Whereas, Portland honors its residents who show leadership and devote their lives to working for the betterment of the community; and

Whereas, Maria Rojo de Steffey has served Portland as a twenty year Multnomah County Employee, with positions including secretary, department manager, county chair staff and subsequently elected Multnomah County Commissioner, taking office in 2001 and reelected in 2004; and

Whereas, Maria Rojo de Steffey, during her tenure on the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners, has been a strong advocate on behalf of all Portlanders – including traditionally under-represented populations as well as vulnerable community members including elderly & disabled, sexual minority youth, and individuals dealing with alcohol and drug issues; and

Whereas, Maria Rojo de Steffey has been a leader of sustainability efforts and eco roof technology resulting in the Multnomah Building Amy Joslin Memorial Eco Roof and the just completed downtown Central Library eco roof; and

Whereas, Maria Rojo de Steffey is a life long advocate for empowering young people, a supporter of the City and County Multnomah Youth Commission and promoting the adoption of the Youth Bill of Rights; and

Whereas, Maria Rojo de Steffey has a history of civic engagement and volunteerism serving on the boards and advisory boards of organizations such as Cascade Aids Project, The United Way of the Columbia-Willamette, Portland Gay Men’s Chorus, Miracle Theatre, Travel Portland, VERDE, and American Heart Association; and

Whereas, Maria Rojo de Steffey has fought for equal rights and protections of all members of our community; a champion of families and advocate for marriage equality; and

Whereas, Maria Rojo de Steffey has been a leader of regional transportation projects, she worked tirelessly to secure funds and implement a plan for the replacement of the Sauvie Island Bridge with construction completed in June of this year; and

Whereas, Maria Rojo de Steffey will continue to serve Portland as a Multnomah County Commissioner until the completion of her term in December 2008;

Now, therefore, I, Tom Potter, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby declare September 17, 2008 as an official

Day of Appreciation

For Maria Rojo de Steffey