City Council to Vote on Immigration Legal Services and Racial Justice Resolution

City Council Convenes for Afternoon Session on Social Equity and Legal Funding

Portland city leaders are scheduled to meet this afternoon, Thursday, February 26, 2026, for a regular session of the City Council. The meeting, which begins at 2:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, features a heavy focus on social justice initiatives, immigration support, and municipal code updates. This session serves as a critical point for the council to address community-wide priorities through both commemorative actions and legislative amendments.

Racial Justice and Refugee Support on the Agenda

One of the primary items before the council today is Resolution 2026-094, introduced by Councilor Candace Avalos. This resolution seeks to officially commemorate the life of George Floyd and serves as a formal reaffirmation of the City of Portland’s ongoing commitment to racial justice. The resolution is expected to draw public testimony as the city reflects on its civil rights progress and future objectives under its current leadership structure.

In addition to the commemorative resolution, the council will consider an ordinance to provide immediate financial support for vulnerable populations. Introduced by Councilor Elana Pirtle-Guiney, Ordinance 2026-053 proposes an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2025–26 Appropriation Schedule. If passed, the measure would reallocate $150,000 from the Legal Priorities Reserve Fund specifically to bolster refugee and immigration legal services. This funding is intended to provide critical legal aid to individuals navigating the complex immigration system within the Portland metro area, ensuring equitable access to legal representation.

Campaign Finance and Climate Committee Actions

The legislative agenda also includes a significant update to local election oversight. Auditor Simone Rede has introduced Ordinance 2026-055, which aims to amend the Campaign Finance Code. The amendment is designed to maintain the enforcement of voter-approved regulations in light of recent court orders, ensuring that the city’s transparency and contribution limits remain robust and legally sound for future election cycles.

Earlier today, the Climate, Resilience, and Land Use Committee held a hearing to discuss item 2026-087, introduced by Mayor Keith Wilson. This proposal, developed in coordination with the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, addresses long-term resilience and land-use strategies. It represents a key priority for the Wilson administration’s environmental agenda and focuses on adapting city infrastructure to changing climate conditions.

Participation and Viewing Information

The afternoon session is being conducted as a hybrid meeting, allowing for both in-person attendance at City Hall and virtual participation via video conference. For residents wishing to provide testimony, registration for in-person speaking remains open until the specific agenda item is called. The city continues to accept written testimony online for all items under consideration.

Members of the public can watch the proceedings live through the City’s YouTube channel, the Open Signal website, or on cable television via Xfinity channels 30 and 330. The session is expected to conclude by 5:00 p.m. following the final votes on the scheduled ordinances and resolutions.