The coalition that sued Mayor Charlie Hales last week over the proliferation of homeless camps is now upset that members aren't welcome at a closed-door meeting Monday about homelessness.

Hales is planning a meeting at 1 p.m. to discuss the city's "overall strategy to handle the influx of travelers" who flock to Portland during the summer, according to an email that Hales sent out.

Hales asked invited groups to bring two or three things that each is willing to contribute "to the overall success of the mission."

Not welcome? Safe & Livable Portland, which sued Portland last week over Hales' lax enforcement of camping. The coalition includes the Portland Business Alliance, Clean & Safe and the Pearl District Neighborhood Association.

Sara Hottman, a spokeswoman for Hales, said the meeting is focused on the North Park Blocks and participation is limited to groups that were involved during similar meetings last year.

Hales' email, however, has touted the meeting as a "Summer Livability Planning Session" and the North Park Blocks aren't specifically referenced.

Keeping participation limited will help the group stay focused and on track, according to the mayor's office. Hottman said the meeting was scheduled before the coalition filed its lawsuit last week.

"Everyone invited was identified as among the most productive members of last year's meeting," Hottman said.

Safe & Livable asked last Friday to attend today's meeting - which begins at 1 p.m. in The Portland Building - but was told "no."

"Thank you for your interest; this is not a public meeting, and only invited participants may attend," the mayor's office responded.

In an email Monday, Safe & Livable Portland said that none of its coalition members are invited but members would like to have representation.

"Closed door sessions are part of the problem with where we are as a community today," the group said.

UPDATE: Hottman said some members with ties to the coalition are invited and have confirmed their attendance: two people from the Pearl District and the chair of the Central Eastside Industrial Council.

Hottman also said Lynnae Berg, who represents both the Portland Business Alliance and Clean & Safe, was invited.

-- Brad Schmidt

503-294-7628

@cityhallwatch