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On May 2, 2025, Mayor Keith Wilson delivered his first State of the City address to an audience of several hundred Portlanders at Franklin High School. He struck an optimistic tone while outlining his administration’s approach to major challenges, including a $93 million budget shortfall, the city’s housing and homelessness crises, and federal policies at odds with local values. Wilson previewed decisions on public safety, climate investment, and city staffing, and emphasized collaboration across government and community. After his remarks, he joined JT Flowers of Albina Vision Trust for a one-on-one conversation.

About the speakers:

Keith Wilson

Mayor Keith Wilson (he/him) is a North Portland native and longtime civic leader known for innovation in business and commitment to community. He led TITAN Freight Systems to eliminate fossil fuel use and achieve B-Corp certification, and co-founded Shelter Portland to address unsheltered homelessness. His public service includes work with the Multnomah County Homeless Court Program, Word is Bond, and the U.S. High-Speed Rail Coalition.

JT Flowers

JT Flowers is Director of Government Affairs & Communications at Albina Vision Trust and represents District 5 on the TriMet Board. A Portland native and Truman Scholar, he was Oregon’s first Black Rhodes Scholar and holds master’s degrees from Oxford. He also chairs the Williams & Russell CDC and is deeply rooted in the Albina community where he was raised.

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