City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty moved to Oregon because it had things she was looking for— the ability to be close to the water and mountains, and a place where she felt like she could really make a difference. Since arriving, Hardesty has definitely made a difference in Oregon. In addition to her work with the Portland NAACP and many other boards and commissions and serving as a state representative, Hardesty was recently sworn in as a city commissioner becoming the first African-American woman to serve on the Portland City Council. With Hardesty, the Council also reached another historic milestone. For the first time, the council is majority women, which Mayor Ted Wheeler called a “historic moment.” In her role as commissioner Hardesty is committed to building a livable and sustainable city with all Portlanders and for all Portlanders, through transparency, accountability, and opportunity.