How Are Public Safety Decisions Guided by Portland’s Values?

Co-created with Chief Bob Day, Portland Police Bureau

From protests to policy shifts to interagency tensions, Portland’s public safety system has been under the spotlight. But beneath the headlines is a deeper question: How are decisions about public safety—especially in high-stakes moments—guided by community priorities? We’ll explore what it means for Portland to align its approach to public safety with the values of its people—and what happens when priorities clash across city, state, and federal levels.

Whether you work in government, for a community-based organization, or run a small business—this conversation isn’t just about policing. It’s about values, accountability, and civic culture. Come prepared to reflect, ask bold questions, and help us imagine a public safety system that is grounded in—and responsive to—the voices and priorities of Portlanders.