Portland, Oregon – Commissioner Carmen Rubio, the Commissioner-in-Charge of the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS), announced that, after serving as Interim Director for two months, Donnie Oliveira would become the Bureau’s permanent Director. He began serving in this role effective June 3, 2022.
Oliveira joined the Bureau in 2019 and has been an integral part of the Bureau’s success over the last three years. As Deputy Director, he led important work including communications, government affairs, finance and budget operations, and more. Prior to joining BPS, Oliveira worked with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality after 13 years with the City of San Francisco, serving in an executive-level role with both organizations. During his time in San Francisco, Donnie co-authored the City’s 2014 Climate Action Strategy and also launched the award winning Environment Now workforce development program. Donnie was recognized for his community engagement and public/private partnership work by San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee when he received the Good Government Award in 2017 – the highest honor a public servant in San Francisco can receive.
“I’ve worked with Donnie since taking office, and I have been continually impressed with his leadership and strategy in navigating critical decision points and planning,” said Commissioner Rubio. “I have every confidence in him to lead BPS into its next chapter and know he will be a strong advocate and leader for the Bureau.”
“The policy and planning work done by BPS staff is vitally important to improving the lives of Portlanders now and in the future,” said Director Oliveira. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this team as we continue to address some of our City’s most significant challenges and create just and innovative solutions.”
Oliveria also named Eric Engstrom as the Bureau’s Deputy Director. Engstrom has been filling this role temporarily since April and has been a planner with the City of Portland for twenty-six years. In his time with the City, he has worked on a variety of land use and strategic planning topics including infill development strategies, urban natural area protection, and zoning reform. He has a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from Portland State University, and an undergraduate degree from Evergreen State College. Eric managed the development of the Portland Plan, a strategic plan adopted by Portland City Council in 2012. He was the project manager for Portland’s Comprehensive Plan Update, which was adopted in 2016.
"It's an honor to help lead the Bureau during this time of transition and growth," said Deputy Director Engstrom. "I am looking forward to continuing to work with Director Oliveira engaging with City leadership, other Bureaus, and members of our community. I'm excited to support the amazing work BPS staff are doing to shape the future of our great city."
About Commissioner Rubio
Commissioner Carmen Rubio joined the Portland City Council in January 2021. She oversees Portland Parks and Recreation, the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, the Office for Community Technology, and the Office of Equity and Human Rights; has liaison responsibilities to the Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission, League of Oregon Cities, Metro Policy Advisory Committee, and Portland Community Media; and serves as Portland’s Arts Commissioner.
About the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
BPS’s Planning work ensures sufficient affordable housing, economic opportunities, and resilience to climate change. In partnership with other City Bureaus, the Council and Mayor, community partners and stakeholders, and all Portlanders, BPS provides the leadership in long-range planning necessary to create these solutions now, and for the future. The Bureau’s portfolio includes Smart City PDX, long-range Planning, Climate Action, the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) and garbage, recycling, and compost.