Metro Councilor Ashton Simpson (he, him, his) is a proud East County resident, nonprofit executive, community activist and advocate, veteran, father, Portland State University alum and a committed public servant. Living in East Multnomah County, he has seen firsthand how this growing part of the region has been overlooked – in investments in walkable and safe neighborhoods, transportation infrastructure, jobs, educational opportunities, housing for all incomes and addressing the issues of homelessness.
Council Priorities
Councilor Simpson is proud to represent the Metro Council and Metro region on a number of committees and boards. These include the Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation (JPACT), District 1 Community Enhancement Grant committees, Urban Flood Safety & Water Quality District Board, Greater Portland Inc., Natural Areas Capital Program Oversight Committee, Visitor Development Fund Board, East Metro Economic Alliance, and as the alternate to several others.
Transportation Advocacy
Prior to joining the Metro Council, and as a part of a coalition of transportation advocates, Councilor Simpson helped secure $185 million to transform 82nd Avenue into a safer corridor for our kids, seniors and neighbors. Too many pedestrians, motorists and cyclists have been killed or injured over the years. No one should feel that they risk their life to get to work, school or the store. Improved sidewalks, crossings, lighting and ADA ramps will soon transform this major corridor.
As the former executive director of Oregon Walks, Councilor Simpson led a dynamic organization that is removing barriers and enhancing neighborhood livability and safety. This work is making a real difference in people’s lives, especially in historically underserved communities.
Councilor Simpson also served as chair of PBOT’s Fixing Our Streets Oversight Committee, The Roselane Project, Metro’s Local Investment Team, I-5 Bridge Replacement Program, and ODOT Region 1 Area Commission on Transportation.
As your Metro Councilor, he will continue to make sidewalks and crossings safe for our kids and all pedestrians and cyclists.
Dedicated to public service
As an Air Force Civil Engineering Technician, E-4, Councilor Simpson learned the value of service, teamwork and never leaving anyone behind. Raised in Houston, he saw the consequences of underinvestment and poorly planned growth, most recently with the devastation of Hurricane Harvey wiping out whole communities.
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.
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