District 4 Vision and Principles

Commissioner Jones-Dixon's vision and guiding principles for East Multnomah County

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  1. My vision
  2. My Principles

My vision

When I think about the future of East Multnomah County, I see a community where our grit and resilience are no longer defined by the challenges we’ve overcome, but by the opportunities we’ve created together.

I believe every person is created with inherent worth and unlimited potential. I also believe we share a collective responsibility to create the conditions that allow every individual, every family, and every neighborhood to thrive. Government cannot solve every challenge, but it has a responsibility to remove barriers, invest wisely, and create opportunities for people to succeed.

Too often, our systems have made it harder, not easier, for people to become who they are capable of being. That is why I am committed to building a county government that is transparent, accountable, and responsive; one that measures success not simply by the services it provides, but by the outcomes it helps achieve.

I envision a District 4 where public safety and community well-being go hand in hand. Where mental and behavioral health are treated as essential to a healthy community. Where people have access to meaningful work that provides dignity and economic stability. Where those returning from incarceration have real opportunities to rebuild their lives. And where government works alongside residents, businesses, nonprofits, faith communities, and local partners to solve problems together.

I don’t believe the best ideas come from government alone. They come from our neighborhoods, our schools, our small businesses, our community organizations, and the people who experience these challenges every day. My role is to listen, bring people together, and help create the conditions where those ideas can grow into lasting solutions.

This work requires courage, collaboration, and a willingness to think differently. It requires us to break down barriers instead of building new ones, to embrace accountability, to measure our progress honestly, and to remain focused on results that improve people’s lives.

My vision is simple: an East Multnomah County where every person has the opportunity to belong, contribute, and prosper. Together, we can build stronger neighborhoods, a more effective government, and a future where every generation has the opportunity to thrive.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve District 4, and I look forward to continuing this work with you.

My Principles

My time in public service has taught me that without a clear direction, one cannot effectively move forward what communities need to succeed. The following set of principles reflect what I value and guides my decision making. I will remain consistent to them, and the people of East County that I am honored to serve.

Empowerment, Not Enablement

True empowerment provides a trampoline, not just a safety net. People need access to the tools and support that cultivate ownership, resilience, and belonging. It’s my responsibility to invest and create the conditions where individuals have access to sustainable jobs, housing, food security, and health. Breaking the cycle of managing struggle, and building a foundation for lifelong agency.

Transparency

You can’t fix a secret. As uncomfortable as it may be, as leaders we must expose the gaps and inefficiencies in our systems, regardless of the headlines. I hold myself accountable by centering the community’s lived experiences, welcoming tough conversations, and taking action.

Access and Outcomes

Policy is only as good as its tangible effect on people’s lives. I use the community's ability to access our services and the outcomes of those services as my primary benchmarks.

Come Together

Durable change is achieved with the people, never for them. Every voice carries weight, and together, we have everything we need to solve our problems.

Be Curious, And Keep Improving

People expect their government to be effective, efficient, and accountable. I expect us to stay curious, evaluate what’s working, and move past a “design and defend” mindset. To keep improving, we must continuously learn, iterate, and adapt to changing conditions and community needs, embracing a culture where our government actively evolves alongside the community we serve. 

Last reviewed July 23, 2026