This week, the Portland City Council passed a new government organizational structure to pave the way for voter-approved charter reforms.
The plan approved by the council members features six deputy city administrators who will lead the finance, operations, community and economic development, public safety, parks and recreation, and public works departments.
Commissioners approved a last-minute amendment submitted by Commissioner Rene Gonzalez, allowing a council member to have authority over the newly established bureaus until the new form of government goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2025. Under the amendment, Mayor Ted Wheeler will lead the city finance and operations bureaus, while Gonzalez oversees public safety.
The City Council also proposed ways to fill the $13 million projected budget gap associated with increasing the number of council members from five to 12. Finding solutions will be an ongoing effort and council members said they might change the organizational structure based on the needs of a future funding package.