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Name: James Armstrong
Neighborhood: Woodlawn
Renter/homeowner: Homeowner
Education: B.S. Economics, University of Oregon (2006); Masters Business Administration, Marylhurst University (2009)
Occupation: Co-founder/General Manager: Alberta Eye Care, Cathedral Eye Care, Eyestrong Pediatric Eye Care; Director: Development Specialists, Inc.
How long you’ve lived in the city of Portland: 11 years (18 in metro area)
Age: 39 until October 6th, then 40
Pronouns: He/him
Portland is facing a historic election involving a new voting system and an unusually high number of candidates. Journalists at The Oregonian/OregonLive and Oregon Public Broadcasting share a goal of ensuring that Portland voters have the information they need to make informed choices, and we also know candidates’ time is valuable and limited.
That’s why the two news organizations teamed up this cycle to solicit Portland City Council candidates’ perspectives on the big issues in this election. Here’s what they had to say:
For each of the following questions, we asked candidates to limit their answers to 150 words.
Name two existing city policies or budget items you’d make it a priority to change. Why did you select those and how do you plan to line up at least 7 votes on the council to make them happen? Please avoid broad, sweeping statements and instead provide details.
Recent reporting by Street Roots revealed about 35% of 911 dispatch calls are non-emergencies. The Portland Police Bureau’s FY 2023-24 budget highlights chronic understaffing as a major challenge. Given the success of Portland Street Response in handling non-threatening calls, I propose reallocating $10-20 million of PPB unfilled personnel positions to fully integrate PSR into the PPB. A portion of the PSR budget should be specifically allocated to provide case management over the small percentage of individuals that take up a majority of the essential service calls.
Regarding the $20 million budgeted for Prosper Portland, I propose strict limits on administrative costs, prioritizing direct spending on business supporting projects equally across all four districts. This proposal is informed by my experience as a small business leader, where I’ve seen a lack of direct impact and localized support from Prosper Portland. My focus is ensuring these funds create tangible small business support.
What previous accomplishments show that you are the best pick in your district? Please be specific.
I’ve proven myself as a leader in our community by growing three successful small businesses within my district, all of which continue to thrive and expand. In 2023, our pediatric clinic was honored with the Comcast RISE award for our work serving low-income children and communities of color. I also spearheaded a renegotiation with CareOregon to increase reimbursements for Medicaid eye services, reversing years of disinvestment in low-income children’s eye care in Multnomah County.
I led Alberta Main Street and co-founded the St. Johns Safety & Livability Committee. As an advocate for local businesses, I understand the nuances of operating in our current environment. I also understand the importance of responsible city spending and, as a forensic accountant, I have the expertise to analyze complex financial issues and investigate the misuse of public funds. My experience positions me to tackle our city’s challenges and deliver real results for our residents.
Related: What you need to know about voting in Oregon and Southwest Washington
Portland is on track to permit the fewest number of multifamily units in 15 years and remains thousands of units below what’s needed to meet demand. What steps would you take to dramatically and quickly increase the availability of housing?
Portland’s zoning reforms have made some progress but face challenges due to rising interest rates and difficulties securing outside investments for major housing projects. Onerous permitting processes and restrictive regulations also delay progress. While recent positive steps—like fully funding inclusionary zoning—are helping, we must do more.
Montgomery County, Maryland, offers a model to consider: a revolving low-interest loan program for building mixed-income apartments. This approach is on track to create thousands of homes, many affordable, with minimal long-term public subsidy. If Portland shifts some of our affordable housing efforts to this model, we can build more, increase economic integration, and reduce costs to the city.
The support of catalytic investments such as the Albina Vision Trust and Lloyd Mall Redevelopment, have the opportunity to generate significant housing production in our city. On council I will support these and other demand-driven initiatives to support investment in our city.
The next City Council is going to have to make some very difficult decisions regarding what to fund and how. What essential services must the city provide and how should the city sustainably fund them?
A recent Oregon Values and Beliefs Center poll found that 88% of voters consider Infrastructure and essential public safety services to be the most crucial city services. According to PBOT, we face approximately $3.5 billion in deferred maintenance in our city infrastructure. Some issues are small and local to voters, like potholes and street signs. While others affect larger portions of the city, like bridge repair and road closures. We need to start chipping away at this backlog, and protect ourselves from the dangers of a failing infrastructure.
Approximately 27% of our net city budget is categorized as contingency. Looking back historically, actual city spending often falls below the contingency budgeted amount, leaving unspent funds that can exceed 40% of the net proposed budget. While I appreciate the conservative budgeting approach, I propose allocating 3-5% (approximately $75 million) of each bureau’s contingency budget to shovel-ready deferred maintenance projects.
Portlanders have approved many tax measures in the past decade – supporting affordable housing, free preschool programs and green energy initiatives. Are there specific taxes or levies you want eliminated or would choose to not renew? Are there specific taxes or levies you would support creating? Why?
I support reviewing whether the Portland Arts tax should be repealed. While not the largest burden, the tax’s complicated reporting and collection frustrates many residents. Voters recently rated public arts and cultural events as the least important priority, despite ranking them second-highest in quality after parks. To better allocate resources toward essential services, ending the Arts Tax may be necessary.
Additionally, the city should explore expanding the Enhanced Service District (ESD) tax model to retail districts outside of the central city core. ESD’s fund services like cleaning and security in key areas, and could also be used for local marketing and placemaking. Imposing local taxes on vacant commercial buildings could also encourage development, leading to less vacant storefronts along these corridors. Increasing the activity in retail districts can act as a deterrent to petty theft and property crime. Over time, ESD funds could shift from public safety to placemaking efforts.
Do you have any concerns with the changes coming to city elections and city governance? If so, what would you like to see change?
I am concerned with the current staffing proposal for the new city council. I disagree with the transition team’s assumption that constituent concerns will be directed at bureau staff, and not at the new council members. Voters chose our new district representation for a reason, and the council members need to be responsive to the concerns of their district.
An example of proper council staffing would include: a policy advisor, a communications and constituent coordinator, and part-time support from an office administrator, which could be shared among multiple council members. With just one staffer, any unexpected medical or family emergency could leave the council member without crucial support. It’s essential for elected officials to remain informed on all city policies while still addressing the needs of their constituents. This structure ensures they have the resources to do both effectively, without risking gaps in coverage.
Related: Issues important to Oregon voters
For the five remaining questions, we asked candidates to answer in 50 words or fewer:
Do you favor arresting and jailing people who camp on public property in Portland who refuse repeated offers of shelter, such as the option to sleep in a city-designated tiny home cluster?
The encampments serve nobody’s interest, least of all the houseless. If the millions of regional dollars spent begin to offer sufficient and diverse shelter options, individuals who refuse services may require additional compulsory measures to encourage their participation. But jail should only be for individuals willfully violating community safety standards.
Would you vote yes on a proposal to fund hundreds more police officers than the City Council has already authorized? Why or why not? How would the city pay for it?
We are unable to recruit and retain officers at the current budgeted levels. Similar sized cities operate with greater numbers of sworn officers and significantly lower personnel budgets. We need to understand why our system is not operating at full capacity, then we can address whether additional funding is necessary.
Do you support putting the Clean Energy Fund measure back on the ballot? What, if any changes, would you support?
I support investments in reducing the effects of climate change and restorative justice for communities disproportionately affected. I agree with Commissioner Rubio’s approach of using PCEF funds towards certain city initiatives that meet those criteria. If that remains an option, I do not support placing PCEF back on the ballot.
Related: Listen to 'OPB Politics Now'
Which would you prioritize: Creation of more protected bike lanes and priority bus lanes or improved surfacing of existing degraded driving lanes?
My priority for transportation is safety. Protected bike lanes reduce collisions and injuries by 30-50%, including for cars. We also need to pair investments in priority bus lanes with improved transit safety measures to get ridership back up. These investments will also reduce wear and tear on existing driving lanes.
Have the problems impacting downtown Portland received too much or too little attention from current city leaders? Why?
Too little. City leaders often downplay the severity to maintain a positive image. Portland’s vibrant downtown can be the city’s lifeblood again, but more urgent and comprehensive action is needed to tackle homelessness, crime, and revitalization, as current efforts lack the necessary focus and solutions to effectively address these challenges.