Steph Routh, a lifelong East Portland resident and seasoned community advocate, entered the 2024 race for Portland City Council's newly established District 1. Despite her extensive experience—including roles as Executive Director of Oregon Walks and Chair of the Portland Planning Commission—she faced the challenge of limited name recognition in a crowded field of 16 candidates. The goal was to rapidly build trust, articulate her policy priorities, and mobilize grassroots support in a district encompassing diverse neighborhoods such as Parkrose, Lents, and Hazelwood.