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Council advances first reading to rename three blocks of Southwest Jackson Street to Southwest Rose Hill Street
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Summary
In a first reading, councilors agreed to waive code requirements to allow Portland State University’s proposal to rename three downtown blocks of Southwest Jackson Street to Southwest Rose Hill Street; public testimony from PSU leaders, tribal relations staff and neighborhood groups strongly supported the change.
Portland City Council held a first reading on Jan. 28 to waive parts of City Code chapter 17.93 and allow renaming a three-block portion of Southwest Jackson Street to Southwest Rose Hill Street. Staff said the ordinance (document number 2026-008) would waive three technical requirements of the street-renaming code so the partial-street renaming can proceed.
Council policy staff Claire Adamsick told the dais the ordinance would waive a rule requiring a namesake to have been deceased at least five years, permit renaming a portion (instead of an entire street), and waive the five-year sign-posting requirement so the change can proceed in a narrow, campus-focused area. Adamsick said the transportation and infrastructure committee recommended referral to full council with a recommendation to pass.
Public testimony emphasized the symbolic and community importance of the change. Modesta Mentor (Portland State University’s executive director for tribal relations) said street names are “monuments we interact with every day,” and urged the council to “vote yes.” Portland State President Anne Cudd described Itway Rose Hill as an educator and community leader whose work was closely tied to PSU’s Native American Student & Community Center. Student and neighborhood representatives, including the Downtown Neighborhood Association, also urged support.
Councilors asked technical questions of PBOT staff about street-name continuity and whether other Jackson Street segments exist; acting city traffic engineer Anthony Butzak confirmed there are two separate, noncontinuous segments remaining as Jackson Street. Vice President Clark and other councilors said they supported the exception given the community request and the campus context.
Procedure and next steps
This was a first reading of a non-emergency ordinance; Council President Dunphy said it will return for a second reading at the council's next hearing where the formal vote can be taken.
