The Labor and Workforce Development Committee of the Portland City Council convened on September 11, 2025, under the leadership of Committee Chair Loretta Smith. Due to the absence of Vice Chair Mitch Green and another council member, the meeting was attended by Smith, Counselor Steve Novick, and Samir Kanal.

The meeting began with an acknowledgment of the reduced attendance but proceeded with a focus on key workforce development issues facing the city. The committee discussed various initiatives aimed at enhancing job opportunities and supporting local businesses. Specific attention was given to programs designed to assist underrepresented communities in accessing employment resources.

Throughout the session, members emphasized the importance of collaboration between city departments and community organizations to effectively address workforce challenges. The committee reviewed ongoing projects and evaluated their impact on the local economy.

As the meeting concluded, Chair Smith highlighted the need for continued efforts in workforce development and expressed commitment to follow up on the discussed initiatives. The committee plans to reconvene to assess progress and explore further strategies to bolster Portland's labor market.