Portland City Council voted today to approve the nomination of two public servants to vital roles in city government: Michael Jordan as city administrator and Robert L. Taylor as city attorney.
Jordan and Taylor both currently serve in this capacity and were nominated by Mayor Keith Wilson.
Michael Jordan approved as City Administrator
“This appointment is a vital step in our transition, ensuring continuity of operations for the city," Mayor Wilson said in a statement before the vote. “With his extensive qualifications and service to Portland, Michael Jordan is uniquely suited to help guide our city through ongoing organizational changes.”
Mayor Wilson asked the council to approve Jordan’s nomination through the end of 2025, to give the city time to conduct a national search for a successor.
City Council voted 11-1 to approve Jordan's nomination.
Jordan brings a depth of government experience to his work. From 2022 to 2024, he served as the chief administrative officer in the City’s Office of Management and Finance, which was then the central hub for internal services such as human resources, technology, and finance.
After Portlanders voted to change their form of government in 2022, Jordan oversaw the City Transition Team, a project group tasked with preparing for and facilitating the transition. He was formally appointed as interim city administrator by Mayor Ted Wheeler in 2024, at which time he began leading an interdisciplinary leadership team, assisting the Mayor in the City's day-to-day operations, and continued guiding the preparation and implementation of charter change across the organization.
Jordan previously served as director of the Bureau of Environmental Services for the City of Portland and as chief operating officer for the State of Oregon’s executive branch. In that role, he was responsible for leadership and oversight of the day-to-day operations of the state and the Department of Administrative Services. From 2003 to 2011, Jordan oversaw a workforce of 1,600 and a suite of public services and economic development as chief operating officer for Metro, greater Portland’s regional government.
Previous public roles include serving as a Clackamas County Commissioner and Canby City Administrator. Before entering public service, Jordan worked for 11 years at Pacific Power and Light.
“I am honored and humbled to be Mayor Wilson’s nominee for the role of City Administrator for the City of Portland,” Jordan said in a statement before the vote. “I have devoted my career to public service, and after spending the last two-plus years preparing this organization I would be thrilled to work with the Council and the Mayor in solidifying the transition to the new form of government. Portland is a great city, and while we have had some challenging times of late, we have a huge opportunity in how this new form of government is implemented. It would be the highlight of my career to assist the Council and the Mayor in leading our dedicated employees through that transformation.”
Robert Taylor approved as City Attorney
The city attorney serves as the chief legal counsel for the City and leads the City Attorney's Office, which represents the City’s elected officials, employees, bureaus, offices, boards, and commissions in court and in administrative and quasi-judicial proceedings. In addition, this office advises on policy development and program implementation, advocates and negotiates on behalf of the City, and provides training on various law-related topics.
“The position of city attorney requires a careful legal mind, diplomacy, and a thoughtful disposition,” Mayor Wilson said in a statement before the vote. “Having reviewed Mr. Taylor’s qualifications, he has demonstrated a deep understanding of City operations and challenges as well as an ability to guide us in achieving policy objectives while mitigating risk.”
City Council unanimously approved Taylor’s appointment.
Taylor joined the City Attorney’s Office in 2017 and has served as the city attorney since 2021. As chief legal counsel, he leads a team of over 80 legal professionals tasked with advising elected officials and City staff on high-profile legal issues. Most recently, he has advised the City on the transition from a commission form of government to the current mayor/council form of government as well as City policies related to unsheltered homelessness and public safety.
Prior to coming to the City, he served as deputy secretary of state, secretary of the Oregon Senate, a business litigator in private practice, and as an analyst in the Congressional Budget Office.
Taylor earned his law degree from Willamette University. He also has a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy from Brown University.
“It is a pleasure to serve the City of Portland as we navigate our challenges and opportunities together,” Taylor said in a statement before the vote. “I’m grateful for the hard work and dedication of every member of the Portland City Attorney’s Office. I am fortunate to serve with them. We are all looking forward to working with the Mayor and Council in the new form of government to move our city forward.”