September Newsletter: Federal Activity, Downtown Parking Hours Rolled Back, Unions, and more

Hi Portland,

September has been a busy one. Below, I'll share what my office has been working on-let's get to it.

Portland is Home

We are a new form of government, and we are united. Our approach is different from those who came before us.

Over the last weekend in September, reports spread about federal agents and troops coming to or currently active in Portland. As one of Portland's City Councilors, I see no operational or legal reason for an increased federal presence.

Our city is working as it should. Police, fire, and rescue are handling the same calls as any major metro area. Shootings are down. Violent crime is down. From January through August, violent crime declined nearly 52%, and shootings dropped 33% compared to 2024.

That's why I continue to urge the federal government to let Portland leaders lead.

What's next: At the state level, Attorney General Rayfield, with the support of Governor Tina Kotek, filed a lawsuit against the President. The City signed onto that lawsuit shortly after. The lawsuit argues that Title 10 permits federalization of the Guard only in circumstances of invasion, rebellion, or when federal laws cannot otherwise be executed. None of these circumstances exist in Oregon.

So now we wait. Portland Police will continue to maintain public order, protect free speech-because Portlanders have the right to protest peacefully, and affirm the truth that immigrants are valued members of our community.

Lastly, don't miss my interview with CNN's Brianna Keilar.

Downtown Parking Hours Rolling Back to 7 p.m.

We did it!

I am proud to announce that downtown's parking hours will roll back to 7 p.m. starting today.

The Portland Bureau of Transportation is pausing the 10 p.m. extension, with the exception of event nights at Providence Park and the MODA Center. In the Central Eastside Industrial District, the extended hours will remain in place to support storefront turnover for local businesses (at their request).

This is a huge win-for Portlanders, downtown, and for the democratic authority of City Council.
Here's how we got here: the parking fee increase came to Council, and I voted against it. I lost that vote-that's how democracy works. But the decision to extend hours to 10 p.m. never came before Council. Instead, it was inserted by the Mayor's office into the FY 2025-26. That is not how decisions that directly affect Portlanders' daily lives should be made. Council's role is to debate and vote on these matters so our communities are fully represented.

The timing of the extension was wrong. We are trying to bring people back downtown, not create another deterrent. In areas like the Central Eastside, targeted adjustments may make sense. But a one-size-fits-all policy doesn't work across the unique neighborhoods of Portland.

When the extension was first announced, I worked with the Mayor's team and PBOT to at least make it more practical by allowing people to pay for up to five hours after 5 p.m. But that wasn't enough. I pressed at Council that the extension should have been brought for a full vote-as should all decisions that directly impact the daily lives of Portlanders.

And because of that push, the city has now rolled back extended hours.

What's next: I will be introducing ordinances to restore Council's authority on this issue, and to permanently reverse the extended parking hours. When this agenda item comes to Council, I hope you'll join the discussion and share your thoughts during public testimony.

Unions, Unions, Unions

September started with Labor Day, where I joined Councilor Olivia Clark and workers across industries at the Northwest Oregon Labor Council picnic.

Thank you for having me.

Later, LiUNA gave me a tour of the Southwest Community Center in Gabriel Park. This place has it all-swimming, virtual reality gaming, yoga, skateboarding, weightlifting, and more. You could spend a whole summer here and never run out of things to do. None of this would be possible without the hard work of union members.

Thank you for all you do. I'll be back to try that waterslide.

Out and About

Goose Hollow Days: It was great to be back, this time as your City Councilor instead of on the campaign trail. Councilor Clark and I answered walk-up questions, visited booths, and I met a 24-year-old goose.

AIDS Walk Northwest: As a longtime supporter, my team and I joined the AIDS walk this year. With federal funding being cut from HIV/AIDS prevention programs, showing up in support now more than ever is important.

Hoyt Arboretum: A quick visit reminded me why this place is so special. 6,000 trees from around the world, including rare and endangered species. While I was there, 80 kids on field trips were learning and exploring. Seeing their excitement was the best part-craving a Lunchables afterward was the worst part.

Success Among Colleagues

On the dais, Councilor Morillo and I often butt heads. But outside of policy debates, we get along. And this month she had a huge win-advocating in D.C. for federal funding for Portland infrastructure. That means support for the Burnside and I-5 bridges, improvements along 82nd Avenue, and better transit.

Credit where it's due-great job Angelita.

What is Eric Eating?!

With the great weather we had in September, I stopped by the Midtown Beer Garden and ordered dumplings from Bing Mi. Super delicious and perfectly paired with a local pilsner.

See you next month,
Councilor Eric Zimmerman