Armstrong for PDX

“Each entity can play a different role and get better results, maybe the city takes on the shelters, maybe we’re the first response system and then we que people up for stable housing with services with the county. So this whole notion that we have to just sign the dotted line because success is getting along doesn’t resonate with me...” - Dan Ryan 9/30/24 Oregonian Endorsement Interview

Commissioner Ryan foreshadowed this vote in our recent Oregonian endorsement interview.

Perhaps the most concerning aspect of this impromptu political stunt is that it completely disregards the immense structural change our city is about to enact. Ballots are in the mail, everyone’s job is about to shift, at least one of the 3 votes will be losing his. Every candidate for this election has been asked and answered whether they want to stay in the JOHS. What about that situation say’s “now is a good time to take this vote.”

So can we really get better results on our own? The success of the Safe Rest Villages is dependent on the County funded housing services that help individuals graduate from the temporary shelter. But those sites are just that, temporary. The city cannot invest in long term solutions to homelessness without a working relationship with all of our regional partners. In fact, I’d say based on the most recent delays and missteps with the North Portland site, the city has not shown how it would be a notably better option on its own. So what is the plan?

Arguments usually have two sides... We spend a lot of time pointing towards the County, for valid reasons. But this move shows me a complete lack of thoughtful leadership and it really shows a disregard for the hard work of the dozens of City and County employees that have been working to make the JOHS a success, warts and all.

.rene.gonzalez

Big news for the campaign this week! I was selected in the top 5 ranking for both and . As one of the only small business owners running for City Council, I have direct experience with the challenges that face voters in District 2.

Visit the link in my bio to learn more about my campaign. 👈

As you receive you ballots this week📨, vote early & rank James Armstrong #1

Come join and for brunch at our favorite local restaurant. Didn’t know did brunch ( )?!? well we’ve got a surprise for you!! 😯

Bring your friends and your ballots to discuss local politics and get any questions you have on the new city charter answered by two candidates that know their stuff. 🤓

Come join candidate for Portland City Council James Armstrong, along with family and friends to watch the biggest game of the year so far for OUR Oregon Ducks 🦆 . Tough Luck is a locally owned restaurant and bar in the Woodlawn neighborhood. The event is kid and pet friendly, with lots of outdoor options and room to spread out.

has a story out today on Montgomery, Maryland and their approach to public finances housing. Look familiar? You may have seen this very program highlighted in my response to candidate questions. I had the opportunity to discuss this program with a county commissioner that helped to set up the original revolving loan. These are the types of public-private partnerships that our new Portland City Council should pursue.

Read more on this program here: https://www.npr.org/2024/10/07/nx-s1-5119633/housing-crisis-solution-public-housing-mixed-income-maryland

Five years ago the Central Eastside was one of the most desirable investment opportunities in the city. Now that we’ve depressed the value by failing to invest in public safety and homeless support, we are selling this asset at a discount to a mega-corporation that no-one appears to want?

What makes Portland great is our small time musicians, makers, and artists. The same way we fight Wal-Mart from putting out the mom and pop shops that make Portland Portland, we should be fighting the commercialisation of our music scene.

needs to act as a partner with the residents of Portland, not just the power brokers that have privileged access.

has made their side clear. Answering the genuine fear and anger of Portland’s music community with claims of small business support and equity, doesn’t address the overarching concern that this project could do real harm to local musicians.

In my newest Issues Blog post, I address the most common question I get: "What is a forensic accountant?" Read more about why my experience is just what Portland needs as we transition to our new City Council structure.

Why Portland Needs a Forensic Accountant — Armstrong for PDX How my experience investigating fraud and mismanagement can help our new City Council.

Check out my candidate page in The Oregonian!

James Armstrong: Portland City Council District 2 Read the candidate’s responses to questions about homelessness, police accountability, Portland’s budget and taxes.

In July 2023, ran a story about the political organizing that was starting to take form in the upcoming elections. One quote caught my eye:

“We have to elect people that are going to be problem-solving, pragmatic people…. this is a really important election to make sure we elect a council that’s going to take a look at what the city needs to do and set us on a good path. We have problems, but they’re fixable.”

That quote was from Doug Moore, talking about what would eventually become . I knew that if I decided to put myself forward as a first time candidate, that was the type of organization that I needed to earn the support of.

I’m very honored to have earned the endorsement from the two pragmatic leadership focused organizations United for Portland and Future Portland.

My campaign needs your help to promote my version of pragmatic optimism. Please visit the links in my bio 👆and consider donating to my campaign today.

had a short piece on my recent proposal to expand our support services to a level that meets the scale of our crisis. Informed by a trip I took with leaders from Portland’s homeless service community, I’d like to see our regional governments invest in a campus for support services similar to in San Antonio. The Expo Center and neighboring Delta Park offer options to get started sooner than later. Do we want to be leaders in tackling our housing and homeless crisis, or do we want to continue to take small steps while the problems continue to grow?

Read more about my proposal by following the link to my issues blog in my bio. Like what to read, make a donation to keep my campaign in the conversation.

I am honored to announce that City Commissioner and Portland Mayor candidate Carmen Rubio has endorsed my campaign for Portland City Council 🌹

In a city grappling with numerous challenges, Carmen stands out as a commissioner who has consistently delivered results.

Carmen and I are both committed to driving positive change for our city. We share a belief that we can address our toughest challenges while upholding the progressive values that define Portland.

Thank you Carmen for believing in my campaign! 🙏

Armstrong for PDX Bringing Small Business Leadership to City GoverNment DONATE Meet james armstrongI’m a small business owner, forensic accountant, organizer of other progressive local business leaders, and a father of two young children, including one new kindergartener in Portland Public Schools. As a candidate f...