has a chance to be one of the biggest benefits to mid-county in the last 50 years.

  • David Douglas High School has grown by 1000 students in just 6 years, and the district is bursting at the seams. 70% of the students are on free or reduced priced lunch. And we need to act.
  • The plan would take extra bond-money from the River District Urban Renewal Zone—the Pearl District—and invest in a new community center and school for the David Douglas School District. Bottom line: 20 million new dollars for school and community facilities without costing East County residents a penny of extra taxes.
  • The City Council and the Portland Development Commission are the key players, and we need to persuade them to push the plan.
  • Over the next weeks and months, we are going to work hard to let our neighbors know about this plan, and to give them ways to lobby the Council and the Portland Development Commission—writing letters, making calls, and send emails—so that our voices can be heard.

In our near future:


The East Portland Action Plan:

Set up with help from our outgoing legislator Jeff Merkley, the plan is a chance to take a big look at the needs of East Portland.

  • Wednesday March 12, city council chambers will be discussing an amendment to the Urban Growth Area. By creating a ‘satellite’ district in East Portland, funds will become available to build a dual use building: an elementary school and a community center. Join Jefferson and other community members testifying for East Portland. If you don’t want to testify, your presence will be an important show of support. Your voice is important and your presence will help East Portland.

    Join us at:
    Council Chambers
    1221 SW Fourth Avenue
    Portland, OR 97204-1995

  • If you know a strong community leader who should weigh in, let’s get them to apply to sit on the commission. You can reach me on my cell phone at 971-275-2701 or at jefferson@jeffersonsmith.com.

The Portland Transportation Plan:

  • Many feel that for too long Mid-County has tended to get the short end of the stick, and the next transportation plan is a chance for us to get a fair share.
  • Two weeks ago I met with Transportation Commissioner Sam Adams, and in the next weeks we’ll be making some recommendations. We’ll put it up on the website at www.jeffersonsmith.com, and we’d love to hear your views.


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PO Box 33718 Portland, OR 97292
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