Elise Haas: Former KOIN TV reporter, now working to fund police

Elise Haas is a former television anchor. You may remember her from KOIN 6 News, Portland's local Portland CBS affiliate. Elise is now at Gallatin Public Affairs and is working on a public safety ballot measure called the Safer Portland Initiative, which will provide funds for the hiring, training and support of additional police officers at the Portland Police Bureau ("PPB"). Portland has one of the most understaffed police departments in the country. Recently Portland Mayor Keith Wilson led the biggest round of police defunding in Portland history with a budget proposal to cut police funding by $21.7 million. Last month - in May 2026 - Portland City Council approved cuts to Portland Police Bureau ("PPB") of about $18 million. By contrast, in 2020, Portland City Council cut the police budget by $15 million. Instructions for mailing in your signature for the Safer Portland Initiative can be found here. Donate to Safer Portland here.