Letters supporting City of Portland Riverfest budget item

I. Who to Contact

Letters documenting why an organization supports Riverfest and how it plans to be involved should be sent to each Commissioner and the Auditor, as well as cc’d to Gil Kelly, Bureau of Planning Director, and Michael Montgomery, River Renaissance Manager. (see III. Contacts, below).

II. Possible Support Letter Outline

I am writing to ask your support for the Riverfest decision package in the Bureau of Planning budget request (Decision Package 12).

Riverfest is a new signature event in Portland to celebrate the Willamette River and inspire residents to deepen their connection to, and understanding of this working river.

[name of organization] is excited about Riverfest because [pick a few reasons below, or add own]:

•  designed to re-connect people with the Willamette

•  family-friendly

•  inclusive—all sorts of people doing all sorts of river-things

•  designed to build a new sense of community along the Willamette

•  growing commitment to a better Willamette through fun and informative experiences

•  enlarge people’s River experience

•  equip people with new understanding of river history, economy, and ecology

•  increase informed participation by citizens in future river issues and activities.

[name of organization] supports Riverfest because [it lines up with mission, fills a critical need in City, it’s fun…]

[IF APPROPRIATE:] In addition, [name of organization] will be responsible for a key Riverfest event [e.g. triathlon, paddle, etc.], which we expect to represent a contribution of approximately ($X or time).

In closing, [name of organization] believes that Riverfest is a unique event well-worth support by the City. City partnership in the form of direct donation and staff time is essential to the success of Riverfest. The City’s contribution will be leveraged many times over.

Thank you.

/s

III. Contacts:

Office of Mayor Tom Potter

1221 SW 4th Avenue, Suite 340

Portland, Oregon 97204

503-823-4120

Office of City Commissioner Sam Adams

1221 SW Fourth Avenue, Room 220

Portland, OR 97204

Phone: (503) 823-3008

Office of City Commissioner Randy Leonard

1221 S.W. Fourth Ave., Room 210

Portland OR 97204

503-823-4682

Office of City Commissioner Dan Saltzman

1221 SW 4th Ave. Room 230

Portland, Oregon 97204

503-823-4151

Office of City Commissioner Erik Sten

City of Portland

1221 SW 4th Avenue, Rm. 240

Portland, OR 97204-1998

503-823-3589

Auditor Gary Blackmer

1221 SW 4th Ave Room 140

Portland, OR 97204

503-823-4078

Gil Kelley

Director, Portland Bureau of Planning

1900 SW Fourth Ave., Suite 7100

Portland, Oregon 97201

503-823-7701

Michael Montgomery

River Renaissance

1900 SW Fourth Ave., Suite 7100

Portland, Oregon 97201

503-823-1103