Shannon Singleton announces run for Multnomah County Chair, bringing executive leadership and progressive reform agenda to the race
Multnomah County Commissioner Shannon Singleton announced today that she will seek the position of Multnomah County Chair in the November election.
“I want to serve where I can make the most change,” Singleton said. “And right now, that’s bringing my extensive executive experience to the Multnomah County Chair’s Office to ensure better service delivery in housing, addiction and behavioral health and public safety.”
Building on a record of change
Commissioner Singleton was elected in November of 2024 to the Multnomah County Commission representing District 2, North and Northeast Portland. From day one, Singleton has successfully pushed for necessary reforms across Multnomah County:
Pushed for more effective use of tax payers dollars by introducing reforms to the Multnomah County Deflection Center that would save money, connect addiction, housing and behavioral health services and drive outcomes.
Increased efficiency and improved oversight of Multnomah County’s Homeless Services Department focused on cutting duplication of services and improving outcomes.
Fought for better community and neighborhood engagement before homeless shelters open and libraries close for construction.
Demanded accountability for Preschool For All and continued to drive continuous improvement to deliver preschool for thousands of children countywide.
Increased services in East Multnomah county, including voter outreach and education, housing inspections and public health.
Strengthened protections and funded safety net supports and protections in response to changes in immigration policies and increased ICE overreach and violence in our community.
“In my first week as Commissioner, I learned that kids in St Johns couldn’t do their homework because the library closed for construction, so I started making calls and pushing,” Singleton said. “A month later, county library management moved and started mobile library services while working to open a temporary location with computers, printers and books. I’m practical, but I’m not patient. And when something’s not working, I bring people together to fix it.”
“I support Shannon because she is the pragmatic leader we need. She has the expertise and on the ground experience to solve our community’s biggest problems and get things done. She has shown a willingness and commitment to work with everyone to find solutions.” said Debbie Kitchin, small business owner and community leader.
Before she ran for public office, Singleton held executive leadership roles at JOIN, a Portland non-profit that moves people rapidly from the street into housing, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown’s office and in the private sector on transportation and community infrastructure projects throughout the Portland region.
“Shannon is the type of leader who speaks truth, speaks up for community, and brings people together for good” said Avel Gordly, former state senator and community leader.
Clear Vision. Experienced Leadership. Results Driven.
Singleton’s campaign will focus on the challenges that Multnomah County faces, and her hope for the future.
“Families all across Multnomah County are struggling with the high cost of housing and financial instability. Too many of our neighbors are experiencing or at risk of becoming homeless or unable to access the addiction and mental health care they need,” Singleton said. “I’m running for Chair to bring my experienced leadership, drive and clear vision to ensure that every family has the opportunity and tools to build a good life.”
Shannon recently led a workforce and labor table that identified low-cost changes now under way that will support and connect hundreds of workers to good-paying union jobs through apprenticeships and skills training. Singleton’s work with local business owners, business chambers of color shows her ability to bring strong progressive leaders in our business community together to make Multnomah County a great place to own and run a business.
“Yes, there are headwinds and they are strong. But we are strong, and with my steady leadership, tireless work ethic, and a bold vision for reform, I believe we can make Multnomah County what we want it to be.”
Early endorsements
Shannon’s early endorsements include community leaders from across the county that hold leadership positions in government, business, labor and non-profits:
Avel Gordly, Community leader and former State Senator
Kayse Jama, Oregon Senate Majority Leader
Ashton Simpson, Metro Councilor
Christine Lewis, Metro Councilor
Loretta Smith, Portland City Councilor
Candace Avalos, Portland City Councilor
Tiffany Koyama Lane, Portland City Councilor
Angelita Morillo, Portland City Councilor
Mitch Green, Portland City Councilor
Eddie Wang, Portland Public School Board President
Michelle DePass, Portland Public School Board member
Nate McCoy, Business leader
Debbie Kitchin, Former Portland Metro Chamber Chair and Business Owner
Stephen Green, Business leader
Willy Mazzara Myers, former labor leader and small business owner
Winta Yohannes, Community leader
JT Flowers, Community leader
Tony Bernal, Nonprofit leader
Sahaan McKelvey, Nonprofit leader
Chris Bonner, Realtor and Business owner
For more information, contact: Friends of Shannon Singleton, 503-427-8652, info@shannonsingleton.org