Agenda Tracker: February 4th, 2025
A Guide to Portland's Government Transition... City Administrator appointment... City Attorney appointment... International Day of Human Fraternity... North Portland Library Reopening... Wonk Out!
Dear Readers,
Welcome to an incredibly slow week in local politics and policymaking! I’m a bit relieved, as I spent all day yesterday writing Street Wonk’s new feature, Civic Circuit, and I’m looking forward to taking the rest of the day off! (Narrator: She did not, in fact, take the rest of the day off.)
This week, Portland City Council is appointing a new City Administrator and City Attorney—who also happen to be the old City Administrator and City Attorney. So, I thought I’d delve into these two roles before proceeding with our regular content. Below are my summaries, but first, I hope you’ll check out the comic I’ve included explaining our government transition process!
Finally, I want to wish you a happy International Day of Human Fraternity. This annual observance highlights the importance of interfaith and intercultural dialogue in building peace, cooperation, and mutual respect. Tolerance isn’t just about accepting differences—it’s about recognizing that diversity strengthens us.
Established by the UN General Assembly, this observance builds on past efforts to promote a culture of peace, including World Interfaith Harmony Week and the 2019 Document on Human Fraternity signed by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar. At a time of rising division and conflict, this day serves as a reminder that our shared humanity must guide us toward a more just and peaceful world.
With Love, Hope & Solidarity,
Chloe
Portland’s New Form of City Government
If you have any questions about how our new form of city government works and how the transition is going, here’s a handy round-up of the most current information. I recommend starting with this gorgeous comic by Beka Feathers and Aki Ruiz!
Chief Administrator
Portland’s shift to a mayor-council system was meant to improve accountability and efficiency in city government. A big part of that change is the City Administrator, who oversees daily operations across all bureaus. This is a significant departure from the old commission system, where individual elected officials ran city departments—often with little expertise and plenty of political infighting.
The City Administrator, Michael Jordan, is supported by six deputy City Administrators, each responsible for a group of related bureaus. While some have raised concerns about administrative bloat, this structure isn’t unusual for cities of Portland’s size with a mayor-council system. Other cities, like Baltimore and Houston, also have deputy administrators to manage urban services.
At the same time, City Council—now a 12-member legislative body—needed more resources to fulfill its new role. Initially, councilors were only budgeted for one staffer each, which was wildly inadequate. In response, the new Council approved a $4.6 million budget to allow for two staffers per member, plus additional funding for district offices and community engagement.
Right now, the balance between administrative and legislative resources seems reasonable, especially given the scale of the transition. That said, concerns about inefficiencies, overcompensation, and accountability are valid and worth keeping an eye on. The goal is a city government that actually works—not just a reshuffling of bureaucracy. Time will tell if this structure delivers on that promise.
City Attorney’s Office
The Portland City Attorney's Office serves as the city’s in-house law firm, providing legal guidance to the Mayor, City Council, and city bureaus. The City Attorney is appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council, overseeing a team of over 40 attorneys and an equal number of legal support staff.
What They Do
Legal Representation – Defends the city in lawsuits and prosecutes cases when necessary.
Contract Review – Ensures city contracts, bonds, and agreements comply with the law.
Legal Counsel – Advises elected officials and city departments on legal matters.
Ordinance Drafting – Reviews and prepares city laws, ensuring they hold up legally.
While they work closely with city leadership, they do not set policy—their job is to interpret and apply the law to city operations. This is where tensions can arise. Because their primary function is risk mitigation, they tend to take the most cautious, conservative approach possible. This means they often focus on what carries the least legal risk rather than what’s possible within the law, which can lead to policies being watered down or avoided entirely.
While this approach is understandable, it can also frustrate policymakers trying to make transformative changes, especially when the city needs to test legal boundaries. This push-and-pull between risk management and policy ambition is a constant dynamic in Portland’s government and one worth watching.
Portland City Council
Wednesday, February 5th, 9:30 AM
Regular Agenda
5: Appoint Michael Jordan as City Administrator (Resolution)
City Council is set to confirm Michael Jordan as Portland’s City Administrator. He’s been leading the transition to the city’s new government structure since voters approved Measure 26-228 in 2022, establishing an executive mayor, legislative council, and a City Administrator role. Jordan, who’s been acting in the position since July 2024, was appointed by Mayor Keith Wilson, citing his decades of experience running government operations. The confirmation vote happens tomorrow.
Jordan has spent over 40 years in public service, including stints as Oregon’s Chief Operating Officer, Metro’s Chief Operating Officer, and Director of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services. He has also led the city’s restructuring and overseen over two dozen bureaus and offices.
Not everyone is thrilled with how the transition is shaping up—some City Council members argue the new administration is bloated with too many deputy City Administrators. That debate isn’t likely to go away anytime soon.
In a recent memo to city employees, Jordan reaffirmed Portland’s core values: transparency, accountability, and good service. As the new government model still takes shape, his leadership will be central to its success.
Further Reading
District 2 City Councilors Are Frustrated by What They See as Top-Heavy Administration (Willamette Week)
Michael Jordan Tapped to Stay on as City Administrator (Portland Mercury)
6 Appoint Robert Taylor as City Attorney (Resolution)
City Council is set to confirm Robert Taylor as Portland’s City Attorney. Taylor has been on the job since 2021, overseeing the City Attorney’s office and advising city officials on legal matters. Mayor Keith Wilson has reappointed him, citing his experience and years of service. The confirmation vote is tomorrow.
Taylor manages a team of attorneys, paralegals, and legal staff who handle the city’s legal affairs. He previously served as interim Oregon Secretary of State in 2015. His reappointment keeps legal leadership steady as the city navigates its new governance structure. As Portland moves forward with significant policy and legal challenges, Taylor will play a key role in shaping the city’s legal strategy.
However, Taylor has been accused of unprofessional behavior toward female colleagues, including condescending and bullying behavior. These concerns haven’t stopped his reappointment, but they raise ongoing questions about the workplace culture in his office.
Further Reading
Wednesday, February 5th, 2:00 pm
No Wednesday afternoon session scheduled.Thursday, February 6th, 2:00 pm
No Thursday afternoon session scheduled.Multnomah County Board of Commissioners
Thursday, February 6th, 9:30 AM
Nothing of note on this week's agenda.Metro Council
Thursday, February 6th, 10:30 AM
Resolutions
4.1: For the Purpose of Proclaiming Every February as Black History Month in the Greater Portland Region: Scroll to page 155 for the proclamation.
North Portland Library Reopens with Expanded Space and a New Black Cultural Center
After years of planning and construction, and just in time for Black History Month, North Portland Library will reopen on February 8, 2025, with a larger, modernized space designed to better serve the community. This $13 million renovation and expansion, funded by the 2020 library bond, preserves the historic Carnegie building while adding 1,500 square feet, bringing the total space to 10,200 square feet.
A Library Rooted in Community
North Portland Library has long been a vital space for Portland’s Black community. The redesign was shaped through extensive engagement with more than 3,500 community members. A key highlight of the expansion is the Black Cultural Center, the first of its kind in the Multnomah County Library system, which provides 900 square feet dedicated to cultural events and connections.
Other new features include:
An early learning and play space for children
A large community room available for public meetings
Updated Wi-Fi and technology, including more laptops and creative software
A new outdoor deck for reading and gathering
New art installations by Black artists in collaboration with RACC, including a glass panel by Sadé DuBoise and wood carvings by Melanie Stevens honoring Black Afrofuturist authors
Wonk Out
Note: Re: Constitutions – Connecting Citizens with the Rules of the Game and Why the People – The Case for Democracy are part of the World Citizen Comics series, which aims to provide civics education through engaging graphic novels. These books are suitable for young adults and adults, making them accessible resources for anyone interested in understanding constitutions and democracy.
Books
Re: Constitutions—Connecting Citizens with the Rules of the Game, by Beka Feathers and illustrated by Kasia Babis, is a clear and engaging graphic guide that explores how constitutions shape governments, define rights, and impact people’s daily lives. It uses real-world examples and an accessible narrative.
Why the People – The Case for Democracy by Beka Feathers, illustrated by Ally Shwed: A smart and engaging introduction to democracy, breaking down how different forms of government work, why democracy matters, and how the people’s participation strengthens it.
City Hall (2020) – A long but deeply rewarding documentary on Boston’s city government that provides a detailed look at how municipal administrations function.