Have you reviewed the recent “Our Creative Future” multi-county cultural plan (linked above)? Would you endorse the plan as a candidate?

Yes I would endorse this plan because it recognizes that the core strength of what makes Portland such a renowned destination is the community spirit that empowers us all! This is why my plans for an art mural district in downtown Portland that will spawn an economic rennaisance by providing tax incentives to businesses that provide both mural space and graffiti art space are so relevant, because they will bring pedestrian traffic and vibe to a dormant city. By re-opening the NW Cultural Center on Everett Street once home to thriving social outreach organiztions Food not Bombs, the Grey Panthers, and Loaves and Fishes; in tandem with lobbying the OLCC for marijuana cafes, which have proven very cash generating resources in Las vegas and Canada,bringing vibe, camaraderie, and jobs to a city that is lacking in these departments, along with a public speaker system playing NATURE sounds bringing calm and art as a deterrent to crime, homelessness and drug addiction. Our Creative Future would be an umbrella to all the aforementioned ideas of my campaign to bring a city together not apart in common purpose, spirit, vision, and timeslessnes of cause fo EVERYONE, always.

Portland is facing job losses, particularly in the downtown core. How can arts/culture workforce investments be part of a wider strategy to improve the workforce outlook for the region?

There are many ways that arts/culture/workforce investements can be a precious resource in the re-birth of this city. The most important foremost way as you can reference from my previous response is jobs, jobs, jobs! The downtown office vacancy rate in Portland is the highest in the nation. The business community is not doing their part in addressing the dormancy of District 4 downtown divisive issues, as ancillary businesses shutter, that relied on the pedestrian traffic of Portland being a “cool destination to live and visit. My programs for Dance Zones, Nature Sounds on speaker systems, graffiti art and murals, and getting Portland onboard with the cash cow revenue generating Marijuana Cafes and lobbys will bring art jobs tourists pedestrian traffic safe communities, community spirit, end of polariztion of income disparity discrimination, and inclusion of people’s skills and contributions of city financed programs for art, music, community that does not put a premium exlusively on money. And it will be open for eveyone like Pioneer Square that is open all hours of the day and night, not like the visionless or rather murky perspective of those that are spearheading Darcelle Plaza a legendary icon of inclusion whose plaza is locked.

Arts, culture, design and creative entrepreneurship are key elements of Portland’s national and regional brand. Portland has the fourth-highest concentration of artists in the nation, after New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. What policies or investments would you back to ensure that arts, culture and the creative economy are part of the city’s priorities in investments and new policies?

I fully support the Frog Ferry Line. The fact that Portland City Council has dropped the ball in bringing this connectivity to the city is appalling, quite offensive actually. Frog Ferry connects Cathedral Park and the Portland Downtown waterfront seamlessly. And with spurs in Vancouver and affordability. It brings life to a city that desperately seeks it. In my experience in Hong Kong 25x plus visiting as I have been there during the art infused celebration of openness of the Hu Jintao era I saw just how beloved the Star Ferry Line is to the business community, community spirit, tourism, all of it. And as a New Orleanian the ferry downtown brings life to the riverwalk, something that is a central feature of Portland the waterfront, which needs to be expanded upon. Plus my proposal for turing the WTC walkway into a premium tourist destination, and opening up skyscraper rooftops in downtown Portland this brings about tremendous economic growth. Living in Shanghai, I have witnessed the re-birth of beautiful Shanghai with plentiful observation decks in Pudong, and in Taiwan, Beijing, Osaka, and Kuala Lumpur. These are very simple solutions to bring art and business common in purpose resurrection rebirth rennaissance.

How do you see museums, cultural institutions, creative independent venues, nightlife and festivals as part of the downtown revitalization and general community stabilization?

For starters, city council has sold out the city to yet another corporate entity! Live Nation music venue facility is against the wishes of the art community, the music community, the local business community and the people of Portland. It is quite insulting that dysfunctional Portland city council sells out the people of Portland to the highest bidder. Live Nation is currently being sued by the Department of Justice and 40 states including Oregon for anti-trust law violations. MusicPortland opposed Live Nation because they stand up for Portlanders, not for corporatists that do not have our best interests at heart. Additionally so, why did North by Northwest go defunct when Austin’s SXSW continues to grow exponentially? The reson is because city government, and corporate entitiy cronies have all sold out the city to hedgefund and mega corporate entites. This would be solved with my election. I will put local interests first, with an art mural graffiti art district, marijuna lobbies and cafes, rooftop observation decks, WTC walkway development, NATURE sounds on speakers downtown, frog ferry connectivity affordably and greenly opening the waterfront on the water as part of the “Portland Experience”. Power to the people on the streets and plazas!

Portland is home to an incredibly diverse range of cultural organizations, artists co-ops, and small businesses that make our neighborhoods unique and distinct. What small business and cultural activation ideas do you have for Portland’s neighborhoods?

Coraline’s Cat Trail is a tremendous! It gives a spotlight to the Hillsboro art business that created it, promotes the movie, promotes the artists that created the 31 individual cats placed throughout the city, it brings tourism, there’s an app for like a dollar 50 it creates revenue, it promotes fitness and civic pride as it gets people walking all throughout the city to see areas of our beautiful city that a Portland resident like myself would not regularly if at all see otherwise. This inter-relationship of all the many artists and business community in common purpose is a role model for our city. Living Wage violations by the combined merging of Safeway/Fred Meyer Kroger corporate culture has made our small businesses, grocers, retailers, all the more important. I support Fred Meyers and New Seasons labor unions, removal of Amazon Just Walk Out from Moda Center, revoke license of Live Nation music facility, and Rip City Management needs to be held accountable for not declaring a peace agreement with city council which would foster an environment of relaxed conditions for Levy emplyees to have union representation, living wages, and ultimately local bussiness, better prices, better wages end to economic disparity.

Have you reviewed the recent “Our Creative Future” multi-county cultural plan (linked above)? Would you endorse the plan as a candidate?

Yes, It is a comprehensive document and I endorse it overall. We sorely need a city assessment, a SWOT analysis followed by a prioritization of what to tackle first. As an example from my own experience as a member of an 80-woman choir, I have learned that there are dozens of choirs around the city that no one seems to know about or understand their value. An assessment will help reveal the depth and breadth of arts & cultural organizations that are found throughout our City.

Portland is facing job losses, particularly in the downtown core. How can arts/culture workforce investments be part of a wider strategy to improve the workforce outlook for the region?

Arts & Culture workforce investments can play an important role in a larger strategy by stimulating economic growth, building transferable skills, foster inclusivity, revitalize downtown and strengthen our Portland “brand”. Viewing Arts & Culture not as an isolated sector but as a vital part of a broader workforce and economic ecosystem, we can build a more resilient and innovative regional economy.
Arts & Culture span a range of sectors, including visual & performing arts, design, film and media production. Expanding investments in these fields can create jobs not only for artists but also for the supportive roles like marketing, education and management. It can also create synergy in tourism and hospitality with our strong reputation as a creative hub.

Workforce investments will help us retain and attract talent in other sectors such as tech, healthcare, and education. If we align the arts sector with workforce development agencies, educational institutions and business we can create a broader, cohesive strategy to improve workforce outcomes.

Arts, culture, design and creative entrepreneurship are key elements of Portland’s national and regional brand. Portland has the fourth-highest concentration of artists in the nation, after New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. What policies or investments would you back to ensure that arts, culture and the creative economy are part of the city’s priorities in investments and new policies?

I am very interested in creating an arts & culture plan that incudes cultural districts such as those in San Francisco. Old Town would be a great place to start as it holds our identify and legacy. It sits at the crossroads of the convention center, tourist attractions and is a link to the cultural heritage of numerous marginalized groups.

I would encourage collaboration between the private sector, non profits and government to support creative industry through workforce development programs and small business support. Further, I would support tourism investments in public art, our festivals and cultural events.
Increased public funding would be ideal (grants and subsidies for local artists, cultural organizations and underrepresented communities) but must be measured in the context of what looks to be a very tight budget in 2025-26. I would also support efforts to explore alternative sources of revenue.

How do you see museums, cultural institutions, creative independent venues, nightlife and festivals as part of the downtown revitalization and general community stabilization?

Our museums and cultural institutions are the cornerstone of downtown. Along with creative independent venues, they are key to the revitalization of downtown Portland. Our nightlife and festivals are vibrant gathering spaces that draw residents and tourists, enhance our identity and foster social interaction. Our museums, cultural institutions, festivals and nightlife all bring the foot traffic that supports downtown restaurants and retail business as well as contributing to public safety Festivals and nightlife also attract more diverse crowds with programming that reflects our community. They create shared experiences and are part of the glue that holds us together. They promote economic growth, community engagement and recreate our downtown as a cultural hub and lively destination. In sum, they are critical to our downtown revitalization and community stabilization.

Portland is home to an incredibly diverse range of cultural organizations, artists co-ops, and small businesses that make our neighborhoods unique and distinct. What small business and cultural activation ideas do you have for Portland’s neighborhoods?

Portland neighborhoods thrive on their unique identities and own distrinct business districts. We could do more to foster neighborhood small businesses and cultural activations in order to enhance neighborhood vibrancy. One idea is to establish more “pop-up arts markets” where local artists and craftspeople can sell their work and showcase neighborhood talent. Our mural projects also beautify neighborhood spaces while engaging local artists and residents. Street fairs can highlight different cultural heritage, featuring food, music and local crafts. Why not promote “neighborhood art walks” to encourage exploration of different neighborhoods and hidden gems? A neighborhood storytelling initiative could also amplify diverse neighborhood voices and local cultural history. These are not all new ideas but they could be expanded to further support neighborhood businesses and strengthen community bonds. They could promote the unique qualities of each neighborhood. Campaigning in District 4 has introduced me to the kinds of activities I list here, events new to me that have not been broadly promoted across the City.

Have you reviewed the recent “Our Creative Future” multi-county cultural plan (linked above)? Would you endorse the plan as a candidate?

Yes, I will uplift and elevate this glorious 44 page homage to art, culture and improving our shared public realm. I have 2 art degrees and have always been associated with the arts, so I’m thrilled about this metro action plan and shared vision.

Portland is facing job losses, particularly in the downtown core. How can arts/culture workforce investments be part of a wider strategy to improve the workforce outlook for the region?

As City Councilor, I will propose one, if not more, “Entertainment Zones” as a means to stimulate the creative economy and bring people together, focusing on diversity and community through performance, comedy, dance, art, food and drinks – including “Alcohol to Go”. The brand-new Office of Arts and Culture will implement equity, diversity and inclusion – creating jobs for new artists, and artists with small businesses, as they will generate local representation, strengthening and developing a robust cultural scene that will attract visitors far and wide, with the hopes that some will stay permanently. I will advocate for easier and faster permitting for live/work lofts, commercial conversions and creative use spaces, specifically in Old Town and China Town. These two neighborhoods are creative, yet decrepit, and we must landmark and preserve our long-lasting legacy businesses, such as Darcelle XV Showplace, before it is lost to time. We have the sparkle, we just need to claim it! Portland’s art scene includes both day time and night time economies, jobs can be found in both, just bring your ideas to downtown!

Arts, culture, design and creative entrepreneurship are key elements of Portland’s national and regional brand. Portland has the fourth-highest concentration of artists in the nation, after New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. What policies or investments would you back to ensure that arts, culture and the creative economy are part of the city’s priorities in investments and new policies?

As an award-winning artist, born in Los Angeles, lived in San Francisco 34 years, visits New York as much as possible, and based on personal and professionalexperience, I believe I can bring creative solutions to Portland’s commitment to art, culture, design and creative entrepreneurship. To start, I will advocate for the landmarking and preservation of the Keller Auditorium, backed with the ever-powerful public petition. Secondly, I will stop the evil LiveNation/Ticketmaster from setting up shop in Portland. Portland’s independent music scene is world famous and must be protected and revered. If we let an unscrupulous corporation, like LiveNation build it’s venue in Central Eastside, Portlanders will suffer economically, creatively, environmentally as well as culturally. In 2019, Portland tax payers completed the $85 MILLION expansion at Providence Park. The historic and significant stadium seats, now, 31,000 attendees and last week’s “Green Day” concert was sold out. I’m thrilled that after a 20-year hiatus, rock shows have come back to Providence Park. District 4 has the largest performance venue in the entire metro area, whereas the Moda Center has only 17,000. These are jobs that bring people together to have fun, be inspired and can be accessed easily by MAX or bus.

How do you see museums, cultural institutions, creative independent venues, nightlife and festivals as part of the downtown revitalization and general community stabilization?

Portland is blessed to have a vibrant, creative, expansive culture. It can be found and enjoyed day and night, at small, intimate venues or grand stages and auditoriums. By focusing on downtown revitalization, it means that people should feel safe there 24/7/365. As councilor, I would enact a “GUN-FREE” zone in all of downtown with increased security, robust fine enforcement, and available medical and social services. As mentioned earlier, with the Entertainment Zones, individuals would access safe creative spaces via MAG-GATES, or metal detectors, so people can feel comfortable, have great experiences, and come back downtown, again and again, bringing their friends and visitors too. Rather than “Community Policing”, I think “Community Pleasing” would be the best route to general community stabilization and equitable investment.

Portland is home to an incredibly diverse range of cultural organizations, artists co-ops, and small businesses that make our neighborhoods unique and distinct. What small business and cultural activation ideas do you have for Portland’s neighborhoods?

In 2022, I was an artist-in-residence at a collective in San Francisco’s South of Market (SOMA). I lived with many younger individuals in a former hotel and we all shared responsibilities and cooked and shared meals. It was a beautiful experience. That summer I was a technical costumer on a world premiere at SF Opera, and I was extra inspired by my creative home life. I would like to see more young adults coming to downtown where they can come together, collaborate, challenge themselves and inspire others – all the while living with affordable housing and nominal expenses. Currently, Downtown has so many vacancies, its truly at the bottom the barrel. Artists have an opportunity to use the space, make it their own, and show it to the world. Along with food truck parks, murals, pop-up shops, and Makers and DIY Faires, Portland is well on its way but needs some government guidance and assistance to ensure the public safety is #1 and “Community Pleasing” is #2.

Have you reviewed the recent “Our Creative Future” multi-county cultural plan (linked above)? Would you endorse the plan as a candidate?

I have reviewed the plan. I appreciate the robust, region-wide public involvement, focus on equity, and strong public support for the arts that the plan shows. If anything, I’d like to dream a little bigger. My conversations with leaders in the arts suggest to me that shockingly small amounts of public money can catalyze big arts events – citywide comedy festivals, Fertile Ground, noticeable public art installations, etc.

Portland is facing job losses, particularly in the downtown core. How can arts/culture workforce investments be part of a wider strategy to improve the workforce outlook for the region?

Portland’s neighborhoods have historically been its greatest strength and driver of economic development. However, many of the neighborhoods in our central city have developed unevenly. My plan is to reform zoning, permitting, and economic incentives to grow the central city into a network of complete and connected neighborhoods that have access to parks, nature, arts, culture, recreation, and good jobs.

The arts play an important role in realizing this vision of “complete neighborhoods.” Our local theaters, tucked into neighborhoods all across Portland, should be treated with the same degree of reverence as the start-up incubators of the 2010s. I’m not sure we can attract a big media production company to relocate to Portland, but I’m confident that if we grow dozens of little companies, a few will flourish to become major creators of economic vitality.

Arts, culture, design and creative entrepreneurship are key elements of Portland’s national and regional brand. Portland has the fourth-highest concentration of artists in the nation, after New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. What policies or investments would you back to ensure that arts, culture and the creative economy are part of the city’s priorities in investments and new policies?

I’m open minded to lots of ideas, with a bias toward bottom-up ideas that platform and elevate the efforts of existing organizations, rather than top-down master plans designed by a central committee. For instance, I support Music Portland’s suggested reforms to sound codes, PATA’s efforts to grow Fertile Ground, and a plan to bring Kickstand’s Comedy in the Park to all four Districts. I’m also interested in San Francisco’s rent subsidies for arts organizations who locate within the central city.

How do you see museums, cultural institutions, creative independent venues, nightlife and festivals as part of the downtown revitalization and general community stabilization?

For too long we have made the mistake of planting a virtual monocrop of office buildings downtown. We need to build on the success of the Portland’5 venues, the Art Museum, ART, PCS, OHS, etc. and add spaces that attract visitors from all over the region and the world. This is an ideal use for ground floor space that wealthy developers are sitting on as they wait for Portland’s recovery.

A thriving nightlife is a key ingredient for a vibrant, growing city. I think it’s time to explore a “night mayor” (not to be confused with “nightmare”) position whose job it would be to liaise between the City and nightlife institutions and promote their growth.

Portland is home to an incredibly diverse range of cultural organizations, artists co-ops, and small businesses that make our neighborhoods unique and distinct. What small business and cultural activation ideas do you have for Portland’s neighborhoods?

In addition to the ideas outlined above, I want to emphasize the need to include the kinds of folks who aren’t always engaged in traditional arts and culture programming. The first group that comes to mind is our Somali population in SW Portland.

My campaign manager wants to have a game or a contest between the city’s officially recognized neighborhoods. Each neighborhood and its residents compete against others in a film festival, spoken word poetry slam, etc. Could that be a thing?

Thanks for your consideration!

Have you reviewed the recent “Our Creative Future” multi-county cultural plan (linked above)? Would you endorse the plan as a candidate?

Yes, I reviewed the multi-county cultural plan and endorse the plan as a candidate.

Portland is facing job losses, particularly in the downtown core. How can arts/culture workforce investments be part of a wider strategy to improve the workforce outlook for the region?

Investing in arts and culture training provides job creation, develops a skilled workforce, and will make Portland’s economy diverse, resilient, and vibrant.

Arts, culture, design and creative entrepreneurship are key elements of Portland’s national and regional brand. Portland has the fourth-highest concentration of artists in the nation, after New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. What policies or investments would you back to ensure that arts, culture and the creative economy are part of the city’s priorities in investments and new policies?

Arts and culture are the heart and soul of Portland. To ensure they continue to flourish, I would advocate for the following policies; Integrating arts and culture into our urban planning and development, providing affordable workspaces and studio options, and pouring support into arts education at all levels.

How do you see museums, cultural institutions, creative independent venues, nightlife and festivals as part of the downtown revitalization and general community stabilization?

With the arts being such an integral part of our city, they will play a vital role in revitalizing downtown, which is one of our priorities as council members. Cultural institutions and businesses generate revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, and concessions, which all contribute to our local economy. Investing in and supporting cultural offerings, Portland can create a vibrant downtown that is attractive to locals and visitors alike, while also preserving cultural heritages and supporting our local businesses.

Portland is home to an incredibly diverse range of cultural organizations, artists co-ops, and small businesses that make our neighborhoods unique and distinct. What small business and cultural activation ideas do you have for Portland’s neighborhoods?

Portland’s rich cultural tapestry offers unique opportunities for vibrant neighborhood activations. A few activations I would love to implement would be; Collaboration with local artists to create large-scale murals that reflect the neighborhood’s character—encouraging pop-up art galleries in vacant storefronts or public spaces to showcase our local artists and organizing annual AND seasonal festivals featuring local artists, musicians, and performers.

Have you reviewed the recent “Our Creative Future” multi-county cultural plan (linked above)? Would you endorse the plan as a candidate?

Yes and absolutely. As a Co-founder of the Oregon Arts and Culture Political Action Committee (artPAC) which I ran for 12 years, I was acutely aware of the deficiency in arts funding in our city and region as compared to comparable regions in the country. Our mission was to educate candidates for office about the critical importance of the arts and to support those who would commit to increasing arts funding. Additionally, as the first chair of the Arts Oversight Committee (overseeing the Arts Education and Access Fund), we developed metrics and accountability so that every K-5 school would have dedicated arts teachers and funds beyond that would go to arts organizations. I recognize now that it’s 12 years since its inception, we should be reviewing and evaluating the success of the fund and adjusting accordingly. I’m pleased to see this addressed in the plan.

I have been so happy to see this collaborative effort to develop a regional plan for the importance of arts and culture and engaging all levels of government to work towards a more equitable and vibrant arts culture which speaks to the heart and soul of our communities and to its economic engine.

Portland is facing job losses, particularly in the downtown core. How can arts/culture workforce investments be part of a wider strategy to improve the workforce outlook for the region?

Individual artists and makers as well as arts organizations, both large and small – many community based – are struggling to survive due to high costs, lack of affordable work and performance spaces and lack of funding support from government and even foundations who often support the larger organizations with less recognition of smaller ones. Reliance on individual donations is typically insufficient to meet the needs of an individual or organization. The $405 million expenditures generated in Portland, and the economic benefits derived from that could be significantly increased with further investments into our arts communities. That investment would serve to increase the viability and sustainability of arts related jobs and improve the workforce outlook.

Arts, culture, design and creative entrepreneurship are key elements of Portland’s national and regional brand. Portland has the fourth-highest concentration of artists in the nation, after New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. What policies or investments would you back to ensure that arts, culture and the creative economy are part of the city’s priorities in investments and new policies?

We must make increased funding a priority to help the wider arts community survive and thrive. Arts and culture will be a catalyst for revitalizing downtown, our central core and our neighborhoods. Activating vacant store fronts and other spaces is a first priority which will necessitate that the city work with property owners to develop incentives and subsidies to afford artists, makers and organizations opportunities to have spaces within which to operate and perform. This would also include opportunities for our highly renowned culinary industry, including support for the James Beard Public Market. Helping to jump start arts related businesses with free or highly subsidized rental rates for a period of time, as San Francisco is doing, can lead to a sustainable future for such organizations. I would also advocate that we establish a national marketing plan to promote Portland as an arts, culture and culinary hub. With an eventual world class renovated or new Keller Auditorium, the magnificent addition of the Rothko Pavilion at the Art Museum, the James Beard Market, the new headquarters for All Classical, Radio and the addition of a new music venue, we have many wins to help promote Portland as a major tourist attraction.

How do you see museums, cultural institutions, creative independent venues, nightlife and festivals as part of the downtown revitalization and general community stabilization?

I referenced some of this above and will say that these are all vital components to revitalize and stabilize our community. We must take a holistic approach by supporting all efforts to bring back a vibrant city. We have many independent venues and individuals across all areas of the city who must be included and supported in all efforts. This includes some very small community based and ethnic organizations that are often left out of opportunities to be part of our bigger picture.

Portland is home to an incredibly diverse range of cultural organizations, artists co-ops, and small businesses that make our neighborhoods unique and distinct. What small business and cultural activation ideas do you have for Portland’s neighborhoods?

As mentioned, all such organizations should be provided with funding and promotional support to help them create vibrant and fun neighborhoods. We can also connect neighborhoods to each other by promoting cross neighborhood cultural events that will bring more people together and foster a larger community spirit. Neighborhoods can also create pop up events in vacant store front spaces such as we did in the Pearl District with a series of jazz concerts and poetry reading events with Street Roots vendors who were able to display their creative talents and to connect with the community in a meaningful way. Holding events in neighborhood parks is another way to promote various activities that support arts and culture related organizations and individuals. Activities that include interactive arts experiences for children (and adults) also helps bring people together and taps into everyone’s creativity.

Have you reviewed the recent “Our Creative Future” multi-county cultural plan (linked above)? Would you endorse the plan as a candidate?

I hadn’t reviewed the cultural plan before receiving this questionnaire. I think that it is aligned with Portlander’s desire to live up to our ideals of equity, inclusion, and impactful diversity. I fully endorse the plan. Arts and culture are fundamental to the livability and health of our community. I would enthusiastically endorse the plan.

Portland is facing job losses, particularly in the downtown core. How can arts/culture workforce investments be part of a wider strategy to improve the workforce outlook for the region?

A major theme of my campaign has been revitalizing the downtown core. The reality is work from home is here to stay. Our goal needs to be making downtown Portland a creative entertaining destination and community that folks want to be in and live in.

Our local arts & entertainment industries are a major economic asset to Portland. We must grow our local talent and supportive industries and attract a diverse and inclusive community. Every economic and workforce goal for the city should be to attract industrious, creative people into starting or growing both their businesses and their families in Portland.

We need to invest in both workforce and infrastructure projects to drive the climate that will drive Portland’s long-term economy. That should cause and draw investment into Portland. I want to regrow confidence in Portland. Downtown Portland is a major portion of my District 4 and most of the nation views the entire state of Oregon through the skewed lens of the national narrative of Portland. We can work towards changing this national narrative of Portland by reigniting our tourism sector through both outside investment, government incentives and through empowering our neighborhoods.

Arts, culture, design and creative entrepreneurship are key elements of Portland’s national and regional brand. Portland has the fourth-highest concentration of artists in the nation, after New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. What policies or investments would you back to ensure that arts, culture and the creative economy are part of the city’s priorities in investments and new policies?

One of the key issues for all of Portland’s economy is the lack of affordable workforce and middle income housing. I’m a long time renter and I know the pain of seeing the rent balloon every year with another 10% coming next year.

How do you see museums, cultural institutions, creative independent venues, nightlife and festivals as part of the downtown revitalization and general community stabilization?

They are the cornerstone of a revitalized spirit of Portland. Our national image requires a vibrant westside.

Portland is home to an incredibly diverse range of cultural organizations, artists co-ops, and small businesses that make our neighborhoods unique and distinct. What small business and cultural activation ideas do you have for Portland’s neighborhoods?

Portland’s economy is fully dependent on small business.

Have you reviewed the recent “Our Creative Future” multi-county cultural plan (linked above)? Would you endorse the plan as a candidate?

Yes, I have reviewed the “Our Creative Future” multi-county cultural plan, and I deeply appreciate its vision for advancing arts and culture across our region. The plan’s emphasis on inclusivity, equitable access, and sustainable funding aligns with my values and my commitment to fostering a community where everyone can thrive through creative expression. I particularly support its goals of using arts and culture to address social challenges like homelessness and mental health, while also driving economic vitality. As a candidate, I endorse the plan and look forward to working alongside local leaders, artists, and community members to bring its vision to life.

Portland is facing job losses, particularly in the downtown core. How can arts/culture workforce investments be part of a wider strategy to improve the workforce outlook for the region?

Arts and culture workforce investments can play a transformative role in improving the overall workforce outlook for Portland and the surrounding region. By strategically integrating arts and culture into our economic development plans, we can address job losses—especially in the downtown core—and create pathways for sustainable growth.

First, the creative industries, including film, media production, design, and performing arts, are vital engines for economic activity. These sectors provide diverse job opportunities that span from production crews and artists to marketing professionals and event planners. By supporting workforce development in these fields, we can generate good-paying jobs that help stabilize our economy while attracting talent and businesses to the city.

Additionally, the arts and culture sector contributes to Portland’s identity and reputation as a creative hub. Productions like Portlandia and Grimm have showcased our city to global audiences, reinforcing its unique charm. Expanding investments in this sector will further position Portland as a destination for media production, which in turn boosts tourism, enhances local pride, and helps stimulate downtown businesses. By offering local incentives for creative industries, similar to successful models in other states, we can ensure that media productions continue to choose Portland as their base of operations.

Arts, culture, design and creative entrepreneurship are key elements of Portland’s national and regional brand. Portland has the fourth-highest concentration of artists in the nation, after New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. What policies or investments would you back to ensure that arts, culture and the creative economy are part of the city’s priorities in investments and new policies?

Arts, culture, design, and creative entrepreneurship are at the heart of Portland’s identity, and I believe that investing in these sectors is essential for our city’s future. To ensure that the creative economy remains a priority, I would back several key policies and investments that promote sustainability, accessibility, and growth in the arts.

First, I would support increasing funding for public arts programs and creative initiatives, ensuring that resources are available not only for large institutions but also for individual artists, small creative businesses, and grassroots organizations. Establishing or expanding local grants, similar to the Portland Arts Tax, with a focus on equity and inclusion, would provide necessary support for underrepresented and emerging artists.

Additionally, I would advocate for affordable live-work spaces for artists. Rising housing costs and limited access to creative spaces are major barriers for Portland’s artistic community. We can encourage adaptive reuse of vacant commercial spaces for studios and galleries.

Supporting creative entrepreneurship is also a priority. I would propose tax incentives and small business support programs specifically aimed at creative industries, helping creative, arts & culture entrepreneurs

How do you see museums, cultural institutions, creative independent venues, nightlife and festivals as part of the downtown revitalization and general community stabilization?

Museums, cultural institutions, creative independent venues, nightlife, and festivals are vital to downtown revitalization and the overall stability of our community. These cultural spaces bring people together, offer unique experiences, and foster a vibrant sense of connection, which is essential for a thriving downtown area.

Museums and cultural institutions attract a wide range of visitors, from locals to tourists, creating foot traffic that benefits nearby businesses and energizes the downtown core. They also serve as cultural anchors, offering educational and artistic experiences that enrich our community and highlight the diverse stories of Portland.

Independent venues, nightlife, and festivals contribute significantly to the local economy while providing spaces for creativity and self-expression. These venues give artists and performers a platform to connect with audiences, while festivals offer opportunities for people to gather, celebrate, and engage with one another. Together, they enhance the cultural fabric of the city, bringing life to the streets and helping to create a sense of belonging for all residents.

Portland is home to an incredibly diverse range of cultural organizations, artists co-ops, and small businesses that make our neighborhoods unique and distinct. What small business and cultural activation ideas do you have for Portland’s neighborhoods?

Portland’s diverse cultural organizations, artist co-ops, and small businesses make each neighborhood unique. To support these communities, here are a few ideas for cultural and small business activation:

Small Business Collaborations: Encouraging local businesses to partner on joint events, like gallery nights or readings, would foster a sense of community and increase foot traffic.

Street Festivals and Block Parties: Hosting neighborhood festivals with live music, food vendors, and cultural performances would bring people together while supporting local businesses.

Creative Murals and Public Art: Partnering with local artists to create public art and murals would enhance neighborhood spaces and reflect each area’s unique character.

Cultural Walks or Tours: Offering tours of local art, history, and small businesses would showcase the richness of Portland’s neighborhoods.

These initiatives would strengthen community bonds and support local economies.

Have you reviewed the recent “Our Creative Future” multi-county cultural plan (linked above)? Would you endorse the plan as a candidate?

Yes I read the plan and would endorse it.

Portland is facing job losses, particularly in the downtown core. How can arts/culture workforce investments be part of a wider strategy to improve the workforce outlook for the region?

Arts and culture are vital to the growth of any thriving city. As an artist myself, I have several ideas.

Firstly, an Art Basel type event would be phenomenal for the tri-county area. The annual art festival brings in $400-500 million to the Miami metro area, attracts 60,000-79,000 people and creates 41,000 jobs each year. It would boost hotel, restaurant and retail revenues, draw in a younger demographic to the area, and activate empty commercial retail spaces in the downtown core and throughout the Portland Metro area.

Secondly, I’d also be open to enlisting graffiti artists for public art projects. Instead of criminalizing them, use their talents to capture cultural touchpoints and tastefully beautify our city and neighborhoods.

Lastly, as more film productions continue to be done outside of Hollywood, it’s time for Portland to get in on the action in a meaningful way. I’d call for the state, county and city to offer incentives for film productions that shoot here. I’d also suggest an art/film tax increment financing (TIF) district to Prosper Portland. I think the Montgomery Park building and surrounding area would be a fantastic location for such a TIF district.

Arts, culture, design and creative entrepreneurship are key elements of Portland’s national and regional brand. Portland has the fourth-highest concentration of artists in the nation, after New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. What policies or investments would you back to ensure that arts, culture and the creative economy are part of the city’s priorities in investments and new policies?

I am a big supporter of goals four and five of the Our Creative Future plan. I would support the city buying properties and converting them into artist residences with space large enough for them to work and host events. I believe it’s vital to get “buy-in” from local businesses big and small in supporting the creative economy to have a robust community. It is absolutely necessary to have a well regarded and thriving arts and culture community in order to attract a younger diverse demographic to the Portland Metro area.

How do you see museums, cultural institutions, creative independent venues, nightlife and festivals as part of the downtown revitalization and general community stabilization?

All of these venues and events are brilliant ways to encourage the revitalization of the downtown core and support overall community stabilization. We must look for ways to entice a younger and diverse demographic to relocate to the Portland Metro area as we are encountering rapid aging amongst a mostly homogenized population. Fresh ideas, viewpoints and backgrounds are vital to having a robust inclusive community. Bringing costs down when it comes to the public getting city event permits will also be an important factor to ensure a distinct variety of cultural events.

Portland is home to an incredibly diverse range of cultural organizations, artists co-ops, and small businesses that make our neighborhoods unique and distinct. What small business and cultural activation ideas do you have for Portland’s neighborhoods?

As I mentioned earlier, when I am elected to Portland City Council, I would suggest Travel Portland host an Art Basel type event that encompasses the Portland Metro area. Though the main activities would be focused on the downtown core, neighborhoods throughout the Metro area would be invited to host various events that support the overall central event.

I would encourage more public art projects. I am always surprised by the lack of public art throughout the city and given the variety of neighborhoods, it would be a simple and profound way for each neighborhood to create a distinction of its’ own.

I would like to see improved promotion of neighborhood events through the use of city and city leadership’s social media accounts. As city leaders, we need to be the first ones to buy tickets and promote local events on our personal social media accounts.

Have you reviewed the recent “Our Creative Future” multi-county cultural plan (linked above)? Would you endorse the plan as a candidate?

Yes, this is a very well researched plan that looks at how the community would like to be served. It makes a strong case for the ways that the arts (and access to the arts) supports all other areas of community. Thank you for all the community mobilization that went into this effort.

Portland is facing job losses, particularly in the downtown core. How can arts/culture workforce investments be part of a wider strategy to improve the workforce outlook for the region?

Jobs in arts and culture are often very fulfilling and exciting roles for individuals to be in, and if they were supported to some degree by the government and access widened to ensure equity to these positions, then we could create a more thriving space for tourism, community health, and expression.

I’d like to see these changes take place alongside strategies such as commercial conversions to artist spaces and living spaces to bolster a sense of community throughout our city. That way, we could have unique living and working spaces that allow for people to take pride in where they are, make those spaces more beautiful as a collective, and create novel opportunities for micro venues and galleries on the ground floor.

Arts, culture, design and creative entrepreneurship are key elements of Portland’s national and regional brand. Portland has the fourth-highest concentration of artists in the nation, after New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. What policies or investments would you back to ensure that arts, culture and the creative economy are part of the city’s priorities in investments and new policies?

We currently have the arts tax, and I would support the suggestion that it can be expanded and supported to have more equitable outcomes. I have heard from many households that the art tax is a little confusing, so if there is a way to streamline it and make it part of the way we file state and federal taxes, there may be fewer fines for people who are surprised that they need to file for a city tax as well, making it a more accessible process.

Additionally, I’d like to see subsidized spaces for artists to work and share studio space so they can afford to pursue their art. And, in order to prevent artists from being priced out, the City needs a massive zoning overhaul so it is possible to build more densely and create more apartment complexes with more robust access to transit and other necessities.

I also want to support a diversity of locally owned and operated venue options for concerts and other events so we do not fall into the hegemony that is LiveNation and TicketMaster.

How do you see museums, cultural institutions, creative independent venues, nightlife and festivals as part of the downtown revitalization and general community stabilization?

As a society, we have deprioritized “third spaces,” spaces outside of work or home where we can visit with friends and have experiences. By keeping those third spaces alive and improving access to them, we can begin to remedy our crisis of connection.

I especially appreciate festivals and other events that are free of charge, such as some of those offered in Pioneer Square. Helping our city maintain a lively atmosphere will help us shine and contribute to the greater artistic landscape.

Portland is home to an incredibly diverse range of cultural organizations, artists co-ops, and small businesses that make our neighborhoods unique and distinct. What small business and cultural activation ideas do you have for Portland’s neighborhoods?

With the help of zoning reform, we can improve our ability to have quirky mixed-use spaces such as ground-level coffee shops and upper floor artist spaces or living spaces. I am also interested in advocating to bring back the fare-free zone in downtown Portland to encourage people to use more transit to access these businesses.

Additionally, I’d like to streamline the permitting process for business and allow for more edge cases so it is simpler to operate a business out of your home or apartment.

Have you reviewed the recent “Our Creative Future” multi-county cultural plan (linked above)? Would you endorse the plan as a candidate?

Yes, I have thoroughly reviewed the “Our Creative Future” cultural plan. I believe it lays out an important and comprehensive vision for supporting and growing the arts, culture, and creative economy across our region.

Absolutely, I endorse the “Our Creative Future” plan and would make its implementation a key priority if elected to the Portland City Council. The plan aligns closely with my own vision for supporting and elevating the arts in our community.

Some of the key elements I support include:

• Increased public and private investment in arts and cultural organizations
• Improved access to arts education and engagement for underserved communities
• Policies and programs to retain and grow creative jobs and businesses
• Better coordination and partnerships between municipalities, arts groups, and other stakeholders

As a city councilor, I would work closely with regional leaders to ensure Portland is doing its part to bring this ambitious cultural plan to life. The arts are a vital part of what makes Portland such a vibrant and livable city, and I am committed to supporting and growing this essential sector.

Portland is facing job losses, particularly in the downtown core. How can arts/culture workforce investments be part of a wider strategy to improve the workforce outlook for the region?

As a candidate for Portland City Council, I believe strategic investments in the arts and cultural sector can be a vital part of a comprehensive workforce development strategy. The arts and culture industries are important economic engines that provide high-quality jobs, but have been hit hard by recent disruptions.

My plan includes skills training and apprenticeship programs, partnering with local organizations to create tailored training for creative and cultural roles. I also propose small business and entrepreneur support, ensuring artists and creatives have access to the resources required to start, sustain, and grow their enterprises.

The city should actively recruit and support arts-related businesses, nonprofits, and organizations, offering incentives and curating creative hubs. Finally, by bridging the arts with other industries like technology and tourism, we can unlock new opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and job creation. Through these strategic investments, we can support and grow this vital part of our workforce.

Arts, culture, design and creative entrepreneurship are key elements of Portland’s national and regional brand. Portland has the fourth-highest concentration of artists in the nation, after New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. What policies or investments would you back to ensure that arts, culture and the creative economy are part of the city’s priorities in investments and new policies?

As a candidate for Portland City Council, I recognize the critical role that arts, culture, design, and the creative economy play in Portland’s identity and economic vitality. Our city’s thriving creative sector is a source of immense pride and a key part of what makes Portland an attractive place to live, work, and visit.

I would advocate for:

• Increased funding for the arts, especially critical in light of the information you provided that grants to art organizations and individual artists has declined by an inflation adjusted amount of 6% in a recent 5-year period. At the same time, there has been a substantial increase in other city spending. Increased funding would allow an expansion of grants, programs, and initiatives that support individual artists, arts organizations, and creative businesses.
• Expanded creative workforce development.
• Affordable artist live/workspaces, and initiatives to spotlight Portland’s creative brand.

The arts, culture, and creative economy are core threads in the fabric of our city, and as your City Council representative, I will be a champion for policies and investments that nurture this vital sector and ensure Portland continues to thrive as a creative capital.

How do you see museums, cultural institutions, creative independent venues, nightlife and festivals as part of the downtown revitalization and general community stabilization?

As a candidate for Portland City Council, I recognize the vital role that arts, culture, and creative venues play in the vibrancy and revitalization of our downtown and broader community. Museums, cultural institutions, independent music/performance spaces, festivals, and a thriving nightlife are essential to attracting residents, businesses, and visitors to our city center.

These institutions and events don’t just provide entertainment – they foster community, celebrate our diversity, drive economic activity, and enhance Portland’s reputation as a hub of creativity and innovation. As a councilor, I will work to ensure that the city’s policies and investments actively support the growth and stability of this crucial sector.

On a personal level, my wife and I are members of both the Portland Arts Museum, and PDX Jazz, and know well what both contribute to our city in so many ways.

Portland is home to an incredibly diverse range of cultural organizations, artists co-ops, and small businesses that make our neighborhoods unique and distinct. What small business and cultural activation ideas do you have for Portland’s neighborhoods?

I have deep appreciation for the vibrant arts, culture, and small business scene that makes our neighborhoods so unique and special. If elected to the City Council, I will champion policies and programs to directly support these creative and entrepreneurial efforts at the neighborhood level.

Some key ideas I’m excited to pursue include:

• Expanding the city’s support for small business, including by making sure that arts and culture small businesses are one focus of the city’s new Office of Small Business.
• Streamlining permitting and zoning processes to make it easier for artist collectives, cultural centers, and community-serving small businesses to open and thrive.
• Partnering with neighborhood associations and other community organizations to curate and promote local ‘shop small’ initiatives, street fairs and art walks like the Pearl’s First Thursdays, music performances in the parks and other activations that celebrate our diverse communities.

By directly empowering our local small businesses and cultural innovators, we can ensure Portland’s neighborhoods remain vibrant hubs of creativity, community, and economic opportunity for all.