Appoint Brian Ames to the Planning Commission for term to expire February 28, 2027
June 26, 2024
The Planning Commission makes recommendations to the City Council on long range land use plans, policies, and zoning regulations. There has been a vacancy on the Commission since it began in March 2023, and today we are filling the ninth and final slot.
As Mayor of the City of Portland, I, jointly with Commissioner Carmen Rubio, request City Council confirmation of the following appointment and confirmation of the following to the Planning Commission:
| Appointment | Term |
|---|---|
| Brian Ames | July 15, 2024 – February 28, 2027 |
Brian Ames Bio: Brian Ames is currently a Project Manager at Walsh Construction and has built or renovated over 500 affordable housing units during his 7-year career at Walsh. He’s a proud fourth-generation Oregonian and cares deeply about Portland and its future. Brian and his wife have three young sons, and he enjoys coaching youth sports and playing golf in his free time.
Brian Ames Statement of Interest: Brian is looking forward to bringing his 16 years of construction and development experience to the Planning Commission at a critical time in our city’s history. He views housing as essential public infrastructure and believes we need to build more, better, faster, and at less cost to house Portlanders of all economic levels. Given his experience in the construction industry in Portland, he is pragmatic in how regulations impact the ability to develop in the city and looks forward to working closely with the City on long- and short-term planning efforts to take bold action to meet our housing objectives.
Brian brings knowledge and expertise to the Planning Commission in facilities planning, project management, and construction management and development. I look forward to working with the Planning Commission through the end of this calendar year and as a Portlander, appreciate the work we will see with this and the new City Council on land use issues in the coming years.
Respectfully submitted,
Mayor Ted Wheeler
Official Record (Efiles)
Impact Statement
Purpose of Proposed Legislation and Background Information
The Planning Commission addresses our future growth and land use plans and advises City Council on land use planning and zoning.
Effective March 1, 2023, the Planning Commission was formed. With nine volunteer positions, the Commission has had a vacancy since its inception, which will now be filled with this appointment.
Financial and Budgetary Impacts
There are no financial or budgetary impacts.
Community Impacts and Community Involvement
The Planning Commission makes recommendations to City Council on the City’s long-range goals, policies, and programs for land use and planning. In making recommendations, it considers the economic, environmental, and social well-being of the city in an integrated fashion. The Commission has specific responsibility for the guiding, developing, maintaining, and updating of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and zoning code. The Commission deliberates using a climate and equity lens and is committed to effective public involvement and leadership in its work and in the decisions it considers.
A recruitment for the new Planning Commission positions was made available in April 2024 on the Civic Life website. The recruitment was advertised on various City websites and through social media and emails. Applications were reviewed by staff from the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability. Staff from BPS, Commissioner Rubio’s office, and Mayor Wheeler’s office interviewed top candidates in May 2024, followed by finalists being interviewed by Commissioner Rubio and Community & Economic Development Service Area Interim Director Donnie Oliveira, making final recommendations to Mayor Wheeler in June 2024.
100% Renewable Goal
Not applicable.