The Mayor
An Oregon Institution

“Thirty-two years of public service—20 years in the Oregon Legislature, and 12 years as Portland’s mayor—gave me the opportunity to improve the condition of our community and its citizens by developing major policies, taking risks and empowering constituents. I look for the same opportunity in the work I do on behalf of Gallatin’s clients, and apply the same principles to achieve success and better our community.”

Vera Katz was the 45th mayor of Portland, Oregon, serving three terms between 1993 and 2004. Before becoming Mayor she served twenty years in the Oregon House of Representatives and six as the first woman Speaker of the House. A concern for public safety, education, government efficiency, infrastructure development and pragmatism characterized her political career.

During her twenty years in the legislature, Representative Katz focused on education, public safety, and balancing the budget. While in the Oregon House, Vera Katz sponsored the Oregon Education Act for the 21st Century, a landmark school reform bill.

As Mayor of Portland she continued to emphasize public safety, education, and governmental transparency, but also focused efforts in long term urban planning and development.

The Honorable Vera Katz is of counsel in the Portland Office of Gallatin Public Affairs.

Expertise                                                    Background

Public Policy                                               45th Mayor of Portland, 
                                                                      serving three terms from 
                                                                      1993 to 2004
Budget and funding strategies
                                                                       Served 20 years in the Oregon 
                                                                       House of Representatives
Oregon, Portland and Pacific
Northwest politics                                      First woman to serve as 
                                                                       Speaker of the House
Labor, Environmental,
Transportation, Public                               Widely known for her work 
                                                                       in education, public safety, 
Safety, Urban Planning                             and urban development 
Development and Education                   during her tenure in the
issues expertise                                        Oregon Legislature and as 
                                                                       Mayor of Portland
Coalition building and key
influencer strategies

 

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