As county commissioner for District 1, Deborah Kafoury is passionately committed to the county's efforts to end homelessness, provide affordable housing, and ensure a safety net for all those in need in our community. She is a passionate advocate for domestic violence services for families, increasing access to health care for all people, supporting student success and our cherished library system. In addition, she is working to ensure the best use of county land and the safety of our roads and bridges.

Deborah represents the Board of County Commissioners on the Joint Policy Advisory Committee for Transportation and is leading the effort to replace the Sellwood Bridge. She is the Board liaison to the Portland Children’s Levy, which seeks to support children in their early years.

Prior to being elected to the Commission, Deborah served in the Oregon Legislature as a State Representative from N/NE Portland from 1999-2004 and was chosen by her peers as House Democratic Leader from 2001-2004. She was field director for the 1995 Portland Public Schools Bond Measure, fundraiser for Erik Sten’s campaign for the Portland City Council in 1996 and a lobbyist for numerous clients including Oregon Remodelers Association, Oregon Physical Therapy Association, The Wildlife Society, American Fisheries Society and the Oregon Architects Association in the 1997 legislative session.

Deborah is married to Nik Blosser and they are the parents of three children. She is currently President of the Duniway Elementary School Foundation.