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Mayor Keith Wilson seeks an executive leader to oversee operations, serve community and solve big-city problems. A new city administrator is expected to start work by the end of 2025.
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Today, the City of Portland launched a national search for its first long-term city administrator – marking another milestone in the city’s new form of government.
The city administrator oversees an $8.6 billion budget and 6,800 public servants who deliver day-to-day services across four major areas: public safety, public works, community and economic development, and city operations. As Portland’s executive leader, the city administrator also serves as a trusted advisor to the mayor.
Although the role is common in city governments, it’s new for Portland. In 2022, voters approved an overhaul to the way the city elects leaders, makes decisions and delivers services. Now, an expanded city council sets policy and connects with constituents; the mayor runs day-to-day operations, with the help of a city administrator.
“Our city administrator will set the tone for Portland,” said Mayor Keith Wilson, who took office in January. “They will inspire and guide city staff, deliver high-quality services that Portlanders can trust, and help us solve our biggest challenges.”
The job pays between $284,000 and $393,000. Candidates are encouraged to apply by Sept. 25, when application review will begin. The selection process will include multiple rounds of interviews with city leaders, staff and community partners.
Ultimately, the choice belongs to Portland’s mayor. Wilson anticipates selecting a city administrator this fall and bringing that candidate to city council for confirmation, as required by the city charter. The goal is that a newly appointed city administrator starts work in late 2025 or early 2026.
The new city administrator will take over from Michael Jordan, who plans to retire at the end of this year after serving in the role during Portland’s government transition. He has focused on adapting the city’s organizational structure, delivering the first budget in a new form of government, and establishing new models for working with city council.
“My assignment is clear: handing off the keys to a city government that’s ready to deliver for Portlanders,” Jordan said. “I’m excited for the next city administrator to lead our dedicated team in writing Portland’s next chapter.”