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portlanddsa.bsky.social
Portland DSA
@portlanddsa.bsky.social
3.3K followers 210 following 230 posts
Democratic Socialists of America of Portland, OR. We reject all forms of exploitation & oppression and organize with the goal of ending capitalism. linktr.ee/portlanddsa
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portlanddsa.bsky.social
Welp, it looks like the Portland Metro Chamber’s solidarity with the community against ICE and a federal invasion ends at charging an impact fee to property owners who would rent their properties to detention facilities that harm neighbors & drain public resources.

Can’t say that we’re surprised!
November 18, 2025 Honorable Portland Council President Elana Pirtle-Guiney and Councilors, We write to express our opposition to the Detention Facility Impact Fee. While we understand your motivation for proposing such an ordinance, we write to ask you to consider the long-tterm implications and unintended consequences of this proposal. The Portland Metro Chamber (The Chamber) is greater Portland's Chamber of Commerce and represents the largest, most diverse network of businesses in the region. The Alliance advocates for business at all levels of government to support commerce, community health and the region's overall prosperity. We represent more than 2,100 members, from 27 counties, 13 states and virtually every industry sector. More than 80% of our members are small businesses We share your concerns with the current federal administration's antagonistic approach to our community, and we were grateful that half the members of this council joined over 175 elected officials and organizations signing on to our call to action for a unified voice of opposition to an unjustified federal troop deployment. For more than a century and a half-since before Oregon achieved statehood-Portland has been a city where civic expression, including protest, has played a defining role in our public life. Throughout this long history, the City has never required the subject of a protest to bear the financial burden associated with public safety, cleanup, or street closures. The proposal now under consideration would dramatically depart from that long-standing principle and create an avenue for targeted financial liability based solely on the political aims of others. This change would introduce significant long-term risks. Portland's political landscape has evolved over time and will continue to do so. A policy that allows elected officials to levy costs on entities that are the focus of protests-regardless of whether those entities organized, 1. Lack of Environmental Impact Evaluation To our knowledge, the City has never undertaken an environmental impact assessment of protest activity. If the environmental effects of demonstrations are a basis for new fees or restrictions, such analysis should be conducted before establishing a policy framework that selectively assigns financial responsibility. 2. Departure From Established Practice for Civic Events While the City routinely requires event organizers to cover public safety and right-of-way impacts for parades, marathons, and other permitted activities, this proposal would mark the first time a tax-paying business would be charged for costs associated with an event it did not host, sanction, or participate in. This is a significant shift in policy with far-reaching implications. 3. Risk of Creating a New Revenue Mechanism Targeting Businesses If adopted, this measure could establish a precedent enabling the City to levy impact fees whenever a business becomes the focus of a protest. Such a mechanism would send a chilling signal to the commercial real estate and broader business community. Portland competes with other cities and surrounding jurisdictions for investment; proposals that create unpredictable or punitive cost exposure threaten our competitiveness. 4. Absence of Protestor Accountability While the Chamber strongly supports the right to free speech and peaceful assembly, the current proposal places the entirety of the financial burden on the business being targeted-regardless of the actions of demonstrators. This raises a fundamental policy Portland's success depends on fostering a stable, predictable, and fair business environment. We urge the Council to reconsider this proposal and engage stakeholders in developing a policy approach that honors our city's values, protects constitutional rights, and sustains the economic vitality that Portland depends on. Portland Metro Chamber Multifamily NW Oregon Smart Growth Home Building Association of Greater Portland Building Owners & Managers Association of Oregon
November 20, 2025 at 6:42 PM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
That's the DSA drip
Glossy satin DSA bomber jackets with fall foliage Glossy satin DSA bomber jackets with fall foliage Glossy satin DSA bomber jackets with fall foliage
November 19, 2025 at 9:01 PM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
Come out tomorrow to rally against the robotic rent-price rip-off software that landlords want to use against tenants! 5 pm Nov 19 at City Hall
Come out tomorrow to rally against the robotic rent-price rip-off software that landlords want to use against tenants! 5 pm Nov 19 at City Hall . Red and black houses with black fist
November 19, 2025 at 12:41 AM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
Save the date for our Holiday party! Rumba Socialista is a benefit for the Interfaith Movement for Immigrant Justice and features live music from Bloco Alegría! RSVP: actionnetwork.org/events/rumba...
Details here: https://actionnetwork.org/events/rumba-socialista-dsas-holiday-party-immigration-fundraiser-dec-5th-at-holocene/
November 17, 2025 at 11:00 PM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
“Far from being "performative" as the Metro Chamber suggested, this pledge from the Peacock councilors is a bright light from their north star. It shows their dedication to universal justice and human rights, not to slicing and dicing morality in the name of political expediency.“
PEACOCK SHOWS IT VALUES HUMAN RIGHTS Regarding the article by Sophie Peel on Oct. 29 ["Great Divide," WW: Dan Ryan recently asked his colleagues: "What is your north star?" It is a fair question. Decisions from electeds affect all of us in many ways, from affordable housing to social safety nets. Such decisions may not be felt immediately, yet still weigh on our conscience and pocketbook. It is fair to ask our councilors, "What is your north star?" The U.N., many Holocaust scholars, and numerous relief organizations have called the killing and starving of Palestinians in Gaza a genocide. This genocide is enabled by billions from American taxpayers, while some Americans can't pay rent or get health care. To Councilor Clark, why is it "inappropriate" to call attention to these atrocities? To our friends at the Jewish Federation, why is it "divisive" to condemn the murder of women and children? To Councilor Zimmerman, if it is "antisemitic" to denounce a bloodthirsty Israeli government, then is it "anti-white" to protest Trump? Far from being "performative" as the Metro Chamber suggested, this pledge from the Peacock councilors is a bright light from their north star. It shows their dedication to universal justice and human rights, not to slicing and dicing morality in the name of political expediency. It shows that they are guided by the needs of the least among us, not just those who can afford a condo at the Ritz-Carlton. Above all it gives me hope that Portland will not be a part of genocide. Au Nguyen Southeast Portland
November 16, 2025 at 6:14 PM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
We're out supporting striking Starbucks workers across the Portland metro! Don't cross the picket line! You can find a striking store to support at nocontractnocoffee.org
November 13, 2025 at 11:15 PM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
On October 15, Portland City Council unanimously passed an emergency ordinance proposed by Portland DSA member @councilorkanal.bsky.social that puts our 2017 sanctuary status officially in the city code!
November 11, 2025 at 3:11 AM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
“Did the mayor waste money on a shelter system he knew was insufficient, just to create a veneer of ‘available shelter’ and justify a punitive crackdown? The City Council has a duty to investigate this potential misuse of taxpayer money.”
The DSA's co-chair, Brian Denning, said in a statement: "We have serious concerns that public funds were squandered to create a pretext for this camping ban. Did the mayor waste money on a shelter system he knew was insufficient, just to create a veneer of 'available shelter' and justify a punitive crackdown? The City Council has a duty to investigate this potential misuse of taxpayer money."
November 7, 2025 at 11:49 PM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
On our blog: read about what Zohran's win in NYC implies for the future of politics in Portland. portlanddsa.org/an-historic-...
We believe that we will win, image from DSA Elgin party
November 7, 2025 at 10:47 PM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
A packed house at the launch party for Dr. Tammy Carpenter' campaign: it's time to send Socialism to the Statehouse! tammyfororegon.com
November 2, 2025 at 5:10 PM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
Join us on 3 Thursdays in November for Secrets of a Successful Organizer!

Are you beating your head against the wall trying to get other workers involved? This workshop is for you.

actionnetwork.org/events/secre...
November 2, 2025 at 12:22 AM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
Join us to canvass for Portland Parks with @councilorkanal.bsky.social this Sunday, 1pm at Unthank park! Outside is for everyone, and parks need our help! actionnetwork.org/events/canva...
November 1, 2025 at 5:01 PM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
✍️ Submit written testimony in support of the Detention Facility Impact Fee at the link below.

There will be a public hearing at Portland City Council on the evening of Nov. 5.

Link👇

www.portland.gov/council-cler...
MAKE BAD LANDLORDS PAY UP ON NOVEMBER 5", PORTLAND CITY COUNCIL WILL HOLD A HEARING ON WHETHER PROPERTY OWNERS WHO RENT TO DANGEROUS TENANTS LIKE ICE SHOULD PAY FOR THE HARMS CAUSED BY THEIR TENANTS. LET COUNCIL KNOW THAT THE PROPERTY OWNERS WHO PROFIT FROM DETENTION FACILITIES SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY A FEE TO COVER THE COSTS OF HARMS TO THE COMMUNITY.
October 31, 2025 at 11:32 PM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
The stats are in for quarter 3 lobbying at the City of Portland and…

*drumroll*

🏆 The Portland Business Alliance, once again, has lobbied more than any other the entity by a huge margin!🥇

We can’t afford to buy influence in local media, so we’ll let you know here.

bigblinkpdx.org?quarter=2025...
October 31, 2025 at 1:08 AM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
Join us this Saturday for DSA member Dr. Tammy Carpenter's campaign kickoff event! 2-3:30pm, 5550 SW Hall Blvd in Beaverton. Come out to send socialism to the statehouse! tammyfororegon.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:40 PM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
Nothing stops the DSA! A rainy morning canvassing neighbors with @councilormorillo.bsky.social for the Parks Levy. Sign up for our next canvass with @councilorkanal.bsky.social on November 2nd! actionnetwork.org/events/canva...
October 27, 2025 at 4:44 PM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
We need your help to make this movement grow! electoral.dsausa.org/socialist-ca...
October 27, 2025 at 4:12 PM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
Portland DSA would like to address recent reports about the inadvertent exclusion of Jewish Federation of Portland and Jewish Review writer Rockne Roll from a press conference on Friday, October 17. The exclusion of Mr. Roll was not intentional. Events relating to Palestine are often disrupted by trolls; the volunteers running the tech, who were making quick decisions to try to mitigate potential disruptions and distractions, mistakenly identified Rockne Roll as a fake name. When our moderator realized their error, the recording of the press conference was sent to Mr. Roll. Portland City Councilors who appeared at the press conference had no role in, or visibility into, the tech administration of this event. Their only role was to show up and speak. We regret that our tech issue has been used to smear them and to distract from the important issues at hand.
October 24, 2025 at 10:49 PM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
If we're going to become a party, we need you to join us
October 24, 2025 at 3:09 PM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
We get this question a lot: is DSA a political party? The answer: not yet
October 24, 2025 at 3:08 PM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
Join a DSA/NDLON ICE watch training on Tuesday! dsausa.us/icewatch
October 23, 2025 at 4:32 AM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
Great rally on Sunday for better, safer transit in East Portland! Trimet is backing off their proposed cuts but we need you to testify today at 6pm!

trimet.org/82nd/cac.htm...
October 22, 2025 at 4:18 PM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
Join us this Wednesday for our Labor Mixer! admin.actionnetwork.org/events/dsa-l...
October 20, 2025 at 4:08 PM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
Today! Join us for a rally at Montavilla Park at 1pm for better, safer transit on the East Side!
October 19, 2025 at 4:15 PM
portlanddsa.bsky.social
It's a wall of DSA tables at the big rally today!
October 18, 2025 at 10:11 PM