Women’s History Month in Multnomah County
Commissioner Shannon Singleton introduced the proclamation declaring March 2025 Women’s History Month in Multnomah County, expressing "appreciation to all the womxn and femme leaders in this community, on this board, and the County at large."
The proclamation, sponsored by Singleton, was read by Quinn Colling, her chief of staff, and Salomé Chimuku, her policy advisor. And immediately after the reading, Chimuku announced a twist in the proceedings.
“We do have a surprise,” she said. “A couple of gentlemen and myself organized and brought flowers for all the women and femme-identified folks in the room. So, if you would like to receive a flower, please raise your hand, and we have these gentlemen here to pass out flowers.”
The long-stem flowers were yellow, Chimuku said, “symbolizing sunshine, hope, and longevity.”
The proclamation says, in part: “Multnomah County recognizes that women who have intersecting identities face greater challenges and barriers than their peers. Multnomah County recognizes that the contributions of women enrich our communities. Multnomah County affirms that trans women are women.”
Read the full proclamation here.
Abortion Provider Appreciation Day in Multnomah County
Chair Jessica Vega Pederson introduced the proclamation declaring March 10, 2025 as Abortion Provider Appreciation Day. She also welcomed and thanked Oregon Health & Science University’s Dr. Katie Hansen “for coming here and recognizing the importance of this.”
“Thank you for the work that you do at OHSU to continue to provide abortions and other reproductive access to our community and to the people all over the state,” Chair Vega Pederson said.
She read the proclamation, noting new restrictions nationally and in other states that have limited or entirely blocked access to abortion care.
“Abortion providers in Multnomah County and clinic staff courageously provide care in the face of these restrictions, political interference and threats to their personal safety. Abortion providers and the clinic staff who support them and their patients are an essential and valued part of the continuum of health care in Multnomah County.”
Read the full proclamation here.
Procurement Month in Multnomah County
Brian Smith, the County’s purchasing manager, introduced the proclamation declaring March 2025 as Procurement Month, stating that it honors the hundreds of procurement and contract professionals that serve Multnomah County.
“The County's mission is to improve the wellbeing of those in Multnomah County by providing accessible, high-quality, and innovative public services that create stability, enhance opportunities, and reduce disparities,” he said.
“Through their countless actions everyday, the County’s procurement and contract management professionals serve that mission by helping make it a reality. These are the individuals who bridge the gap between policy and implementation.”
Jun Zhu, a senior procurement analyst for the County, read the proclamation, which says, in part: “Professionals in public procurement, contracting, and finance management are dedicated to maximizing the value of taxpayer money, providing critical goods and services, and continuously improving their expertise through professional development and leveraging new technologies such as AI.”
Read the full proclamation here.
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in Multnomah County
Commissioner Meghan Moyer, who previously served as director of public policy for Disability Rights Oregon, sponsored and introduced the proclamation declaring March 2025 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
“I’m happy to be bringing this forward,” she said. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with self-advocates for many years in the developmental and intellectual disabilities community.”
“And I'm so grateful for all the work they have done on behalf of people with disabilities; they’re leadership in our community, their visibility and their bravery to stand up against a society that continues to underestimate and undervalue them.”
Moyer then read the proclamation, which says, in part: “Multnomah County and the Office of Diversity and Equity believe that individuals with developmental disabilities are valuable members of our communities and deserve full participation in all aspects of life, including education, employment, recreation, and civic engagement. This proclamation affirms our unwavering commitment to eradicating discrimination and exclusion against people with developmental disabilities.”
Read the full proclamation here.
