About
Biography
David Linn was born and raised in Portland. He has spent his entire life in service to the community.
As a proud husband, father, Centennial School Board member, and someone who has served in East Portland neighborhoods for over 20 years, David shows what can be accomplished when we value community, embrace our diversity, and work to make local government serve the people.
David Knows Portland
- Born and raised in Portland, grew up along 82nd Avenue, now raising his family in East Portland.
- Authored numerous articles for the SE Examiner and other newsletters, focusing on the history of Portland and Multnomah County.
- Descendant of three generations of Portlanders committed to community progress and improvement.
David knows Government
- Holds a Master’s degree in City Government, unique among candidates.
- Earned degrees in Political Science and History.
- Elected member of the Centennial School District School Board.
- Served over 15 years as a Multnomah County Democrat Precinct Committee Person, District Leader in House District 45, and Legislative Liaison in House District 47.
- Over 14 years of experience with the State of Oregon in Health Licensing, reviewing legislation and drafting administrative rules, and educating professionals on state regulations.
David Knows Community
- Active in community organizing since 2004, beginning with a volunteer library project.
- Held leadership roles including Chair in Centennial and Montavilla associations, as well as Outreach, Parks, Secretary/Treasurer, and Land-Use Chair.
- Collaborated with multiple community organizations such as Southeast Uplift and East Portland Neighborhood Office.
- Organized and moderated debates on ballot measures and city council topics, and hosted forums addressing homelessness.
- Featured in East Portland News for his extensive community service contributions.
David Knows How to Fight for East Portland
- In 2007, challenged city officials over failed Prostitution and Drug Free Zones, advocating for resources for women in poverty and law enforcement reform.
- Lobbied City Commissioner Amanda Fritz in 2008 for better investment in the 82nd MAX stop, opposing its problematic design.
- Demanded more housing resources in 2017 to address homelessness, criticizing inefficient and harmful sweeps.
- Participated in a significant 2018 forum on housing and houselessness, bringing together stakeholders to discuss ongoing failures and solutions.
- Joined the Centennial Community Association in 2020, later becoming chair, focusing on community clean-ups, tree plantings, and establishing a unique Resiliency Network; secured over $12,000 in grants by 2024.
- Elected to the Centennial School Board in 2021, advocating for community engagement, better school facilities, and significantly improving student morale and identity through strategic investments.
Education
- Centennial School Board – Elected June 2021 – Present. Zone 1 (Community engagement, budgeting, bond oversight, policy development. Serve as the representative to the East County Equity Committee and the OSBA Legislative Policy Committee, Delegate to Multnomah Educational Service District Budget Committee)
- President Centennial Community Association – January 2021 – Present (Community engagement, budgeting, neighborhood clean-ups)
- Centennial Neighborhood Emergency Team – November 2020 – Present (Disaster response through community building and trainings)
- Montavilla Neighborhood Association – Chair, Vice-Chair, Outreach, Parks, Land-Use, Treasurer – 2005-2008 & 2017-2018 (Project management, grant writing, strategic planning, public records requests, newsletter/website content design, event planning, debate moderator, and multi-cultural outreach)
- Oregon Health Authority – Member of Cultural Competence Continuing Education Committee – September 2015 – March 2020 (Representing Oregon Health Related Licensing Boards, review and approval of culturally relevant continuing education for health professionals)
- SEIU Local 503-333 – President of local, Steward – January 2009 – December 2012 (Employee orientations, interpreting contract clauses, representing employees in disciplinary hearings, monthly meetings)
- Oregon Memorial Association/Funeral Consumer’s Alliance – Board of Trustees – September 2015 – April 2018 (Consumer advocacy, non-profit finances, facilitator for strategic planning meetings)
- Co-Chair of Fundraising for Montavilla Volunteer Library – 2005
- Multnomah County Commissioners/Chairs Office (Volunteer) – 2004