The Portland City Council on Thursday approved most of the mayor's appointees to a new Portland Street Response (PSR) advisory committee but voted down a single nominee after a contentious discussion about residency and representation.

Councilors and staff described a vetting process that considered 85 applicants and sought district balance and diverse lived experience. "The community and public safety committee had an opportunity to hear directly from many of the appointees and was satisfied in their qualifications and commitment to serving in this body," Councilor Novick said when introducing the slate.

Public testimony included both praise and critique of the selection. Vicky Payne told council she welcomed the committee but worried it lacked diversity of thought and urged the inclusion of people with union-bargaining or paramedic negotiation experience. Portland DSA volunteer lobbyist Ben Gilbert urged full funding and operational support for PSR.

Councilors debated a residency question at length. Councilor Zimmerman and others sought assurance that council-appointed community members live in Portland and, where possible, in specific districts to ensure neighborhood representation. Councilors also noted the selection process asked applicants whether they "live, work, play, worship or attend school in Portland," not a city-and-state field.

Councilors separated the nomination of Rebecca Morgan for a recorded vote. After discussion, the council rejected Morgan's appointment by roll call, 5 aye and 7 no. Several councilors said their votes were not a reflection on the nominee's lived experience or qualifications. "This is not about your qualifications or the experiences you would have brought," the presiding officer said following the vote.

Council then voted to confirm the remaining nominees, and the slate excluding Morgan was adopted by roll call, 12-0. Councilors said the committee will reconvene to fill the single remaining seat and that committee staff will refine application questions to capture city-and-state residence to avoid similar confusion.

Next steps: The community and public safety committee will follow up to fill the vacant seat and Civic Life staff will update application fields to reduce residency ambiguity.