Dear Community Members,
Yesterday, Portland voters approved a package of reforms that will change our city’s election system and form of government. Measure 26-228 is passing with approximately 57 percent of the vote, according to election results.
On behalf of the charter review team, I want to thank all of you who contributed to the charter review process over the past two years. Your active participation helped our Charter Commission hear from thousands of Portlanders, including many who have historically lacked access to government decision-making. Your voices supported a thoughtful, open dialogue about how to make Portland’s government more effective, accountable and representative.
Now, we’re ready to begin implementing three connected changes:
- Allow voters to rank candidates in order of preference, using ranked choice voting.
- Establish four geographic districts, with three city council members elected to represent each district – expanding city council to a total of 12 members.
- Allow the city council to focus on setting policy and engaging with community, transitioning day-to-day oversight of bureaus to a mayor elected citywide and a professional city administrator.
Portland will hold its first election using ranked choice voting and geographic districts in November 2024. The new city council and mayor will take office in January 2025, in the city’s new form of government.
So, what’s next?
The City of Portland is committed to continuing the transparency and community engagement established by the Charter Commission. You can already see basic information about the transition at our new website, Portland.gov/transition, and content will continue to expand. A transition team is in place, and additional positions will be added in the coming weeks.
One of our first priorities is recruiting members to three important public bodies – beginning with an Independent District Commission, which will accept applications starting today.
Soon, we’ll also be recruiting members for a Salary Commission to set salaries for elected officials and a Charter Transition Advisory Committee to advise on the overall process. Please stay tuned for details about how to apply for a position or provide feedback to these groups.
Thank you for your continued participation.
With gratitude,
Sofia Alvarez-Castro