Kellie Torres Will Seek Portland District 3 Seat
The candidate targets streamlined city services as she runs for the Portland City Council on November 3, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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Kellie Torres is running for election to the Portland City Council for District 3 on November 3, 2026. The 56-year-old resident of the Woodstock neighborhood aims to address city budget shortfalls through government restructuring.
Why it matters
The candidate seeks to grow the tax base to tackle affordability and financial challenges without raising tax rates. She intends to improve government accountability by streamlining services and establishing consistent performance reporting.
The proposed Community Budgeting for All measure seeks to dedicate 2% of the city budget to a new process, totaling approximately $16 million annually. This is set against broader financial shortfalls facing the city of Portland.
The players
Kellie Torres
She is a 56-year-old Woodstock neighborhood resident and city employee running for the District 3 council seat.
Dan Ryan
He is a Portland City Commissioner who previously employed Kellie Torres as his Chief of Staff.
The details
Torres, an External Affairs and Partnerships Manager for Portland Parks & Recreation and former Chief of Staff to Commissioner Dan Ryan, proposes creating a Business Navigation Team to improve inter-bureau coordination. She plans to vote against the Community Budgeting for All measure and supports lowering city council office budgets.
Timeline
The Portland City Council election will take place on November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Supporters of the Community Budgeting for All measure argue that dedicating 2% of the city budget to resident-led processes increases local transparency and equity. Opponents often counter that such mandates limit the flexibility required by elected officials to address immediate fiscal shortfalls.
Residents in District 3 should note that the proposed administrative changes could alter how businesses interact with city bureaus for permitting and oversight. Voters will decide on November 3, 2026, whether to support this strategy for managing city services and budget efficiency.
The takeaway
Voters should weigh the proposed administrative streamlining against the potential reduction in city council office funding. Candidates in this election are focused on balancing the city budget without increasing tax rates for residents.
Further reading
Learn more about the upcoming municipal elections in the Civic Engagement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Oregon Live.
Live Poll
Should Portland prioritize government efficiency over increasing taxes to improve local affordability?
