1. United States
2. Ore.
3. Letter

As a Portland resident who walks this neighborhood daily, I'm reaching out about a pedestrian safety crisis that connects directly to your priorities around children's wellbeing and public safety. At SW Taylors Ferry Road and SW 55th Avenue, there's no marked crosswalk. I watch families with strollers, kids heading to school, and seniors navigate this intersection every day, forced into the street because there's simply no safe way across. It's a daily reminder of how infrastructure gaps can isolate our most vulnerable community members. I've worked with PBOT on this issue. They acknowledge the need but told me this intersection isn't a "Primary Investment Route" and they lack discretionary funding. This is exactly where state leadership can step in to bridge critical safety gaps that local budgets can't address. Here's what I'm asking for: 1) Use your influence with Portland city officials to prioritize this intersection. You've shown real leadership in pushing city agencies to act on other critical infrastructure needs across Portland. PBOT needs to hear from you that pedestrian safety can't wait for perfect funding cycles. 2) Direct emergency state transportation funds to fill the gap where local budgets fall short. When city officials say "we acknowledge the need but lack funding," that's exactly when state intervention can bridge the divide and save lives. 3) Champion coordination between state and local agencies so recognized safety needs don't get lost in bureaucratic silos. Your voice carries weight with city leadership in ways that community advocates like me simply cannot match. Your office has the power to transform a recognized local hazard into a safe community connection. Every day this crosswalk doesn't exist is another day we're failing the families, children, and seniors who deserve safe passage through their own neighborhood. Thank you for considering how state leadership can directly impact the daily safety of Oregonians like me.