Portland gets close to selecting a city administrator, inviting three finalists to compete for the job

This week, three civic leaders are competing to become Portland's first long-term city administrator – a pivotal executive role in the city's new form of government.

Nearly 100 candidates applied for the position, which guides the city's workforce, oversees day-to-day operations, drives key initiatives, and implements policies adopted by the city council. The recruiting firm Strategic Government Resources conducted initial interviews and additional assessments to whittle the field to three finalists:

• Maurice Henderson II, vice-president of HNTB Corporation and former chief of staff to Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler
• Raymond C. Lee III, city manager of Greeley, Colorado
• Valerie Washington, assistant city administrator of Fort Worth, Texas

Candidates are in town this week to interview with Mayor Keith Wilson, city councilors, and a variety of city and labor union leaders. Wilson plans to consider feedback from interview panelists before selecting a new city administrator to bring to city council for authorization.

The new city administrator is expected to start work by January 2026, replacing Michael Jordan, who is retiring. Jordan agreed to stay in the role through the first year of Portland's new form of government.

The city administrator reports to the mayor and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of city government, managing an $8.6 billion budget and overseeing more than 6,500 employees who deliver day-to-day services across four major areas: public safety, public works, community and economic development, and city operations.