Dear Friends and Neighbors,
My first 100 days as Multnomah County Chair have been filled with action and collaboration, and I want to take a moment at this milestone to reflect on the work completed, and the work ahead. Here are some key highlights from these first 100 days:
- Announced a data task force to bring accountability to the work of the Joint Office of Homeless Services
- Launched Housing Multnomah Now to direct resources to address unsheltered homelessness, including $4 million in board approved start-up funds
- Hired Dan Field to lead the Joint Office of Homeless Services
- Invested in the development of sobering beds as part of the Behavioral Health Emergency Coordination Network (BHECN)
- Hired Margi Bradway to lead the Department of Community Services
- Ordered a detailed review of Multnomah County Animal Services
- Waived interests and fees for 2021’s Preschool for All tax liability
- Broke ground on the Midland Library expansion project in East Portland
- Received HUD’s $8.3 million award to the Joint Office of Homeless Services and Native American Rehabilitation Association Northwest (NARA)
- Finalized ownership, on behalf of Multnomah County, of the Rockwood Health Center
- Visited with Street Roots vendors to address housing and homelessness priorities
- Proclaimed February Black History and Futures Month
- Celebrated the voices and contributions of transgender, Two Spirit, non-binary, intersex and gender-expansive communities
- Met with east county elected leaders, the Washington County chair and commissioners, the Metro president and councilors, the Clackamas County chair, over a dozen state legislators, and each city of Portland Commissioner in an effort to build closer relationships and open lines of communication
In addition, my office is collaborating closely with the city of Portland and our new governor on housing, homelessness, behavioral health and public safety issues, and I am hopeful that our shared efforts will result in better results across those issue areas and others.
In the coming weeks, I will release my first proposed budget, detailing much needed investments and programs to address our communities most pressing needs. Much work has gone into this budget, and I’m excited to share the proposal with you.
I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished to date, and excited for the work ahead. I hope you are as well.
JVP