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RoseCityReform.bsky.social @rosecityreform.bsky.social · Sep 8

In the latest episode of Stump Talk, Mayor Wilson discusses his hallmark shelter plan, council pushback, and neighborhood opposition. With commentary from Lillian Mongeau Hughes of The Oregonian.
@mayorkwilson.bsky.social @lmonghughes.bsky.social

open.spotify.com/episode/5asi...

“That’s not who we are."

open.spotify.com

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RoseCityReform.bsky.social @rosecityreform.bsky.social · Aug 14

Thanks for sharing!

Building Blocs – ROSE CITY REFORM

RoseCityReform.bsky.social @rosecityreform.bsky.social · Aug 14

Our latest research brief examines how alliances shaped Portland’s 2025–26 budget process—the first under the city’s new proportional representation system.

We analyzed 64 non-unanimous budget votes to measure councilor alignment, test bloc cohesion, and compare patterns across districts.

rosecityreform.org

"This is so wildly different."

RoseCityReform.bsky.social @rosecityreform.bsky.social · Jun 16

I had a blast breaking down Portland’s budget season with these smart City Hall reporters. @shanedkavanaugh.bsky.social @alexzee.bsky.social @sophiegreenleaf.bsky.social

Stump Talk Podcast · Episode

open.spotify.com

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RoseCityReform.bsky.social @rosecityreform.bsky.social · Jun 3

Thanks for reading! Moon Duchin's paper wasn't quite ready for publication when we recorded. I should have said! Glad you have it now!

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RoseCityReform.bsky.social @rosecityreform.bsky.social · Jun 3

When Portland adopted proportional representation in 2022, experts predicted that new political coalitions would form. They might have been on to something. ⬇️

The New Kids on the Bloc

How six councilors stuck together during Portland’s first budget vote—and shaped the outcome.

“Budgets are a negotiation, right?”

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RoseCityReform.bsky.social @rosecityreform.bsky.social · May 19

Wednesday's budget vote is the first big test for Portland's fresh cohort of city leaders. Find out what to expect from Council President Elana Pirtle-Guiney and Finance Committee Chair Eric Zimmerman. @elanapirtle-guiney.bsky.social

In this episode of Stump Talk, councilors Elana Pirtle-Guiney and Eric Zimmerman explain what to expect when the mayor's proposed budget hits the council floor on Wednesday.

"For good news, take a look at Portland, Oregon."

RoseCityReform.bsky.social @rosecityreform.bsky.social · May 1

Hi Bulldog! Portland’s charter allows the mayor to cast the tie-breaking vote in a scenario where the council is deadlocked. Exactly how that is going to work remains somewhat unclear since the council has not yet established the procedure for inviting the mayor to vote.

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RoseCityReform.bsky.social @rosecityreform.bsky.social · Apr 30

In Episode 14 of Stump Talk, I chat with mathematician Moon Duchin and More Equitable Democracy’s George Cheung about the impact of electoral reform on Portland’s 2024 election. You don’t need to be a math nerd to find this convo fascinating: organizers and campaign managers should take notice.

A mathematician and a national election reformer join the Stump Talk podcast to discuss why Portland's reforms matter outside city limits.

100 Days of Racing Against Time

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RoseCityReform.bsky.social @rosecityreform.bsky.social · Apr 10

Portland's new government is 100 days old today. Here's our snapshot of what's happened so far—and what might be in store for the next 100.

As Portland's new government reaches the 100-day milestone, city leaders are under intense pressure to make headway on decades-old problems.

OPB reporter Alex Zielinski and the Oregonian's Lillian Mongeau Hughes join the podcast to discuss how city leaders are confronting homelessness during a budget crunch.

RoseCityReform.bsky.social @rosecityreform.bsky.social · Mar 22

OPB reporter Alex Zielinski and the Oregonian's Lillian Mongeau Hughes join the Stump Talk podcast to discuss city leaders' scramble to address homelessness during a brutal budget cycle. As Zielinski predicts, "interesting conversations" are likely on the horizon. @alexzee.bsky.social

"The reality is harsh."

RoseCityReform.bsky.social @rosecityreform.bsky.social · Feb 25

Agreed!

RoseCityReform.bsky.social @rosecityreform.bsky.social · Feb 25

Thanks, Andrew! It’s fascinating to learn about their outlooks and how they interpret their mandates. I’m pleasantly surprised by their willingness to be open up about the challenges they face.

"My boss is not in that building."

RoseCityReform.bsky.social @rosecityreform.bsky.social · Feb 25

In the latest episode of Stump Talk, Councilor Sameer Kanal
@councilorkanal.bsky.social and his chief of staff Lisa Freeman—a former council candidate herself—chat about public safety, community engagement, and the occasional need for dissent. Many thanks to the guests for taking the time!

Councilor Sameer Kanal and his chief of staff, Lisa Freeman, join the podcast to talk about public safety, community engagement—and what it's like to cast a lone vote in opposition.

Does Portland Have a "Strong" or "Weak" Mayor?

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RoseCityReform.bsky.social @rosecityreform.bsky.social · Feb 14

Here's a question we get a lot: Does Portland Have a "Strong" or "Weak" Mayor? In a new research brief, Rose City Reform explores the scope of the mayor's formal powers.

That's the most frequent question we get from readers. In a new report, Rose City Reform explores the scope of the mayor's formal powers.

"We have had an absolute clean break with the old."

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RoseCityReform.bsky.social @rosecityreform.bsky.social · Jan 13

Bonus episode! Shane Kavanaugh of The Oregonian and Willamette Week's Sophie Peel return to help us analyze the "first day of school vibes" at City Hall. Tune in for their always thought-provoking and entertaining takes. This is a fun one!
@shanedkavanaugh.bsky.social @willametteweek.bsky.social

City Hall reporters Shane Kavanaugh and Sophie Peel return to the podcast to discuss the new government's first two weeks in office.

"Sausage-making in public is a good thing."

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RoseCityReform.bsky.social @rosecityreform.bsky.social · Jan 9

District 1 reps Candace Avalos and Jamie Dunphy believe the council's choice of Elana Pirtle-Guiney as council president was a missed opportunity to demonstrate City Hall's commitment to East Portland. Yet both have confidence in Pirtle-Guiney's leadership.

Catch the conversation here.

Rose City Reform unpacks the vote for council president with District 1 representatives Candace Avalos and Jamie Dunphy.

A New Year, a New Chapter

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RoseCityReform.bsky.social @rosecityreform.bsky.social · Dec 30

As an unprecedented election year comes to an end, read the synopsis of Rose City Reform's research report on the events and trends that shaped the 2024 cycle (link to full report in story).

Happy New Year—and please follow us for more steep learning about our new system in 2025!

Reform transformed Portland's campaign season—will it do the same for governance?

Rose City Reform chats with Councilors-Elect Tiffany Koyama Lane and Angelita Morillo, who joined forces—and emerged victorious—in District 3.

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RoseCityReform.bsky.social @rosecityreform.bsky.social · Dec 9

When Portland adopted its new electoral system—multimember districts combined with ranked choice voting—many speculated that candidates would form slates to win seats. So—did they? Listen to this conversation between Councilors-Elect Tiffany Koyama Lane and Angelita Morillo and judge for yourself.

"It's gonna be us."

What Could We Possibly Learn From a City Election 100 Years Ago?

RoseCityReform.bsky.social @rosecityreform.bsky.social · Nov 25

Thanks @jacksantucci.bsky.social for the conversation!

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RoseCityReform.bsky.social @rosecityreform.bsky.social · Nov 25

Portland is the only major city in the United States to use single transferable vote (STV)—but it wasn't always so! In my latest post, political scientist Jack Santucci breaks down how Portland's election results compare to historic STV elections in cities like Cincinnati and New York.

Rose City Reform unpacks Portland’s 2024 election with Jack Santucci, who wrote a book about the history of Portland's new voting method.

Rose City Reform takes a first stab at analyzing the 2024 historic election with pollster John Horvick and Councilor-Elect Olivia Clark.

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RoseCityReform.bsky.social @rosecityreform.bsky.social · Nov 10

Where do we begin? There is SO MUCH to unpack about Portland's historic 2024 election. In this episode, John Horvick of DHM Research and Councilor-Elect Olivia Clark help us get started on interpreting the results of Portlands enormous lift: electing fourteen city seats at once.

"It's Working—So Far."