November 25, 2015

Thanksgiving is a time when we gather with friends and loved ones and reflect on the blessings in our lives.

Over the past year, I’ve been inspired by the power of people doing great things in our community. Here are three examples:  

• Gretchen Kafoury, Debbie Aiona, Susan Emmons, Margaret Bax, Jes Larson and other housing advocates, who challenged the City to honor its promise to build more affordable homes in South Waterfront.

• City utility employees and public safety officers, who provided support and assistance to the people of Roseburg in their time of need.

• The dream team from Portland Parks & Recreation, the Bureau of Environmental Services, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the neighborhood who worked together to restore Crystal Springs Creek in Southeast Portland.

These snapshots of 2015 remind us of the true meaning of Thanksgiving – love, service, and gratitude.