Multnomah County Commissioner Shannon Singleton recently announced her candidacy for Multnomah County Chair, pledging to bring strong executive leadership and a progressive reform agenda to address the region’s pressing challenges in housing, public health, and safety.
“I want to serve where I can make the most change,” said Singleton. “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.”
Singleton was elected in November 2024 to represent District 2, which includes North and Northeast Portland. Since joining the commission, she has led efforts to increase accountability, improve public services, and realign the county’s resources toward effective outcomes.
Her record includes coauthoring Multnomah County’s first disclosure requirements for lobbyists, enhancing transparency in local government. She introduced cost-saving reforms at the County’s Deflection Center that integrate addiction, housing, and behavioral health services. She redirected county funds to invest in shelter, outreach, and housing programs designed to end homelessness, and increased efficiency within the Homeless Services Department to reduce duplication and improve service outcomes.
Singleton also pushed for greater community involvement before decisions are made to open homeless shelters or close libraries for construction. She advocated for improvements to Preschool For All and pressed for consistent delivery of preschool services to families across the county. Her leadership extended to East Multnomah County, where she expanded voter outreach, housing inspections, and public health services.
In response to changes in federal immigration enforcement, Singleton worked to strengthen protections for vulnerable communities and fund safety net programs that address the overreach of immigration authorities and rising concerns over violence.
“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.”
Supporters say Singleton brings the right combination of pragmatism and determination. “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, a small business owner and community leader.
Before holding public office, Singleton served in key executive leadership roles at JOIN, a Portland nonprofit that helps people move from the street into housing. She also served in the office of former Oregon Governor Kate Brown and worked in the private sector on transportation and 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 respected community advocate.
Singleton’s campaign will focus on delivering meaningful progress on housing affordability, homelessness, addiction recovery, mental health access, and economic opportunity. She pointed to a workforce initiative she recently led that identified low-cost policy changes to connect hundreds of workers to well-paying union jobs through apprenticeships and skills training.
“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.”
She noted that her ability to unite progressive business leaders was evident through her work with local business owners and chambers of commerce led by communities of color. That experience, she said, will be critical to ensuring that the county remains a place where small businesses can succeed and residents can thrive.
“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,” Singleton said.
