Margaret D. Strachan

Portland City Commissioner (1981-87). Following a City Charter change, and in a primary with 18 people, Margaret was the first woman elected to Council who was not appointed first to the office. During her time in office, she was responsible for the Bureaus of Planning, Transportation, General Services, Buildings, and as liaison to the Area Agencies on Aging and Youth. Among her many accomplishments as a City leader was the conceptualization and preparation of the Central City Plan, Resolution A between the City and Multnomah County to consolidate social services and development of the Pearl District ("Mother of the Pearl"), streamlining the City's building permit process, new housing on the Park Blocks, and as an advocate for citizen participation, affordable housing, gay rights, and mental health services. As a Commissioner, she was known for her concerns about equity, fairness, the future of the City, and faith in the citizens of the City.

Margaret was born on May 11, 1935, in Helena, Montana and had seven children from her first marriage to James Strachan; they were divorced. She received her bachelor's degree in 1968 from Carroll College in Helena and taught English and Montana history to 9th and 10th graders in Helena. Margaret came to Portland in 1973, worked on Commissioner Charles Jordan's first campaign, served as Neighborhood Coordinator for Neighbors West/Northwest, and was on Commissioner Mike Lindberg's staff prior to running for Council. After leaving the Council, she served as Executive Director of Central City Concern, a consultant, and organized the City's first Neighborhood Congress. In 1978, she married Sumner Sharpe, a Professor of Urban Studies and Planning at PSU. Between them, they have nine children, 15 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Margaret has served on a variety of non-profit boards, including Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Metropolitan family services, Sabin CDC, the Northwest District Association, Community Information Center, and as National Chair of the Women's Division of the American Planning Association. She is the recipient of leadership awards from the National Homebuilders Association, Portland Chapter of AIA, Oregon Chapter and national awards from the American Planning Association, and local awards for her support of historic preservation and from the Metropolitan Human Relations Commission for her advocacy and support for handicapped citizens.

Prepared by Sumner Sharpe, PhD, FAICP, March 28, 2011

Locate on Walk:

• Stage Wall (Left Wall), 1-6