Runta News-Seattle, Washington
Ahlam Osman, a young Somali American, has recently announced her candidacy for Portland City Council. Ahlam presented her detailed plan in her professional looking website called Ahlam4pdx in which she outlined her key issues.
First, she introduced herself to all Portlanders by saying “Hi, I am Ahlam! I’m running for City Council because I envision a more equitable and sustainable future for Portland. Our neighborhoods and their diverse communities deserve livable built environments that are healthy, safe, and thriving. As a daughter of Somali refugees and native Portlander, I’ve witnessed the profound effects of underrepresentation in civic leadership and local decision-making. Together, let’s reimagine a brighter, healthier, and safer future for Portland.”
Some of those key issues that Ahlam will focus on are the following three parts:
Environmental and Climate Advocacy through which she will advocate for climate justice by prioritizing climate resiliency for frontline communities, recognizing the interrelation of the climate crisis with urban infrastructure, housing, and health disparities. I aim to promote equal environmental protection for all, irrespective of race, color, or national origin, within an intersectional environmentalism framework.
People-First, Human-Centered, and Inclusive Approach to Local Decision Making:
People and communities must be viewed as assets and as key actors in the issues that impact them the most. This includes youth, immigrants, refugees, and historically left out voices. A community-driven process increases the flow of critical data from communities and community leaders to policy-makers.
Economic Justice, Support for Small Businesses and Entrepreneurship:
In this plan Ahlam’s goal is to promote economic justice by advocating for fair and equitable economic systems that address income inequality, wealth gaps, poverty, and systemic barriers to financial opportunity for all individuals and communities.
Some of the major of her accomplishments and achievements are the following:
AYCO Youth Environmental & Workforce Development Coordinator:
Collaborated with local organizations and groups to develop community-driven plans for youth and families, implemented workforce development programming for high school and college youth, and monitored progress toward environmental and economic development goals. Knowledge-building sessions on local political systems and on the importance of political power in steering change. Engaged in partnerships with groups organizing the redevelopment of 82nd avenue, such as Verde and Better 82nd Coalition. Started partnership with Portland Harbor Community Coalition.
Somali Empowerment Circle (SEC):
Directed webinars on affordable housing, led behavioral health focus groups, connected stakeholders to policy-makers throughout Multnomah and Washington County, connected community members to housing, and maternal health resources. Housing justice work in partnership with Housing Connector and Housing Multnomah Now. This year, she has been working on building an environmental justice and advocacy program with a specific focus and strategy on collecting data and conducting research with the Black and African populations in East / SE Portland, and working on environmental programming with Portland Harbor Community Coalition (PHCC) to engage youth of color and families impacted by the Portland Harbor EPA SuperFund Site.
CLEAResult- Energy Efficiency Program Intern:
Managed data, engaged customers, represented programs at events, and supported community engagement and DEI initiatives in ClearResult’s and Energy Trust’s energy efficiency program. Learned about the Energy (efficiency) industry and the marginalized communities facing the most energy burdens.
Ahlam is looking forward to establishing connections and strong relationships with all communities especially the Somalis of the Northwest United States of America with whom she shares identity. The number of the Somalis in the region especially in Seattle and Portland is huge, and the task ahead is not easy. Ahlam will be holding community cafés and town halls in the following days and months. Pease visit https://ahlam4pdx.com/ and make your donations today if you think you will not be able to make those meetings. Let us unite around our candidate Ahlam Osman.
