Metro Councilor Ashton Simpson

September 30 is the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools in the United States and Canada. This day of remembrance honors children who survived the residential, boarding school, mission school and day school systems in both Canada and the U.S.

When the federal government forced Native children to attend boarding schools, children were often permanently severed from their family and their Tribes. Learn more from The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition: https://boardingschoolhealing.org/

September 30 is the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools in the United States and Canada. This day of remembrance honors children who survived the residential, boarding school, mission school and day school systems in both Canada and the U.S. When the federal government forced Native children to attend boarding schools, children were often permanently severed from their family and their Tribes.

Today at our Metro council meeting, we honored and remembered these families and children with a truth-telling presentation from our Tribal Affairs staff.

Learn more from The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition: https://boardingschoolhealing.org/

The following tax credits are live and available now to American homeowners and renters over the next 10 years. These credits reset every year, so they are truly the tax gifts that keep on giving.

Home The path to zero emissions requires household electrification. Go electric!

You may have heard about Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s recent visit to Portland. Last week, I had the honor to meet with Sec. Buttigieg to discuss critical investments needed in East County, including the Halsey Main Street Project, safety investments on 162nd & 181st, and the equitable development of the Rockwood Triangle. It's not everyday we get to connect directly with the lead transportation official for the nation, and I was honored to represent East County and Metro District 1.

Enjoyed attending this opening with Councilor Rosenthal!

We have a public survey live for the Regional Transportation Plan! This is a great opportunity for community members to share their feedback on transportation priorities.

2023 Regional Transportation Plan project priorities

Nature in Neighborhoods community choice idea generating workshop Share your ideas for future parks and natural areas in your neighborhood.

2023 Regional Transportation Plan project priorities

A few photos from a tour in February at Oxbow Regional Park. Can't wait to visit again soon-if you haven't been, I recommend checking it out!

Hello, I'm Ashton Simpson (he, him, his), a proud East County resident, nonprofit executive, community activist and advocate, veteran, father, Portland State University alum, and a committed public servant. Sworn in in January 2023, I represent Metro District 1, which includes Fairview, Gresham, Troutdale, Wood Village, portions of East Portland and the unincorporated communities of Damascus and Boring.

Prior to joining the Metro Council, I was the executive director of Oregon Walks, where I led a dynamic organization in removing barriers and enhancing neighborhood livability and safety.

As an Air Force Civil Engineering Technician, E-4, I learned the value of service, teamwork and never leaving anyone behind. Raised in Houston, I saw the consequences of underinvestment and poorly planned growth, most recently with the devastation of Hurricane Harvey wiping out whole communities.

I understand that Greater Portland faces challenges that include growth, housing affordability and houselessness, economic development, infrastructure, and a need to address the impact of climate change while preparing for a Cascadian Subduction Zone earthquake – all things that must be tackled together.