Portland City Council Adopts New Committee Structure

Portland City Council voted to adopt a new policy committee structure, introduced by Resolution by Council President Jamie Dunphy on February 19. The updated system is designed to strengthen legislative work, increase public engagement, and improve oversight of City programs and services. This change underscores the Council's commitment to transparency, accountability, and community involvement in shaping Portland's future.

"This proposal is a compromise that I believe will set us up for success, with a structure that is fair and balanced and moves this city forward," said Council President Dunphy.

Under the new structure, five standing committees will replace the eight current policy committees: Public Works, Housing and Permitting, City Life, Community and Public Safety and a Committee of the Whole. 

Each committee has a chair and a vice chair, as outlined in Exhibit A of the Resolution. 

Policy Committees will meet regularly on alternating Tuesdays for up to three hours. The Committee of the Whole will begin meeting the week of March 30. Policy committees will meet starting the week of April 6. 

The committees' full schedules will be published in the coming weeks.