Kellie Torres
District 3
What is your experience with off-road cycling? Do you have a favorite trail to ride?
While I’m not an avid off-road cyclist myself, I have a deep appreciation for the people and organizations that make these opportunities possible. Through my work at Portland Parks & Recreation, I’ve seen the value of Northwest Trail Alliance’s volunteer stewardship, trail maintenance, and efforts to introduce more young people to cycling. I respect the commitment NWTA brings to making outdoor recreation more accessible to Portlanders.
The Off-road Cycling Master Plan (ORCMP) was published by the City in 2023 after a robust public process. It found that Portland suffers from a severe lack of opportunities for off-road cycling despite Portland’s cycling reputation. Are you committed to advancing the goals of the ORCMP in your district? Why or why not? Off-Road Cycling Master Plan for reference: https://www.portland.gov/bps/planning/off-road-cycling/documents
Yes. Portland invested significant time and community input into developing this plan. We should be focused on implementation.
Through my work at Portland Parks & Recreation, I understand both the opportunities and challenges of moving projects forward. In District 3, I support exploring improvements at Mt. Tabor and Powell Butte that expand access while protecting natural resources and respecting other trail users.
I would work with PP&R, NWTA, and community partners to identify achievable projects, secure resources, and move them forward. Good plans should lead to real results.
NWTA is a City of Portland partner with a proven track record in building, restoring, and maintaining high-quality, sustainable trails for multiple user groups, in addition to providing cycling and stewardship programming for Portlanders. To what degree would you help strengthen and promote partnerships with groups like NWTA to support City staff and improve our public parks?
Absolutely. Partnerships are at the heart of my career and my current work leading external affairs and partnerships for Portland Parks & Recreation.
I know firsthand how much organizations like Northwest Trail Alliance contribute through volunteer hours, trail stewardship, advocacy, and community programming. I have tremendous respect for the people who give their time and expertise to improve our public spaces.
I also know how frustrating City bureaucracy can be for community partners trying to do good work. I’ve spent years helping organizations navigate those barriers and creating pathways to YES.
On Council, I would champion stronger partnerships, reduce unnecessary red tape, and help organizations like NWTA turn their commitment and volunteer energy into lasting community improvements.
For over 40 years, the City of Portland has blocked all efforts to provide meaningful multi-use trail access in Forest Park. Now, the City’s ORCMP (page 72) has a number of recommendations for Forest Park that bring environmentally sustainable multi-use trails online and follow the Forest Park Natural Resources Management Plan process. Are you willing to make sustainable off-road cycling trail improvements a priority to improve trailhead congestion, environmental concerns and access for all Portlanders to Forest Park?
Yes. Forest Park is one of Portland’s greatest natural assets, and I believe we can protect its ecological health while thoughtfully expanding opportunities for recreation.
Working in Portland Parks & Recreation has given me an appreciation for the balance between conservation, access, and long-term maintenance. I also recognize the value of experienced partners like Northwest Trail Alliance, who bring volunteers, technical knowledge, and a genuine commitment to responsible trail stewardship.
I support moving forward with sustainable improvements consistent with the Off-Road Cycling Master Plan, informed by environmental review and collaboration with conservation and recreation partners.
My focus would be on identifying responsible, achievable projects and actually getting them done.