A few words on what these first weeks as City Council Vice President look like. To sign up for regular updates from my office, head over here. To contact my office directly or read past newsletters, click here.

From the beginning of this campaign, Teacher Tiffany has been clear and committed about the issues she’ll fight for: affordable housing, community safety, safe streets for commuters, climate justice, economic justice, and above all else, dignity as a basic human right. We’d like to acknowledge all the people and organizations who share those values and are standing with Teacher Tiffany in her race for Portland City Council District 3. 

Over a dozen labor unions representing educators, mail carriers, iron workers, teamsters, laborers, and other working people from across the city. Environmental groups like The Sierra Club of Oregon, Sunrise Movement PDX, and the Jane Fonda Climate PAC. Social justice organizations including Mom’s Demand Action, Basic Rights Oregon, APANO Action Fund, Latino Network Action Fund, and Imagine Black. Local and state elected officials including current and former city commissioners and Oregon state representatives. And most importantly, teachers, librarians, small business owners, clergy, social justice advocates, activists, parents, and neighbors — 200+ community members like you — from across District 3.

We are honored and grateful to have the support and trust of such a diverse coalition of Portlanders all committed to a shared vision for the city we love: a safe, connected, housed city where everyone can thrive.

With two weeks left until election day, please consider joining us for the final push to send Teacher Tiffany to City Hall as a Portland City Councilor for District 3!

Click here to view the full list of endorsements from organizations, elected officials, and community members!

Click here to volunteer to come canvass or phone bank with Teacher Tiffany!

Click here to donate to the Teacher Tiffany for the People campaign!

“Koyama Lane is not only empathetic, she’s curious, collaborative, and outgoing. Those are traits that will be essential to ensure the city’s new Council listens to and reflects the needs of constituents and that our new governing system truly works to serve Portlanders.

We think Koyama Lane is someone who can hold herself and others accountable, while building coalitions that will help move our city forward.”

Yesterday I got the news that I have officially qualified for the November ballot to run for Portland City Council District 3. A couple of weeks ago I went to City Hall in the middle of the day to file my paperwork. The process itself is easy–you answer a few questions on a form and pay a fee and hand your papers into the person behind the glass at the City Auditor’s office. There is a big map of Portland’s City Council districts in the room and it was fun to see this new vision of the city up close, not thinking of it as new borders and divisions, but imagining more full representation for people in all parts of the city.

The process was so efficient that I found myself with extra time and took a minute to stand in the center of City Hall. It was surprisingly emotional. I thought about my grandparents, who were forced into camps at Gila River, Arizona and Topaz, Utah, in an act that changed the trajectory of their lives. Japanese American incarceration divided families, destroyed communities and livelihoods, and left deep scars on generations of my people. It’s why my mother didn’t teach me Japanese and why my grandparents didn’t talk about their childhood and adolescence as I was growing up.

This history is a huge part of why I am running to be the first Asian American member of Portland City Council. It’s not that representation fixes everything. But I know that my community is not the only one that has been failed by a public policy. Past injustices shape many of our present realities, but they don’t have to dictate the future. I am called to this work because I know we can build a city that guarantees a dignified existence for all of its residents. I want a city where everyone can put down roots and build a community that flourishes over generations.  I’m so proud to officially be on the ballot and look forward to representing District 3 on the Portland City Council.

Running for city office is a step that would have been impossible for many of my family members, and I do not take that lightly. I’m so grateful to everyone who has donated or knocked a door to help me get into office. Can you donate $25 today or text five friends to contribute? If you have donated, can you hit the maximum of $350? And please, please sign up to come knock doors this summer! We’ve knocked almost 2,000 so far, and we have a long way to go. It is a really, truly, genuinely fun way to get outside and get to know people in our district, and it’s one of the best ways to get me to City Hall in November.

Thank you for coming with me.

Love,
Teacher Tiffany

I’m still buzzing from an amazing campaign field launch yesterday! My community showed up in a magical way. We ate, danced, laughed, and knocked just under 1000 doors! I’m feeling so excited and energized about this campaign, especially knowing how many neighbors and volunteers and friends, both new and old, have shown support.

The day was extra special because it came just after I got the news that I am officially endorsed by my union, the Portland Association of Teachers. My union siblings have taught me so much about organizing, leading, and solidarity, and I am so proud to have their support as I embark on this campaign journey. I would not be called to this work without my union behind me.

On that note, endorsement season has definitely gotten underway! So far I’ve been so lucky to have gotten the early support of the Northwest Oregon Labor Council, Ironworkers 29, Laborers 483, the National Association of Letter Carriers 82, Next Up Action Fund, and Portland DSA. I am also incredibly grateful to local leaders Carmen Rubio, Lesly Muñoz, Hoa Nguyen, Shannon Jones Isadore, Willy Chotzen, and Chalice Savage for their endorsements. It means so much to know I have earned the trust of these strong leaders in our community.

If you would like to receive regular campaign updates, please sign up here! Let’s knock some doors together this summer!