RoseCityReform.bsky.social
@rosecityreform.bsky.social
How do you reform a city? Let us count the ways! We analyze and cover Portland's historic reform effort. Nonprofit. Nonpartisan. No endorsements.
Our latest story takes a look at Portland city leaders’ social media use. Spoiler: One politician stands out for her large and devoted online following.
The Viral Politician
Angelita Morillo and the phenomenon of political fandom.
open.substack.com
October 22, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Our latest story takes a look at Portland city leaders’ social media use. Spoiler: One politician stands out for her large and devoted online following.
Is social housing coming to Portland? The debate is only just getting started. Mitch Green joins the podcast to explain why he thinks it could work in the City of Roses. @councilorgreen.bsky.social
“Social housing may be the only way to get the housing market started again."
Mitch Green joins the podcast to explain why he thinks Portland needs social housing.
rosecityreform.substack.com
October 2, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Is social housing coming to Portland? The debate is only just getting started. Mitch Green joins the podcast to explain why he thinks it could work in the City of Roses. @councilorgreen.bsky.social
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...
@mayorkwilson.bsky.social @lmonghughes.bsky.social
open.spotify.com/episode/5asi...
“That’s not who we are."
open.spotify.com
September 8, 2025 at 3:40 PM
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...
@mayorkwilson.bsky.social @lmonghughes.bsky.social
open.spotify.com/episode/5asi...
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.
We analyzed 64 non-unanimous budget votes to measure councilor alignment, test bloc cohesion, and compare patterns across districts.
Building Blocs – ROSE CITY REFORM
rosecityreform.org
August 14, 2025 at 4:54 PM
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.
We analyzed 64 non-unanimous budget votes to measure councilor alignment, test bloc cohesion, and compare patterns across districts.
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
"This is so wildly different."
Stump Talk Podcast · Episode
open.spotify.com
June 16, 2025 at 4:23 PM
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
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.
open.substack.com
June 3, 2025 at 7:51 PM
When Portland adopted proportional representation in 2022, experts predicted that new political coalitions would form. They might have been on to something. ⬇️
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
“Budgets are a negotiation, right?”
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.
open.substack.com
May 19, 2025 at 4:41 PM
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 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.
"For good news, take a look at Portland, Oregon."
A mathematician and a national election reformer join the Stump Talk podcast to discuss why Portland's reforms matter outside city limits.
open.substack.com
April 30, 2025 at 4:32 PM
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.
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.
100 Days of Racing Against Time
As Portland's new government reaches the 100-day milestone, city leaders are under intense pressure to make headway on decades-old problems.
open.substack.com
April 10, 2025 at 4:35 PM
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.
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."
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.
open.substack.com
March 22, 2025 at 6:54 PM
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
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!
@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!
"My boss is not in that building."
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.
open.substack.com
February 25, 2025 at 9:41 PM
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!
@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!
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.
Does Portland Have a "Strong" or "Weak" Mayor?
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.
open.substack.com
February 14, 2025 at 6:31 PM
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.
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
@shanedkavanaugh.bsky.social @willametteweek.bsky.social
"We have had an absolute clean break with the old."
City Hall reporters Shane Kavanaugh and Sophie Peel return to the podcast to discuss the new government's first two weeks in office.
rosecityreform.substack.com
January 13, 2025 at 7:22 PM
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
@shanedkavanaugh.bsky.social @willametteweek.bsky.social
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.
Catch the conversation here.
"Sausage-making in public is a good thing."
Rose City Reform unpacks the vote for council president with District 1 representatives Candace Avalos and Jamie Dunphy.
rosecityreform.substack.com
January 9, 2025 at 9:31 PM
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.
Catch the conversation here.
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!
Happy New Year—and please follow us for more steep learning about our new system in 2025!
A New Year, a New Chapter
Reform transformed Portland's campaign season—will it do the same for governance?
rosecityreform.substack.com
December 30, 2024 at 5:03 PM
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!
Happy New Year—and please follow us for more steep learning about our new system in 2025!
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."
Rose City Reform chats with Councilors-Elect Tiffany Koyama Lane and Angelita Morillo, who joined forces—and emerged victorious—in District 3.
open.substack.com
December 9, 2024 at 4:48 PM
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.
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.
What Could We Possibly Learn From a City Election 100 Years Ago?
Rose City Reform unpacks Portland’s 2024 election with Jack Santucci, who wrote a book about the history of Portland's new voting method.
open.substack.com
November 25, 2024 at 5:05 PM
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.
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."
Rose City Reform takes a first stab at analyzing the 2024 historic election with pollster John Horvick and Councilor-Elect Olivia Clark.
open.substack.com
November 10, 2024 at 7:42 PM
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.
Our final installment of interviews with mayoral candidates features Carmen Rubio, who says her mix of experience and negotiating grit is what’s needed to move Portland forward. Listen to the series to judge for yourself whose vision is right for Portland.
Carmen Rubio:
Podcast Episode · Stump Talk Podcast · 10/27/2024 · 43m
podcasts.apple.com
October 27, 2024 at 4:42 PM
Our final installment of interviews with mayoral candidates features Carmen Rubio, who says her mix of experience and negotiating grit is what’s needed to move Portland forward. Listen to the series to judge for yourself whose vision is right for Portland.
Which mayoral candidate has the strongest vision for Portland? Rene Gonzalez says he’ll be the strictest mayor on the West Coast on public camping, tell the city to stop "virtue-signaling", and think big on economic development. Hear his pitch here ⬇️
Rene Gonzalez:
Podcast Episode · Stump Talk Podcast · 10/26/2024 · 42m
podcasts.apple.com
October 26, 2024 at 4:15 PM
Which mayoral candidate has the strongest vision for Portland? Rene Gonzalez says he’ll be the strictest mayor on the West Coast on public camping, tell the city to stop "virtue-signaling", and think big on economic development. Hear his pitch here ⬇️
In the latest episode of Stump Talk, we chat with business owner and Shelter Portland founder Keith Wilson about his plan to end Portland's unsheltered homelessness within his first year as mayor.
Keith Wilson:
Podcast Episode · Stump Talk Podcast · 10/25/2024 · 40m
podcasts.apple.com
October 25, 2024 at 1:54 PM
In the latest episode of Stump Talk, we chat with business owner and Shelter Portland founder Keith Wilson about his plan to end Portland's unsheltered homelessness within his first year as mayor.
In my latest post, I write about the challenges and the vast potential of Portland's record-breaking candidate pool. On the one hand, we've never had as many qualified candidates. On the other, we still lack the post-reform civic infrastructure to help them get the message out to voters.
Portland Voters—Flooded with Candidates, Parched for Information
A reflection on the unique challenges of the historic 2024 Portland election.
open.substack.com
October 15, 2024 at 8:47 PM
In my latest post, I write about the challenges and the vast potential of Portland's record-breaking candidate pool. On the one hand, we've never had as many qualified candidates. On the other, we still lack the post-reform civic infrastructure to help them get the message out to voters.
Why do voters need “validators” to vet candidates? What's Duverger's Law? And what drives political interest groups to spend money on races?
The answers might surprise you. Have a listen to the latest episode of the Stump Talk podcast. 🌲
The answers might surprise you. Have a listen to the latest episode of the Stump Talk podcast. 🌲
Stump Talk, Episode 3: "Leaders Who Can Walk and Chew Gum at the Same Time"
Rose City Reform talks to labor leader Laurie Wimmer and United for Portland's Doug Moore about endorsements, campaigning, and money in politics.
open.substack.com
October 3, 2024 at 5:30 PM
Why do voters need “validators” to vet candidates? What's Duverger's Law? And what drives political interest groups to spend money on races?
The answers might surprise you. Have a listen to the latest episode of the Stump Talk podcast. 🌲
The answers might surprise you. Have a listen to the latest episode of the Stump Talk podcast. 🌲
We're just over a month away from Election Day and competition is getting fiercer. The latest Stump Talk newsletter dives into campaign clashes and women's outstanding fundraising performance in the 2024 campaign cycle.
rosecityreform.substack.com/p/sign-of-th...
rosecityreform.substack.com/p/sign-of-th...
Sign of the Times: Campaigns Clash as Election Day Nears
Welcome to Stump Talk, your nifty end-of-the-month candidate tracker.
rosecityreform.substack.com
September 30, 2024 at 6:06 PM
We're just over a month away from Election Day and competition is getting fiercer. The latest Stump Talk newsletter dives into campaign clashes and women's outstanding fundraising performance in the 2024 campaign cycle.
rosecityreform.substack.com/p/sign-of-th...
rosecityreform.substack.com/p/sign-of-th...
Why is "summer camp" over for Portland city candidates? Who represents the status quo in Portland politics? And what's the "fed-up caucus?" Find out in the latest episode of the Stump Talk podcast. Thank you to OPB City Hall reporter Alex Zielinski and filmmaker Nathan Williams for the conversation.
Stump Talk, Episode 2: Summer Camp is Over
Rose City Reform sits down with OPB's City Hall reporter Alex Zielinski and local filmmaker Nathan Williams to parse the 2024 election cycle.
open.substack.com
September 20, 2024 at 3:53 PM
Why is "summer camp" over for Portland city candidates? Who represents the status quo in Portland politics? And what's the "fed-up caucus?" Find out in the latest episode of the Stump Talk podcast. Thank you to OPB City Hall reporter Alex Zielinski and filmmaker Nathan Williams for the conversation.