Meet Ashton​

 

Ashton Simpson is a proud resident of East County and a fierce advocate for his community, both inside and outside government.

 

Growing up, Ashton lived in a disinvested community in East Houston, where it was hard for people to get through the day - let alone get ahead. ​Like many others, he joined the Air Force to serve his country and build a better future. He became a civil engineering technician, learning the value of service, teamwork, and never leaving anyone behind. He went on to earn a degree from Portland State University in community development, working in transportation and nonprofits dedicated to improving East Portland.

 

As a project engineer for the largest Black-owned construction firm in Oregon, Colas Construction, he worked to ensure projects were delivered on time and on budget. Through his work as a community asset planner at the Rosewood Initiative, he identified how to add infrastructure and development to the Rosewood Neighborhood of East Portland to improve safety, livability, and quality of life. And as the former Executive Director of Oregon Walks, he fought to prevent traffic fatalities and fix unsafe streets across our region.

First elected to the Metro Council in 2022, Ashton has built a record of active, engaged work for the community. He has led work with cities and counties to construct more housing and reduce homelessness. He’s secured investments in transportation infrastructure to improve safety and reduce congestion in East Portland. And he’s consistently been a champion for East Portland and East County, including investments in safe streets, parks and greenspaces, and closer collaboration with local governments. 

Outside of Metro, Ashton volunteers his time on several boards and committees, including: 

• ODOT Interstate Bridge Replacement Project

• Our Just Future Board

• Greater Portland Inc Board

• Board of Trustees for the Oregon Zoo

• Travel Portland

• Work Systems Inc Board

• Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation

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Ashton and his son have lived in East Portland for seven years.  He is married to Esperanza  Tervalon.​