Meet Josh Leake
Candidate for
Portland City Councilor, District 4

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“Community service has always driven my work. Active civic engagement isn't just an ideal—it is Portland’s greatest untapped strength. As District 4 Councilor, I will ensure our neighborhood has a direct, powerful voice in shaping our city's future.”

Josh Leake
Candidate, Portland City Councilor, District 4
TEXT US: 971-435-VOTE

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Born and raised in Portland

SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY
Josh attended George Smith School in SW Portland, Charles Rice, Rose City, Gregory Heights, and James Madison High School (McDaniel) in NE Portland.

Josh attended Portland State University and studied Graphic Design and German with honors. While in college, he interned at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. There, he focused on making the "On Time" exhibit more accessible by creating placards for the deaf community and braille for the blind. While in Washington D.C., Josh also helped lobby the Department of Education for additional support for PSU, working alongside congressional members from Oregon.

“Former Mayor Vera Katz embodied a sense of community missing in Portland’s leadership today. Vera's legacy reminds us that true leadership is rooted in human connection.”

Josh Leake
Candidate, Portland City Councilor, District 4
TEXT US: 971-435-VOTE

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Dedicated Volunteer & Government Advocate

STEPPING UP AND VOLUNTEERING
Josh volunteered with first responders and the 911 Call Center in Portland for over 600 hours. He's spent countless hours volunteering on our streets and understands our first responders' challenges.

Josh also spent many hours observing the community policing strategies of Tom Potter, Charles Moose, and others.

During college, Josh volunteered with former Portland Mayor Vera Katz and Mayor Sam Adams, working and interning in the Office of International Relations. He assisted with the city's external relations with many of its sister cities and contributed to developing the Lan Su Garden in NW Portland. Josh also worked on the city's first website.

Josh frequently volunteered at the Oregon Food Bank. He spent countless hours training with his dog Pearl as a Therapy Dog through the Oregon Humane Society, visiting retirement and hospice homes to bring joy to many of Portland's elderly and neglected neighbors.

“Revitalizing Portland isn't just about fixing our streets or boosting our economy—it's about investing in the heart of our city: our people. By empowering our city employees, transforming graffiti into sanctioned street art, and fostering a culture of community volunteering, we can breathe new life into every corner of Portland.”

Josh Leake
Candidate, Portland City Councilor, District 4
TEXT US: 971-435-VOTE

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Housing Expert

REAL PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS
Josh is educated on financing by the world leaders in development, including attending and receiving Fannie Mae’s Underwriting certifications on asset and collateral assessment, small business finance underwriting, eco-finance, and other important initiatives that will help Portland in its need for more and better housing.

He started his own mortgage company, where he oversaw loans for single-family residences, medical and hospital construction projects, giving medical access to rural Oregonians, multi-family homes, condos, construction, refinancing debt, business loans, equity loans, and more.

Over the years, Josh has helped thousands of homeowners in Oregon, Washington, and California negotiate and modify debt and even help build and finance hospital properties around the state. His problem-solving ability and keen understanding of finance are assets that Portland can use in the future to build more housing and redevelop city spaces.

“Portland's economic growth hinges on unleashing our local talent and entrepreneurial spirit. By streamlining city processes, partnering with colleges for workforce development, and investing in our own employees, we're not just creating jobs—we're building a resilient, innovative economy that works for all Portlanders.”

Josh Leake
Candidate, Portland City Councilor, District 4
TEXT US: 971-435-VOTE

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Community Organizer

BRINGING PORTLANDERS TOGETHER

After touring the world with his documentary on homeless Portlanders returning beverage cans, Emptys, Josh started the Portland Film Festival with his documentary instructor, Jay Cornelius, and a group of dedicated Portland volunteers.

The Portland Film Festival has supported independent voices and artists, who screen their films in Portland, where opportunities have slowly diminished as theaters close and refuse to screen indie movies.

The festival has won recognition as one of the world’s most creative film festivals and was recently named a shining beacon in the city by MovieMaker Magazine. In 2025 USA Today nominated it as one of the best festivals in the United States.

The Film Festival has also started a Future Filmmakers program to lift underrepresented voices with the Boys & Girls Club of Portland and teach filmmaking to kids through the city for free. Josh’s commitment to supporting the youth through this eight year old program is the leadership we need to make Portland better.

A large group of people wearing yellow shirts and party hats gather outdoors in front of a brick building with trees. They are holding a yellow banner with blue text promoting the Portland Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, August 29-September 5, 2016.
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“From delivering newspapers as a kid to lifeguarding at our pools, Portland shaped who I am. Now, I'm ready to shape its future.”

Josh Leake
Candidate, Portland City Councilor, District 4

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“The response times in our neighborhood are unacceptable. Every resident deserves to feel safe in their home.”

Josh Leake
Candidate, Portland City Councilor, District 4
TEXT US: 971-435-VOTE

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"My neighbors deserve a government that works as hard for your future as its people do. My plan for Portland isn't just about efficiency—it's about restoring trust, fostering innovation, and creating a city hall that truly serves every Portlander.”

Josh Leake
Candidate, Portland City Councilor, District 4
TEXT US: 971-435-VOTE

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