Mary Nolan: A Profile of the Oregon Metro Councilor

Mary Nolan currently serves as a Councilor for Oregon Metro, representing District 5. Her career in public service spans multiple roles, including a significant tenure in the Oregon House of Representatives. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Nolan’s background, political career, and current responsibilities.

Early Life and Education

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 28, 1954, Mary Nolan is a Democratic politician with a long-standing commitment to public service. She was among the first class of women admitted to Dartmouth College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics, graduating magna cum laude.

Oregon Legislative Career

Nolan began her career in Oregon politics in 2001, when she was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives, representing District 36 (formerly District 11). She served in the House for twelve years, until 2013. During her time in the legislature, she rose to the position of Majority Leader from 2008 to 2010.

Post-Legislative Career

Following her time in the Oregon House, Nolan briefly pursued other opportunities. She was a finalist for a position with Planned Parenthood and later accepted a role as a Vice President at FamilyCare, a Medicare and Medicaid-managed-care provider in Portland, in 2013.

Metro Councilor (2021 – Present)

In 2020, Nolan was elected as a Councilor for Metro, the regional government serving the Portland metropolitan area. She assumed office on January 4, 2021, and represents District 5, which includes Portland, Maywood Park, North Portland, Northwest Portland, and downtown. She was re-elected outright in the primary on May 21, 2024, with her term ending on January 1, 2029.

Key Priorities and Responsibilities

As a Metro Councilor, Nolan has prioritized several key areas:

• Embedding racial justice into all departmental actions.
• Promoting coordinated investments in housing, jobs, and the preservation of agricultural and forest land.
• Ensuring that Metro’s expenditures and services provide both immediate and long-term value.
• Advocating for effective solutions to homelessness.

Nolan also holds several key positions within Metro, including:

• Council Liaison to the Metro Policy Advisory Committee
• Council Liaison to the Affordable Housing Oversight Committee
• Chair of the Regional Waste Advisory Committee
• Metro Representative to the Columbia Corridor Association
• Council Liaison to the Metro Central Grants Committee
• Alternate Metro Representative to the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement
• Parks and Nature liaison

Personal Life

Nolan is married to Mark Gardiner, and they have one child.