Neighborhoods

I moved to Portland in 2004 because it was an affordable city to live in. I am dedicated to work to help our city be affordable again - let’s look at all the options - rent control, building for density, multiple strands of housing for individuals, couples, families, etc.

Let’s get creative.

Part of what makes Portland the incredible place it is - is the many unique business districts throughout the city - many located right in District 2! From St Johns, to Mississippi, to Alberta-Killingsworth, Fremont, Lloyd District and Hollywood - independent family owned stores and restaurants shine the quirky independent nature of who we are.

We need to continue to invest in our independent business owners, work hard to minimize empty storefronts, and celebrate the arts and culture with in each neighborhood community.

I’m on the board for The St Johns Boosters Business Association. We are a very active group of business owners that work hard to build up all businesses within the St Johns neighborhood. It’s a mix of brick and mortar shops & restaurants, home businesses, larger industrial companies on the port - all working to make our business community stronger.

One way the St Johns businesses have been successful these last few years is that we have had an investment from Venture Portland to have a district manager. All business districts should have a dedicated effective manager to work on grants, call PEMO, the police, PBOT, navigate city systems, and help plan community events. That’s a LOT for business owners to take on in addition to running their businesses.

If we want our whole community to thrive - having bustling business districts is part of that eco-system for a vibrant livable neighborhood.

In our neighborhoods in N/NE Portland, we have multiple concerns happening at once. ex. Earthquake preparedness - train bridges connecting the Cathedral Park and St.Johns to the rest of Portland, the tanks along the river, these neighborhoods being at in intersection of homes and industrial business as well as the remnants of industry, which have created environmental disasters in the the making. I am concerned about the Zenith pipeline that was just approved by the city that says it’s not going to go through any neighborhoods - but seeing as all the trains that pass through Portland go straight through the cut - which is right by my house - I have DEFINITE concerns about our neighborhood and the environmental impacts that previous decisions have made for us. WE need to listen to the environmental reports and not look at this from our pocket books. We need policy and reform that does not waiver depending on the bills that need to get paid. This is an investment for solid infrastructure now and for our future. So - having our neighborhoods support the people that live here and help each other prepare for any environmental event that could happen will help connect us together in the long run.

Joining your local NETs- Neighborhood Emergency Teams, can be a way for communities to work together and impact decision made by the city, for the better.

I was one of the first city council candidates that endorsed Community Budgeting for All. Participatory Budgeting will be on the November ballot. What is it? It’s taking 2% of the city budget and having community input on what that money is used for. Most cities our size and larger already do this. One interesting fact about PB is that you only need to be a resident to participate and vote. That is truly community centered, community driven, and community coming together!

Community Budgeting for All- learn more about the campaign. While this campaign was suspended in May 2024- Laura still supports and endorses!

What is Participatory Budgeting?- Grassroots democracy for all residents 14 an older!

The kids are doing it in East County. - Look at the early start of PB in the Portland Metro region

PB Oregon is working to put PB on the ballot this Nov 2024-  “Community Budgeting for All”  - Why this should matter to you!

Doing it right in NYC - If NYC can have PB in all of their Districts, why can’t Portland?