City leadership and City Council appreciate Gresham residents who have shared their experiences and concerns regarding community safety. We have listened carefully to our community, including families, businesses, and those who work and recreate in Gresham. On this page you will find resources to help provide direction and support to those who need it in our community.
If you have questions or would like to share your concerns with us, please contact us by email at CommunitySafety@GreshamOregon.gov.
Community resources
Many people have asked how the Gresham Police Department does and does not interact with a variety of federal law enforcement agencies. Chief Gullberg addresses those questions and reaffirms the department’s commitment to building trust, protecting public safety, and serving our community.
Learn more about what the City of Gresham legally can and cannot do when it comes to immigration enforcement on our immigration enforcement frequently asked questions page.
Visit our Housing page for more information about housing services in Gresham.
Visit our Utility Financial Assistance page for more information about programs available in Gresham.
City actions
- The City helped coordinate a community-led Know Your Rights training on December 16, provided free of charge by our EMOPI partner, Latino Network, with both in-person and virtual options.
- Since 2020, through Council and City leadership, Gresham has invested nearly $1.1 million in grants, aid and contracts with Latino Network — reflecting a strong, trusted partnership.
- Staff supported the development and release of a community statement from Mayor Travis Stovall on December 16.
- An informational message from Police Chief Gullberg released reaffirming Gresham Police’s approach to public safety and compliance with Oregon’s Sanctuary Law.
- Council Resolution 3681 passed on January 20, reaffirming the City's commitment to the rule of law and preserving public safety and calling for federal immigration reform.
The City Attorney’s Office and Human Resources have finalized interim employee guidance on interactions with federal immigration agents.
Interim guidance - employee interactions with federal immigration enforcement
- A dedicated webpage to serve as a one-stop resource for:
- Legal rights information
- Community resources
- Message from the Gresham Police Chief
- Housing, food and small business-related resources
In early December, the City launched CommunitySafety@GreshamOregon.gov to collect concerns related to public safety or DHS/ICE activity. This allows staff to monitor, investigate, address misinformation, and communicate proactively.
City leadership continues to coordinate closely with superintendents from Reynolds, Centennial, and Gresham-Barlow school districts to understand impacts and align support as one community.
- The City is working with the Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce and business alliances to identify ways to support impacted businesses, including education on rights and responsibilities.
- Staff are also pursuing outside grant and financial assistance opportunities for affected businesses and residents.
- With Council consensus, the City is authorizing $20,000 for local food pantries to address food insecurity.
- Additional multilingual outreach is underway to increase awareness of utility assistance programs.
- This fiscal year, Gresham has provided $181,248 in HUD funding to Our Just Future for housing stabilization, with an additional $232,059 anticipated—totaling $413,305 over the next six months.
- These funds have assisted 25 households and 28 individuals to date.
- Homeless services have committed $335,673 in rent assistance, helping 50 households (93 individuals), with additional funds remaining for the coming months.