Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has announced how much funding each region within Oregon's homelessness state of emergency will receive from the state, as well as the specific outcomes local communities are expected to achieve with the emergency dollars.

On her first full day in office, the Governor declared a homelessness state of emergency and urged the legislature to pass an early investment package to meet specific goals in reducing unsheltered homelessness by January 10, 2024.

“Oregonians are demanding urgent action and accountability. That’s why this emergency funding is tied to specific, local action plans that will reduce unsheltered homelessness,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “The state will continue to provide technical assistance and partner with local communities to make sure this money makes a difference on the ground.”

Critics have pointed out that Governor Kotek has presided over the largest increase in homelessness in Oregon's history and that her hostility to housing providers has led to the housing shortage in Oregon. They also point out that the abundance of money allocated for homelessness hasn't seemed to solve the problem.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

The following funding amounts are based on many factors, including the appropriation made available by the legislature, detailed plans that local communities submitted, and a detailed formula developed by Oregon Housing and Community Services:

• Portland/Gresham/Multnomah County: $18.2 million to rehouse 275 households and create 138 shelter beds
• Eugene/Springfield/Lane County: $15.5 million to rehouse 247 households and create 230 shelter beds
• Central Oregon: $13.9 million to rehouse 161 households and create 111 shelter beds
• Salem/Marion, Polk Counties: $10.4 million to rehouse 158 households and create 79 shelter beds
• Medford, Ashland/Jackson County: $8.8 million to rehouse 133 households and create 67 shelter beds
• Hillsboro/Beaverton/Washington County: $8.0 million to rehouse 121 households and create 61 shelter beds
• Clackamas County: $4.4 million to rehouse 130 households.

HB 5019 appropriated $85.2 million for local homelessness emergency plans. OHCS will reserve $3 million to ensure the goals of the emergency order are achieved. An additional $3 million will be used for a statewide landlord incentive, available to landlords participating in local rehousing efforts. The requests from all regions within the emergency order totaled $98.8 million, so there were not enough funds to provide each region with its full funding request.

In addition, the early funding package included $33.6 million to help prevent homelessness for an estimated 8,750 households. This funding will be distributed statewide through existing eviction prevention programs.

Recognizing that unsheltered homelessness impacts communities in every part of Oregon, the legislature also approved $26 million to address homelessness in the counties that do not meet the threshold of the emergency order.

The Governor's Office reviewed the Community Plans and funding requests to ensure that each region has the resources and technical assistance they need to meet specific goals to reduce unsheltered homelessness in their community. OHCS is sending each region an announcement of its funding amount today and will include an updated timeline for finalizing grant agreements with the goal of funding being available to communities by April 28, 2023.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

“I want to thank everyone who has stepped up to help move this work forward – including staff at the state and local level who have been working diligently to make sure we have solid plans to quickly distribute these emergency funds,” Governor Kotek said. “This alone won’t solve this crisis, but it is a significant downpayment on our efforts. It will build the new, outcomes-oriented infrastructure we need to address homelessness heading into next year.”

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management and the state housing agency have supported the establishment of Multi-Agency Coordinating groups in emergency areas that will serve as the core infrastructure of the emergency response.

MAC groups have been providing the planning, coordination, and operational leadership to bring real, measurable improvements on the ground. They will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of funds, working with their communities to help move individuals and families into housing stability.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-04-12 14:24:09

Last Update: 2023-04-12 14:51:18

The Oregon Senate has passed SB 409, a bill that brings greater curriculum transparency to Oregon. This bill, which passed with bipartisan support, promotes student success by empowering parents with the knowledge of what their kids are learning in the classroom, and aims to improve communications and trust between parents and teachers.

This bill requires local school boards to post on their websites the following information for every course of study offered by the school district: the title and description of textbooks and instructional materials used and a link if available, a syllabus, and identification of the state's academic content standards that are satisfied by the course. It also requires updates within 30 days after changes are made.

“Accessing school curriculum is not an easy and transparent process in Oregon. I’ve heard stories from parents who’ve even had to submit a public records request to learn about what’s being taught in their child’s school,” said Representative Lily Morgan (R-Grants Pass), a co-chief sponsor of the bill. “If this process was easier and more accessible, then we could cut to the chase and know exactly what our kids are learning in the classroom.”

“We know that parental involvement is the key to student well-being and success,” added Senator Suzanne Weber (R-Tillamook), a co-sponsor of the bill and Vice-Chair of the Senate Committee on Education. “By empowering parents with the knowledge of what their children are being taught, we are better positioning them to be able to help their children learn essential skills like reading, writing, and math.”

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

“SB 409 is a step in the right direction for Oregon’s kids and parents. But we are not done yet. In the spirit of this legislation, it is my hope that school districts will voluntarily post their own specific curriculum on their websites,” said Senator Kim Thatcher (R-Keizer), a co-chief sponsor of the bill. “Every parent deserves a seat at the table in their child’s education. I will keep standing up for curriculum transparency and parental rights in Oregon.”

SB 409 is now headed to the Oregon House of Representatives for consideration.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-04-12 14:08:36

Last Update: 2023-04-12 14:24:09

This week the Oregon State Senate passed Senate Bill 340 with little opposition, which is said to significantly increases penalties for organized retail theft repeat offenders. Organized retail crime refers to groups operating multijurisdictional, coordinated schemes or enterprises to commit a variety of financial crimes, and sometimes include violent tactics.

Under SB 340, individuals convicted of organized retail theft will face harsher penalties. The new law will also amend and strengthen current statutes to allow law enforcement and prosecutors to aggregate the value of stolen property over 180 days for purposes of proving the crime of organized retail theft, and allows prosecutors to add multiple theft transactions together if they were against the same or multiple victims within a one-year period. Finally, it will create more accountability for people who threaten retail workers while committing theft.

The US Chamber of Commerce reports that 57% of retailers have reported a rise in organized retail crime in the past year. These thefts often involve networks of criminals who target high-value merchandise, causing significant financial losses for retailers, increasing costs for consumers and an unsafe work environment for retail workers.

Senator Floyd Prozanski (D-Eugene) said, “Organized retail theft is a threat to consumers, employees, and local businesses. The passage of Senate Bill 340 is a strong statement that we will not tolerate organized retail theft in our state and will work to ensure safe communities for all.”

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Senator Brian Boquist (R-Polk & Yamhill) has a different opinion. Voting against the bill, he says, “SB 340 is a pathetic response to retail theft in which prosecutors have refused to prosecute retail theft. When District Attorneys came under political pressure for allowing massive retail theft, we get this bill. It does nothing. It makes a crime of repeat offender theft but District Attorneys do not prosecute the first theft so the public gets nothing. Police and Sheriffs are told not to arrest retail thieves as public prosecutors will not take thieves to court. Now to combat public outrage that hurts the reelection of elected officials we get this bill referencing “repeat property offenders.” Since thieves are not being charged by elected District Attorneys the first time, then, what repeat offenders exist for a judge to sentence? Enforce existing laws. Then SB 340 extends the theft statute of limitations and allows charge bundling to make it look like prosecutors were powerless in the past. They were not. RICO and other ORSs allowed prosecution but DAs have not prosecuted. The closure and departure of corporate stores is 100% the fault of failing District Attorneys. This bill is purely political. Where is the Attorney General?”

SB 340 is the product of the Organized Retail Crime Task Force, which is made up of industry and labor stakeholders that could be negatively impacted by organized retail crime. SB 340 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-04-12 11:45:54

Last Update: 2023-04-11 18:02:58

Last week Oregon Republicans attempted to withdraw sixteen pieces of legislation from committee for a vote on the Senate floor to make our communities safer. While the valley has experienced several shootings within a week, the Democrats voted in lock step to say ‘no’ to safer communities. This comes just after House Democrats largely rejected a ‘Safe Schools’ package following the Nashville school shooting. Instead they double down on restricting gun ownership by lawful citizens.

Senator Fred Girod (R-Lyons) said, “Sixteen. Today, we brought forward sixteen bills that deserved to be considered. Bills that would have cracked down on fentanyl dealing, increased the number of patrol troopers on our highways, and made necessary fixes to Ballot Measure 110, (which decriminalized the possession of small amounts of illicit drugs and diverted some marijuana tax dollars to a grant program). There’s no reason that can justify why they failed.”

“For years, Democrats have voted with criminals, not victims,” said Deputy Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles), who made a motion to withdraw SB 430, a measure that would enhance sentencing for criminals whose assault causes lifechanging injury. “Today, we had an opportunity to vote to strengthen our communities and provide justice for victims of crime. For reasons I can’t fathom, the majority party said no to even having a discussion.”

An article by The Oregonian Editorial Board over the weekend noted that roughly 16,000 more people left Oregon than moved in from 2021 to 2022. It cited housing unaffordability, homelessness, increasing taxation, drug addiction crisis, untreated mental illness, gun violence, traffic deaths, and educational mediocrity as reasons why. Furthermore, a recent DHM Research survey found that just 3 in 10 of Oregonians think the state is headed in the right direction.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

“Process matters. We were promised a bipartisan session, yet what we’re seeing is an extreme, partisan agenda that fails to meet the needs of Oregonians we represent,” said Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend), who made a motion to withdraw SB 664, a measure that would criminalize threatening to commit a terroristic act. “Democrats showed their hand today by rejecting reasonable measures improving community safety.”

The complete ‘Safe Communities’ Package Republicans propose includes such things as creating crimes of patronizing a trafficked child, controlled substances homicide, and threatening to commit a terroristic act.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-04-11 12:14:23

Last Update: 2023-04-11 17:55:46

Washington County Oregon is now offering a $250 incentive to residents who turn in their old, "uncertified" wood stoves or wood stove inserts or those certified between 1986-1992.

Only 40 stoves/inserts will be accepted at this one-day event. This is the third consecutive year for the turn-in event. The first two years brought in 36 old wood stoves.

When: Saturday, May 6, 2023, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: Far West Recycling, 6440 SE Alexander St., Hillsboro

What qualifies for the $250 reward?

• Old, uncertified wood stoves or wood stove inserts.
• Those wood stoves or wood stove inserts certified by the Oregon DEQ from 1986 to 1988.
• Those wood stoves or wood stove inserts certified by the U. S. EPA from 1988 to 1992.
• Old, custom-made wood stoves or wood stove inserts.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Washington County says that "old" wood stoves pollute the air and can harm the health of the owner and their neighbors. In addition, anyone selling a home with a wood stove or fireplace insert in Oregon must ensure it was certified to meet emissions performance standards at the time of manufacture. If it was not certified, state law requires it to be removed, destroyed and disposed of when a home is sold.

Washington County says that interested participants must register online ahead of time. Only 40 stoves will be accepted. Additional instructions are provided on Washington County’s webpage.

“This is a great opportunity for Washington County residents who want to get rid of their old wood stove and don’t want to replace it with a new one,” said Washington County Housing Rehabilitation Specialist Tim Davis. “For those who want to replace their old wood stove with a new one, our Wood Stove Exchange Program is a better option.”

Under the Wood Stove Exchange Program, qualifying residents can receive a rebate of $1,500-$4,000 when they replace their old or uncertified wood stove with a cleaner heating device. Some households may qualify for a full-cost replacement, depending on their income.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-04-11 11:48:08

Last Update: 2023-04-11 12:24:56

Oregon Republican Senate Leader Tim Knopp and Senator Brian Boquist sent Senate President Rob Wager a letter on Senate Bill 393-A. The new 7-page “gut and stuff” amendment to SB 393, which now incorporates gun regulations, passed out of the Senate Committee on Judiciary along partisan lines without the public’s input.

Kevin Starrett, Oregon Firearms Federation reports that the committee members had no idea what the bill does, but passed it to a floor vote anyway. He says, “In defending it, Prozanski took the bizarre position that it would save lives by adding a 72-hour waiting period before a person could take possession of a gun they bought. In his garbled explanation he could not even keep the different bills straight. What is clear, is that along with all the other elements of these bills, anyone with any firearm’s magazine will be subject to arrest after it becomes law.”

On the Senate floor, Senate Knopp said, “Yesterday, a chair you appointed to a Senate committee you created reported Senate Bill 393-A out of committee. It was introduced as a benign study bill. Neither the base bill, nor the [gun control] gut and stuff amendments ever received a public hearing. OLIS shows zero items of posted testimony. SB 393-A is now headed to the Senate floor having received zero public input on a bill that affects a Constitutional right. This is offensive to the character and tradition of democracy and diminishes the legitimacy of the Senate...Don't let democracy die under your watch.”

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

To weigh-in on the public’s right to have a voice in all legislation, contact Senate President Rob Wanger, 503-986-1600, email Sen.RobWagner@oregonlegislature.gov.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-04-10 00:15:44

Last Update: 2023-04-10 00:26:03

On April 5, 2023, the Portland City Council authorized the Portland Police Bureau to purchase and operate Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) commonly referred to as “Drones” in a limited pilot project.

Portland Police Bureau personnel assigned to the Specialized Resources Division testified in front of City Council on March 22, 2023, regarding the program. PPB will begin a year-long pilot project, using drones in limited areas. PPB says that the sUASs are expected to cost under $80,000.

sUASs are widely used in the public sector, as well as by nearly every law enforcement agency within the Portland Metro area. The regulated use of sUASs by the PPB Investigations Branch will provide improvements in safety for both officers and community members. Additionally, the use of sUAS technology in crime / major crash scene events reduces inconvenience to the public by minimizing documentation time at a scene.

PPB sUASs are exact or slightly modified versions of commercially available products and will be clearly marked with City of Portland or Portland Police logo. During the pilot phase, PPB will use the drones in two areas: Traffic Division and the Metro Explosive Disposal Unit.

The Traffic Division will use a drone to:

• Document scenes of Major Crash Team investigations
• Document post-crash vehicle damage
• Document scenes of Major Crash Team activations
• Conduct traffic flow / pattern studies of high crash roadways
• Provide sUAS support during Search and Rescue Operations

The Metro Explosive Disposal Unit will use a drone to:

• Quickly gather information on suspicious items from a distance
• Search immediate area for secondary devices
• Confirm location of items following render safe operations
• Provide sUAS support during tactical events upon request of Critical Incident Commander (CIC)
• Provide immediate support during disasters, building collapse, etc.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

“I’m pleased PPB will begin this pilot using drones on a limited basis,” said Chief Chuck Lovell. “Drones have proven to drastically reduce personnel time at crash scenes, increase safety and decrease the amount of time the public may be impacted when it comes to situations such as road closures. During this critical staffing period, PPB continues to look for innovative ways to help us do our jobs more efficiently and effectively.”

The Bureau will follow ORS 837 Unmanned Aircraft Systems as well as its Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which prohibits the drone equipment from:

• Conducting random or indiscriminate mass surveillance activities
• Targeting a person based solely on individual characteristics, such as, but not limited to race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, economic source or status, housing status, gender or sexual orientation
• Harassing, intimidating or discriminating against any individual or group
• Conducting personal business of any type
• Using it for crowd control / crowd management, unless a life safety critical incident occurs
• The sUAS shall not be weaponized (ORS 837.365). The UAS will not be used in conjunction with any type of facial recognition technology.

PPB will begin to train and license pilots and operators including training on current laws, FAA regulations and the Bureau’s SOP and identify equipment needs, tests and procedures. This pilot project would begin in about 60 days.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-04-09 12:35:33

Last Update: 2023-04-09 14:39:47

The Washington County Republican Party of Oregon has now given a statement asserting support of President Donald J. Trump and blasting the Department of Justice and law enforcement agencies for political weaponization of the country's justice system.

The statement reads as follows:

"We, the Washington County Republican Party Executive Committee of Oregon, publicly condemn the weaponization of the judicial system and law enforcement agencies with respect to the indictment of President Donald ). Trump."

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

The statement continues, "As Republicans, we believe in the rule of law and order and stand for justice for all. We are crossing a line that has never been seen in American history where political opponents are harassed and persecuted by those in positions of power. Our country is being torn apart by these unprecedented actions and a two-tiered system of justice."

It concludes, "We in the Washington County Republican Party of Oregon stand against the unwarranted indictment of President Donald J. Trump and condemn the unending political attacks leveled against him and other conservatives."


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-04-08 15:23:09

Last Update: 2023-04-08 16:35:33

In response to the City of Portland’s letter to the Oregon Department of Transportation reaffirming their commitment to the Interstate 5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project, Representative Shelly Boshart Davis (R-Albany), Co-Vice Chair of the Joint Transportation Committee, issued the following statement:

“The large tax increases in House Bill 2017 -- passed into law during the 2017 Session -- came with a directive and a promise: build the Rose Quarter. Nearly seven whole years later, the project has not made significant progress.

“I am committed to finding a cost-effective path forward that meets the needs of the entire state. The Rose Quarter was identified in House Bill 2017 as a project of statewide importance, and the Interstate Bridge Replacement Project magnifies that significance. These two projects are linked and we cannot do one without the other to solve the transportation issues that each present.”

“I am encouraged by Portland’s recent letter showing renewed commitment to the Rose Quarter project. I look forward to working with them to tackle Oregon’s transportation challenges.”

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Critics of the delay say that the letter -- signed by Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler and Commissioners Mingus Mapps, Carmen Rubio, Dan Ryan and Rene Gonzalez -- was written to deflect criticism of the delay. The letter concludes:

The City of Portland intends to build on this momentum to ensure the success of this catalytic project. We are confident that ODOT’s Rose Quarter project will not only relieve congestion, improve safety, and enhance developability of the district – but that it will do so in a way that recognizes, addresses, and prevents the repetition of the injustices suffered by communities of color throughout Portland’s history. We are optimistic that by continuing to work closely alongside other project stakeholders, we will advance this once-in-a-generation project to enhance our state’s largest event district and reconnect the Albina neighborhood.

According to the Project website. I-5 between I-84 and I-405 is the top traffic bottleneck in Oregon and the 28th worst freight bottleneck in the nation as of 2021.


--Staff Reports

Post Date: 2023-04-07 23:58:53

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek issued a statement in response to the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration ruling. This ruling stems from a lawsuit filed last November by anti-abortion groups in Texas. It aims to block use of Mifepristone, a medication used for abortion in the United States.

The Plaintiff Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine sued the U.S. Food and Drug Administration over its approval of mifepristone, a medication used to terminate a pregnancy. Plaintiff alleged that the FDA exceeded its regulatory authority to approve the drugs by using its accelerated drug approval authority, failed to study the safety of the drugs under the labeled conditions of use, and ignored the potential impacts of hormone-blocking regiment on adolescent girls.

Governor Kotek stated, “This is a shameful, dangerous ruling that will prevent patients across the country from accessing safe, effective medication. As we sort out the impact of this ruling, hear me loud and clear: abortion is still accessible and legal in Oregon. As your Governor, I believe in the right to reproductive freedom and will continue to be a fierce advocate for that right. My administration will be working with the Oregon Health Authority, Oregon Department of Justice, and the Biden Administration to evaluate the ruling and fight for patients across Oregon and the United States.”

However, the U.S. District Courts Summary states: By illegally approving chemical abortion drugs, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration failed to abide by its legal obligations to protect the health, safety, and welfare of girls and women. The FDA never studied the safety of the drugs under the labeled conditions of use, ignored the potential impacts of the hormone-blocking regimen on the developing bodies of adolescent girls, disregarded the substantial evidence that chemical abortion drugs cause more complications than surgical abortions, and eliminated necessary safeguards for pregnant girls and women who undergo this dangerous drug regimen.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

What exactly is Governor Kotek condemning? The continued use of a drug that has never been tested for real world use and girls under 18? Chemical abortion drugs causing hemorrhaging where 35 percent end up in the emergency room? Protecting girls from becoming sterile?

In the Oregon Legislature, HB 2002 passed the House Committee on Behavioral Health and Health Care on a partisan vote and is now in the Ways and Means Committee. Oregon law already allows school health centers to give out abortion drugs or arrange for an abortion without parents' knowledge or consent. HB 2002 extends that to gender-affirming treatments to transgender. This bill should be evaluated for compliance with the ruling to protect our students.


--Donna Bleiler

Post Date: 2023-04-07 19:54:35

Last Update: 2023-04-07 20:07:42

The Winter 2023 Medford Citizen Academy students were recognized for completing the program during the April 6 City Council meeting. They also received a certificate of completion for this accomplishment.

The Medford Citizen Academy is a free, eight-week program designed to give participants an inside look into how the City's local government works and the services provided. Each week, students spent time with a different department, where they learned how it operates and then participated in a hands-on activity.

The first session, City Government 101, kicked off with students getting an overview of the City's departments. Then they met Mayor Randy Sparacino and City Manager Brian Sjothun, who both talked about their roles and why our local government is essential. The session concluded with students receiving a tour of City Hall and the Lausmann Annex.

Next was the Building Safety session, where students learned about how the department helps residents with building permits, inspections and business licenses. Then students took on the challenge of creating earthquake-proof buildings using toothpicks, marshmallows and Jell-O.

Week three was the Planning and Developing Our Community session, where the Planning department discussed housing and community development, current and long-range planning, and the Medford Urban Renewal Agency. Then students participated in a group activity where they came up with a development plan for a site on N. Riverside Avenue.

The following week was the We Keep Your City Healthy and Active session with the Parks, Recreation and Facilities department. The department gave students a tour of the Santo Community Center and highlighted some of its recreational programs. This session's hands-on activities included a self-defense demonstration and students developing their own neighborhood park. They also received a t-shirt for their participation.

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

Halfway through the Citizen Academy was the Public Works session, Students got to see how the streets signs are made and the traffic signals work. They also received their own personalized street sign during this session.

Week six was the Dollars and Sense session, where the Finance department talked about the financial services and budget process. Students were then tasked with creating a two-year budget for the Public Works department.

The next week, students headed over to the Medford Police Department for the We Keep Your City Safe: Pt. 1 session. MPD explained some of the different services that the officers provide and the work that goes into protecting the community. They also got to see a demonstration from the K-9 program and Drone Response Team.

We Keep Your City Safe: Pt. 2 was the last session of the program, presented by the Medford Fire Department. Medford Fire gave students a tour of the station, showed them some of the fire operations and gave a lesson on fire prevention. Some of the activities during this session included going for a ride on the aerial platform and knocking down a small fire.

Medford says they look forward to bringing back this program in Fall 2023 and that those interested can apply online.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-04-07 12:59:12

Last Update: 2023-04-07 13:22:18

Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson and Mayor Ted Wheeler have now announced that Kaiser Permanente executive Dan Field will serve as the next Director of the Joint Office of Homeless Services.

The announcement, made at a press conference in the Multnomah County Boardroom on April 5th, follows a national search that supposedly had 48 candidates.

“This search was conducted collaboratively with Joint Office staff and leadership at the County and City,” Vega Pederson said. “I am proud to say that our search has yielded in Dan Field, a leader to meet this moment, one who understands the complexities and has the commitment to coalition- and relationship-building that is needed to help bring added urgency and accountability to the Joint Office's work and investments.”

“We take this hire very, very seriously and we are very happy that Dan Field has been willing to step forward to help lead our collective efforts,” Wheeler said.

Dan Field spoke at a press conference announcing his hire on April 5, 2023.

He spent nearly two decades with Kaiser Permanente, Field also served as a staffer for former Gov. John Kitzhaber when Kitzhaber was president of the Oregon Senate, and as chief of staff for former Portland Mayor Vera Katz when she was speaker of the Oregon House of Representatives.

Field played a role in founding HealthShare of Oregon.

In 2020, he sponsored projects aimed at reversing systemic racial injustices, including the creation of the Kaiser Center for Black Health and Wellness, scheduled to open later in 2023.

In 2021, he helped launch a mass vaccination clinic at the Oregon Convention Center that administered more than 550,000 COVID-19 vaccinations.

“Dan's years of work at the confluence of health care and housing have shown the promise in this approach, as has his ability to work across our region to connect the dots to address difficult challenges with unique sources of funding and partnership,” said Chair Jessica Vega Pederson.

The press conference convened speakers including Vega Pederson, Wheeler and Field, along with Joint Office Interim Director Joshua Bates; Angela Martin, Co-Director of HereTogether Oregon; Marcus Mundy, executive director of the Coalition of Communities of Color; Ed Blackburn, former executive director of Central City Concern; and Jessica Getman, board chair of the Portland Business Alliance.

Field said he steps into the role with “humility about the challenge ahead of us,” and said he will center people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in his work.

“To anyone in the community who is homeless or housing insecure, whether you're sleeping on a couch, living out of your car or lying in a doorway, we see you and we will keep you at the center of everything we do,” Field said. “That is my pledge here today. Please hold me to it. We want a community that is just and equitable and where everybody is safely housed. My pledge to you is we will work hard to honor that trust and to strengthen our community in the process.”

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

A D V E R T I S E M E N T

The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners must approve Field’s appointment. Pending that approval, Field is expected to take over the Joint Office of Homeless Services, and its $255 million budget and 95 employees, on April 28.

Formed in 2016, the Joint Office is a partnership between Multnomah County and the City of Portland. They contract with community-based organizations and work with other governmental entities to provide equity-based services including housing assistance, shelter, healthcare and services navigation, employment assistance, and street outreach.

Joshua Bates, Deputy Director of the Joint Office, has served since November 2022. He will remain at the Joint Office as Deputy Director to work with Field.

“It was clear that he brought partnership- and coalition-building to this work,” Bates said. “I'm certain that through his position, he will build bridges in ways that have not been built before to serve folks experiencing homelessness. I am excited to be a part of that bridge-building and to support the next phase of the Joint Office alongside Dan Field."

The County began recruiting for a permanent director in fall 2022, leveraging the reach of community and advocacy organizations

. Recruitment was centered in the County’s focus on equity and leading with race, using the County’s Gladys McCoy hiring standards and focusing on diversity and inclusion in designing hiring panels, interview questions and selection criteria.

“It was important not only to end this search with a successful candidate able to help the Joint Office build strategically for the long-term, but to engage in an inclusive process that increased our connection to and involvement with key community partners,” said Chair Vega Pederson. “I feel confident in where we landed and the process we took to get here.”

The search drew 48 local and national candidates, 51% of whom identified as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color). Seven candidates advanced to interviews with County leaders. Three finalists were then interviewed in February by a nine-person panel made up of County leaders, Joint Office staff, representatives from the City, local providers, and community members with lived expertise.

The top two candidates submitted short videos that were reviewed by more than 30 stakeholders from across Multnomah County, including members of the business community, elected leaders, and the representatives from the housing and homelessness continuum of care. Chair Vega Pederson and Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, who was involved throughout the process and in final decision-making, then interviewed each of the top two candidates together in a small group setting.

“I look forward to working with Dan in his new position as the director of the Joint Office of Homeless Services. Throughout the interview process, I was incredibly impressed by Dan's commitment,” Wheeler said.

“He has the experience, he has the drive, he has the connections,” Wheeler said.

Field has been the executive director of Community Benefit, Government Relations and External Affairs at Kaiser Permanente.

“I am looking forward to returning to public service. I love our community — Multnomah County, the City of Portland, and the beautiful cities that make up our region — and see so much potential in the Joint Office and in our community to reach local solutions. This is my opportunity to focus on good policy that features connections across the broad spectrum of stakeholders whose ideas and investments are needed to build the strongest and most responsive housing safety net we can,” Field said.


--Ben Fisher

Post Date: 2023-04-07 12:00:33

Last Update: 2023-04-07 12:44:06