Mayor Wilson proclaims Welcoming Week 2026

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In accordance with this acknowledgement, we recognize:

Whereas, the City of Portland recognizes the vital contribution that immigrants and refugees make to our culturally vibrant, prosperous, and multicultural community; and

Whereas, immigrants and refugees have long enriched Portland through their cultures, languages, arts, traditions, talents, entrepreneurship, civic participation, and contributions to the social, creative and economic vitality of our city; and

Whereas, regardless of where we are born or how we identify, we are Portlanders, and our lives are interdependent. By fostering a welcoming environment for all - regardless of immigration status, race, ethnicity, place of origin, language, religion, income, gender, sexual orientation, ability, age, and other factors - we ensure Portland's health and prosperity for current and future generations; and

Whereas, people from around the world come to Portland to help make our city a place where diverse cultures, experiences, and perspectives are valued and celebrated; and

Whereas, immigrant and refugee communities are an integral part of Portland's lively fabric, contributing to our neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, businesses, arts, and civic life; and

Whereas, Portland is a member of Welcoming America, a national nonprofit, and a network of local governments and nonprofits around the nation and world, to pledge to become a welcoming place for new and long-term residents alike; and

Whereas, the City of Portland is once again leading the way by hosting Welcoming Week for the seventh year, with the 2026 theme, "From Arrival to Belonging: Centering Community Voices & Building Welcoming Systems," reaffirming our commitment to creating a city where immigrants, refugees, and all community members can participate, contribute, and belong;

Now, therefore, I, Keith Wilson, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the "City of Roses," do hereby proclaim September 10, 2026, to be Welcoming Week and hereby declare that the City of Portland, Oregon to be a community that welcomes all.