The latest updates on the City of Portland's transition to a new form of government.

Portland skyline with the City of Portland seal superimposed.

May 2023 Update

Three maps against a pale green background. The first map (left) is black and white and shows Portland divided into blocks. The second map (middle) depicts some blocks highlighted in blue and features a toolbar to highlight other sections. The third map (right) shows Portland divided into four multicolored sections. The header for this image reads: Using DistrictR, start with a blank map and highlight your community – or – create four districts.

We invite community members to create a map of their communities (middle image) or to submit a district map (right image). This sample district map was discussed during an IDC meeting and can be found at portland.gov/transition/districtcommission/documents.

Upcoming opportunities for district mapmaking

Take a DistrictR mapmaking training and see the map submissions.

The Independent District Commission (IDC) wants to hear from Portlanders! The Commission is currently reviewing district map submissions from community members and encourages all Portlanders to submit their ideas for the city’s future electoral districts. Learn how to submit a map and how to participate in the district selection process by taking a training in May.

Nine people seated at a u-shaped table at the Portland Building.

New Government Transition Advisory Committee looks ahead to public meetings

The Charter transition team, led by Chief Administrative Officer Michael Jordan, welcomed the new committee at their first meeting last week. Meetings are open to the public, comments welcome.

The first Government Transition Advisory Committee meeting was held on April 25, and the new members reviewed foundational documents and heard a presentation on the City’s draft transition plan. The presentation offered a detailed orientation about the parallel project tracks the team is managing towards reaching the end goal of Jan. 1, 2025, when the newly elected city council, mayor and auditor are sworn in and begin their terms.

City prepares for voter education after council approved changes to the election code

Council approves new elections code to pave the way for implementation of ranked-choice voting.

On April 19, city council voted to implement several new election rules when Portlanders cast their ballot for the November 2024 election. The vote was required to formalize ranked-choice voting and other city election code updates. 

A multicolor timeline of the Salary Commission’s work. The May section is blue and reads: begin research, analysis, and initial recommendations. The June section is green and reads: release draft salary proposal. The July section is in yellow and reads: incorporate revisions and vote.

Inside the process of setting new salaries for Portland’s elected officials

First meetings of Portland’s Salary Commission covered required trainings on public meetings law and building a common understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the elected leadership under the charter amendments.

Meetings in May will continue discussions on research, invited expertise, and equity principles for setting compensation with guidance from the City’s Bureau of Human Resources and Transition Team equity practitioners.

A list of events and meetings on a blue background.

Get involved with the transition to a new form of government! Learn more about the Commissions’ work and share your thoughts through public comment. Stay up to date on transition events on our website.

About the City of Portland Transition Project

In November 2022, Portland voters approved Ballot Measure 26-228 that directs the City of Portland to implement these three connected changes by Jan. 1, 2025:

Allow voters to rank candidates in order of preference, using ranked-choice voting.
Establish four geographic districts, with three city council members elected to represent each district – expanding city council to a total of 12 members.
Allow the city council to focus on setting policy and engaging with community, transitioning day-to-day oversight of bureaus to a mayor elected citywide and a professional city administrator.

Need access to information or services?

The City of Portland ensures meaningful access to City programs, services, and activities to comply with Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II laws and reasonably provides: translation, interpretation, modifications, accommodations, alternative formats, auxiliary aids and services. To request these services, call 311 for Relay Service or TTY: 711.

Traducción e Interpretación | Biên Dịch và Thông Dịch | अनुवादन तथा व्याख्या

口笔译服务 | Устный и письменный перевод | Turjumaad iyo Fasiraad

Письмовий і усний переклад | Traducere și interpretariat | Chiaku me Awewen Kapas

Translation and Interpretation: 311

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