Today, Mayor Ted Wheeler announces continued progress of implementing voter-approved charter changes to the City of Portland's government. Starting July 1, 2024, interim City Administrator Michael Jordan will manage newly appointed deputy city administrators who lead the city’s six new service areas and manage the bureaus and programs within their portfolios, in alignment with unified City Council priorities. Mayor Ted Wheeler will oversee this process and serve as the executive administrative authority.
“This is a necessary move to ensure the success of the next mayor and city council,” said Mayor Ted Wheeler.“During this six-month transition period, we will test and refine new processes to ensure a smooth and efficient implementation at the start of the new year.”
In November 2022, Portland voters approved transformational changes to city government, overwhelmingly passing ballot Measure 26-228 proposed by the Portland Charter Commission. Among the numerous changes to the city’s elections and form of government, the charter creates a system where the city council focuses on setting policy and a city administrator is hired to run the city's day-to-day operations with the mayor.
“Portlanders expect us to deliver the changes they voted for, while we also continue delivering the services they rely on every day,” said Jordan, the interim city administrator. “Phasing in the city’s new organizational structure positions us to do both of those things as we enter the final countdown to Portland’s new form of government.”
Mayor Wheeler is working closely with his colleagues on the city council to ensure they have continued input and engagement on high-profile policy areas. Commissioners and their offices will continue to play a crucial role in leading policy and legislative initiatives.