PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Portland Mayor Keith Wilson marked his first nine months in office by reaffirming his ambitious pledge to eliminate unsheltered homelessness within a year, while also addressing concerns about shelter capacity, downtown revitalization, and the city’s national image.
A Pledge to End Unsheltered Homelessness
Wilson, who entered politics as a newcomer, made headlines during his campaign when he vowed to end unsheltered homelessness in Portland within his first year. In an interview on KATU’s Your Voice, Your Vote segment, he said that commitment remains his central focus.
“I’ve done the research, I’ve gathered a national team,” Wilson said, emphasizing that the work underway is aimed at meeting his self-imposed deadline. He acknowledged the scale of the challenge but insisted that Portland has both the expertise and the resources to make meaningful progress.
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Shelter Capacity and Services
A key piece of Wilson’s strategy is expanding access to shelters. He addressed questions about whether the city’s overnight and day shelters are sufficient to meet the demand, especially as colder months approach.
Wilson argued that the city is moving toward a system where individuals will not have to rely on unsafe encampments or derelict vehicles for shelter. “We want to make sure that no one is forced to live on the streets,” he said.
Responding to National Criticism
Portland’s struggles with homelessness and public safety have often been spotlighted in national conversations, with critics describing the city as chaotic or in decline. Wilson pushed back against those portrayals, singling out comments by President Donald Trump.
“President Trump will often talk about how Portland is on fire,” Wilson said. “We know it’s not.” He added that while the city faces challenges, it remains far from the “war zone” image sometimes painted in national media.
Reviving Downtown Portland
Wilson also spoke about efforts to breathe new life into downtown Portland, which has faced setbacks from the pandemic, ongoing protests in recent years, and business closures. His administration is working on initiatives to attract businesses, improve safety, and restore confidence among residents and visitors.
The mayor stressed that downtown remains a vital hub for the city’s economic and cultural life, and its recovery is central to Portland’s future.
Federal Intervention Concerns
Another topic raised was the possibility of federal intervention in city affairs, particularly around protests and immigration enforcement near Portland’s ICE facility. Wilson said he is committed to ensuring that local law enforcement and city policies, not federal crackdowns, guide Portland’s response to demonstrations and public safety.
“We’re protecting free speech while keeping people safe,” Wilson said, noting that local leadership is better suited to handle Portland’s unique circumstances.
Looking Ahead
With just three months left to meet his one-year homelessness goal, Wilson acknowledged the challenges ahead but insisted the city is on the right path.
“Portland is not broken,” he said. “We’re working every day to make sure it becomes the city we know it can be.”
