Top Priorities

The Climate Crisis is here and undeniable. It demands that as a regional — and global — community, we change the way we move around, make things, dispose of things and share the airshed. Mary Nolan will continue to insist Metro fulfill its Climate Smart Policy in every program, most significantly in transportation planning since 42% of greenhouse gases are spewed into the air we breathe by internal-combustion motor vehicles. Nolan supports funding the full build-out of a world class transit system that people love to use, and she believes we can do it together with local union tradespeople and construction firms. She supports a compact urban growth boundary and infill as vital to responsible stewardship of the climate and affordability of homes. Nolan will continue to focus Metro’s policies for the region’s recycling and disposal programs on reducing waste and cost.

Metro voters and businesses generously supported historic funding for supportive services to end our homelessness crisis — more money per capita than any U.S. metropolitan region. Mary Nolan thinks Metro must insist that services and programs provided by the three counties dependably result in virtually no unhoused humans by the end of the 10-year levy approved by voters. She advocates setting annual targets that get to zero, expanding tactics that succeed, disbanding ineffective strategies, and creating capacity for community groups to lead the effort. Nolan will collaborate with community leaders and neighborhood groups, as well as the State, cities, and builders to streamline new home construction.

People gather at the Oregon Zoo, Expo Center, Oregon Convention Center and Performing Arts Center for fun, laughter, discovery, performance, a sense of connection and wonderment. Mary Nolan believes art and leisure are essential to human joy and longevity, and she supports managing these shared spaces for sustainable enjoyment across generations and cultures.

Green spaces, connecting trails, habitat and nature in the city define Portland for many of our neighbors. They do for Mary Nolan. Voters have approved and twice renewed bond measures for Metro to acquire and protect these assets in public hands for generations to come. Mary Nolan is a champion for land stewardship that is guided by science, accessibility for all Portlanders, and respecting tribal history and claims.

In every decision, in every action, Mary Nolan infuses the values of equity, justice, compassion, humility and partnership. For her, these are not goals to complete, but a way of seeing, listening and being. She has supported Metro’s Committee on Racial Equity during her entire service at Metro. Nolan applauds initiatives for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion — led by BIPOC employees and community members. She assures that these efforts are adequately funded and given high profile. Nolan pushed to convert inclusive policies into practical steps each Metro Department is implementing.