Government changes are on the way. Voters have spoken and want a new style of government in the Rose city. Portlanders have finally abandoned the city’s unique commission form of government. Instead, starting in 2024, Portland will switch from five citywide council seats to four districts, each represented by three City Council members.
With the former system elected officials serve as both legislators passing policies and administrators overseeing day-to-day operations over a portfolio of city agencies. In the new system, the mayor will still be elected at large but will no longer be a member of the council. Portland now has to hire a professional city administrator to oversee bureau leaders and staff.
Voters will now elect their leaders through ranked-choice voting. And, the mayor will be the person responsible solely for executive functions in the city — executing the rules and regulations passed by the City Council. Twelve positions will need to be filled; six of the new City Council members will serve two-year terms, and six will serve four years. After that, all city commissioners will serve four-year terms, so half the council will be up for reelection every two years.
Opponents of the changes said the system was too complicated to put in one ballot measure. The city has to find volunteers for a commission that will draw lines for the city’s four new districts. That will need to happen next year to ensure the new lines are ready — and have survived potential court fights — in time for the November 2024 election.
Although multiple members of the City Council opposed the charter change ballot measure, the mayor said he will follow through with the wishes of the voters.
