I'm excited to be in this race

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

I’m thrilled to announce that I am running for Metro Councilor for District 5! This important regional role is ideal for my background in community building, business leadership, and advocacy for parks, environmental protection, and climate action.

Our first test will be the May 19, 2020 Primary. Metro's unique mission is stewardship over the quality of life and the environment in the greater PDX metropolitan area.

I’m running because I know the importance of clean air and water, consistent shelter (a home), and safe, clean transportation options that help communities thrive. Portland has grown a lot since I first moved here 20 years ago, and it will continue to grow. To manage that growth, we need leaders who have a passion for the environment and who believe in conserving and enhancing our natural areas for the benefit of all communities and wildlife now and for generations to come. We must have leaders who appreciate the needs and constraints of business small and large, without sacrificing the health and wellbeing of our neighborhoods. We need leaders who will advocate for healthy, vibrant communities with family-wage jobs, affordable housing and accessible, reliable transportation. As Metro Councilor I will continue to champion:

Environmental Stewardship. Over the past 15 years, I worked as part of the Portland Parks Foundation’s Board and Metro’s Nature in Neighborhood’s grant committee to provide access to nature in underserved areas, build parks and nature play areas, and conserve land for generations to come. On the Portland Utility Board, I work to ensure racial equity in the investments made now so that we all can have clean, safe drinking water for many generations.

Economic Sustainability. I’m a small business founder. I also train entrepreneurs from all backgrounds who are looking to start or grow their businesses. I rose through the ranks to become a partner at a medium-sized law firm. I was one of a handful of African American women promoted to the executive ranks at Nike, Oregon’s flagship company. Based on my experience, I know that each of these business types has its own needs and challenges. However, all businesses rely on the same foundations for long term economic sustainability: healthy, vibrant communities.

Healthy, Vibrant Communities: Healthy, vibrant communities require jobs sufficient for raising a family, an adequate supply of housing, good infrastructure such as reliable, affordable transportation options, good clean air, and water quality, and access to parks and natural amenities.

Every person in our diverse region deserves to live in a healthy, vibrant neighborhood. I am committed to fulfilling this inclusive vision.

I’ve started this grassroots campaign because so many share my vision of diversity, equity and inclusion, and together we can make it a reality.

Please take a moment to "like" my Facebook page, check out my new Vote for Karen Spencer website or consider a donation.

Thank you for your support. Let’s do this!