Duncan Hwang, a transportation and housing justice advocate and interim co-director of the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO), announced his run for the recently-vacated Metro Council District 6 seat Tuesday.
Hwang is aiming to fill former Metro Councilor Bob Stacey’s seat, who resigned from his position mid-term amid growing health issues. Stacey’s resignation went into effect October 15 and the Metro councilors have until January 13, 2022 to vote to appoint a replacement councilor.
“I’m running for Metro Council because I intimately understand the ways our regional government can empower frontline communities to solve our overlapping problems,” Hwang said in a press release.
Hwang cites his experience working with community members and regional agencies to secure investments for the city’s Jade District through APANO as an example of his leadership ability. APANO was a key player in pressuring regional transportation agencies to fund safety improvements along 82nd Avenue following a series of pedestrian deaths. Hwang also coordinated the organization’s vaccination campaigns and rental assistance through the pandemic, and has served on several Metro equity, housing, and grant committees.
If selected to represent District 6, which includes a significant swath of south Portland, Hwang pledges to focus on a humane and rapid response to homelessness, climate and environmental justice, economic recovery, and promoting community engagement in Metro decisions.
Hwang is endorsed by former councilor Stacey, as well as Portland City Commissioners Jo Ann Hardesty and Carmen Rubio, state lawmakers like Representative Khanh Pham and Senator Michael Dembrow, and Multnomah County Commissioner Jessica Vega Pederson.
"Duncan has been a tireless champion for his community, successfully working to uplift emerging voices by working with local and regional governments for tangible housing and transportation victories in the Jade District and beyond,” said Vega Pederson. “I am confident Duncan will make an exceptional Metro Councilor and I'm eager to endorse his candidacy.”
Hwang is the first person to actively seek out the vacant District 6 seat.
