The mission of the Office of Government Relations is to advance the City of Portland’s legislative and intergovernmental policy objectives. The Office provides effective representation, strategic advice, and quality service to the Cory Council and all city bureaus. Program areas include Local, Regional, State, Federal, International and Tribal relations, as well as coordination and support to access federal and state grants.

The mission of the Office of Government Relations is to advance the City of Portland’s legislative and intergovernmental policy objectives. The Office provides effective representation, strategic advice, and quality service to the Cory Council and all city bureaus. Program areas include Local, Regional, State, Federal, International and Tribal relations, as well as coordination and support to access federal and state grants.

My work is mostly at the local government level and includes government relations, communications, political strategy, project management, and successfully representing private and nonprofit organizations with local governments, elected officials and community leaders. i am honored to have local and national recognition for my role as a champion for jobs, affordable housing, transportation, healthcare, and the environment. Some of my larger efforts were as the architect for local government and… Show more My work is mostly at the local government level and includes government relations, communications, political strategy, project management, and successfully representing private and nonprofit organizations with local governments, elected officials and community leaders. i am honored to have local and national recognition for my role as a champion for jobs, affordable housing, transportation, healthcare, and the environment. Some of my larger efforts were as the architect for local government and voter initiatives to secure affordable housing resources totaling more than $1 Billion, $24 million annually to reduce fares for low-income transit riders, protect sensitive natural habitat, and establish new programs for women and minority-owned contractors.More recent examples of my work include representing private sector clients with issue advocacy in local and state governments to convert hotels to homeless shelters, build affordable housing through innovative land use strategies, and to lead nonprofits with strategic planning and complex management challenges. Show less

Served as an elected official for two terms with a focus on winning major policy and resource initiatives including: *Initiating and leading the successful passage of the nation's first regional housing initiative raising $653 Million to build affordable housing;*Securing $24 million in annual funds to reduce transit fares for Tri-Met's low-income riders.*Saving and protecting our region's natural areas and parks including the 27 acre Willamette Cove.*Advancing… Show more Served as an elected official for two terms with a focus on winning major policy and resource initiatives including: *Initiating and leading the successful passage of the nation's first regional housing initiative raising $653 Million to build affordable housing;*Securing $24 million in annual funds to reduce transit fares for Tri-Met's low-income riders.*Saving and protecting our region's natural areas and parks including the 27 acre Willamette Cove.*Advancing job opportunities for traditionally under-represented communities of color, women and people with disabilities. Show less

Improved healthcare for vulnerable populations residing in the Portland-metro area by strengthening community clinics, promoting health equity, and directing healthcare programs.

Responsible for oversight and direction to Portland’s Parks, Fire, and Housing bureaus on behalf of late City Commissioner Nick Fish. Duties included strategic guidance, budget management, personnel and administrative accountability, initiative development, and communications.

Represented the nonprofit and public-private affordable housing industry to state and local elected officials, government administrators, foundations, community and governments, and foundations. The work resulted in numerous resource and initiative victories to address poverty and equity.

Completed the startup of a new nonprofit business to build and develop single family homes and townhouses. One success at this time was to assist a family to transition from homelessness to homeownership in less than two years.