About Duncan
For almost a decade, Duncan (he/his) has served as a Director at the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO) where he led the organization’s work in community development, community engagement, and advocacy. Some highlights include leading the development of the Orchards of 82nd, a mixed-use affordable housing development at SE 82nd and Division, planning the first Jade International Night Market, and responding to community crisis resulting from the pandemic including in public health, in the rise in hate and bias incidents, and in the economic recovery.
Duncan’s advocacy is centered on his community and lived experience. He grew up in an immigrant family in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where his mother opened the area’s first Chinese restaurant. Interactions with government were often confusing and disempowering, which instilled a strong value of bringing in underrepresented voices to public spaces. He first became engaged politically while attending the University of Michigan where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Asian Studies. During this time he worked on numerous civic engagement and environmental campaigns. After graduating, he worked as a field organizer for a national nonprofit focusing on voter registration and encouraging people to vote.
Duncan was appointed to a vacant seat on the Metro Council in January 2022. He is running for election in the May 2022 primary to finish out his predecessor's term.
Duncan then moved to Portland, Oregon and obtained his J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School in 2007. After becoming an attorney, he relocated to Asia to work at an international law firm where he assisted in planning the 2008 Beijing Olympic games. In searching for more socially conscious work, he returned to Portland and found a job at APANO, which at the time had only 4 staff. Duncan’s time as an advocate at APANO involved frequent engagement with Metro, serving on a litany of regional committees related to affordable housing, parks and transportation.
Duncan and his wife Lisa in East Portland, just blocks away from 82nd Avenue. In his spare time, he enjoys board games, playing on numerous indoor soccer teams, and truffle hunting with Data, their dog.