City Council Prepares for First Reading of 'Campesinos Boulevard' Ordinance

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 1, 2026

PORTLAND, OR - The Portland City Council is scheduled to hold the first reading for Ordinance 2026-243 on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The proposed legislation authorizes the renaming of Northeast and Southeast César E. Chávez Boulevard to Campesinos Boulevard, shifting the corridor's designation to honor the collective labor movement, farmworkers, and Latinx community members whose contributions sustain the region.

Introduced by Councilor Loretta Smith alongside co-sponsors on the council, the ordinance addresses community concerns while seeking an equitable path forward that preserves recognition of the broader farmworker and labor movement rather than centering designation on a single individual.

The September 2 council session marks the primary opportunity for community members to submit verbal and written public testimony. Councilor Smith issued an appeal for thoughtful dialogue and unity across the city.

"This measure is fundamentally about honoring the collective strength, dignity, and intergenerational labor of the farmworkers-the campesinos-who feed our families and build our communities every day," said Councilor Loretta Smith. "I recognize that renaming a major city street brings strong emotions, logistical considerations, and deep civic debate. As we approach the September 2nd session, I am appealing to all Portlanders for understanding, mutual respect, and unity. Our goal is to ensure our public spaces reflect values that unite us, center working people, and allow us to heal and move forward together."

The ordinance includes provisions directing the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) to manage the signage updates within six months, minimizing operational costs while facilitating a smooth transition for local residents and business owners along the corridor.

Public Participation Details for September 2, 2026

Members of the public wishing to offer testimony on Ordinance 2026-243 during the September 2 session must register in advance through the City Council agenda portal:

• First Reading Date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026
• Verbal Testimony Registration: Opens Friday, August 28, 2026, at 9:00 AM PDT. Registration closes one hour prior to the meeting start.
• Written Testimony: Submissions can be uploaded directly via the official City Council document portal prior to the meeting.

Following the first reading and public testimony on September 2, the final vote on the ordinance will take place during the second reading session the following week.

About the Office of Councilor Loretta Smith

The Office of Councilor Loretta Smith is committed to transparent governance, equitable public policy, and centering worker rights, civic inclusion, and economic opportunity across all Portland neighborhoods.

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