Committee outlines goals to coordinate Portland’s legislative agenda with state delegation

Mayor Mark Don and committee members discussed three principal goals: (1) redesigning how the city sets its legislative agenda in concert with the Portland delegation; (2) working with delegation members so that each carries at least one city‑priority bill aligned to their committee assignments; and (3) establishing a cycle of meetings with board and committee chairs so the committee can better define selection criteria for appointments.

Members suggested targeted briefings for delegation members tied to their committee roles and earlier engagement in the legislative calendar so city priorities can be advanced more strategically. A staff member (S7) said they would compile the meeting notes into a document and share it with Councilor Grant and absent Councilor Sykes for review before posting the agenda.

Why it matters: Strengthening coordination with state delegation and clarifying appointment criteria can increase the likelihood that city priorities are advanced at the state level and improve board appointment outcomes.

What’s next: Staff will produce the document and circulate it for review; the committee will refine goals and proposed language for the public agenda.