Portland, Ore.— Commissioner Carmen Rubio, the commissioner-in-charge of the Community and Economic Development service area, is pleased to appoint Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) Director Donnie Oliveira as Interim Deputy City Administrator for Community and Economic Development. In November 2023, Portland City Council approved the organizational structure for the new form of government approved by voters the year prior, which included the new role of six Deputy City Administrators (DCA). Interim DCA Oliveira will step into this role in early May.
“At a time of monumental systemic change for our City, Donnie Oliveira will bring a deep understanding of good governance and a strong sense of Portland values to the work ahead,” Commissioner Rubio said. “His experience, innovative thinking, and credibility are exactly what we need to continue building our community and economic development bureaus, from affordable housing to permitting reform to climate action.”
As Interim DCA, Oliveira will work alongside leaders and subject matter experts within the Community and Economic Development service area to advance policies and programs that support prosperity and resiliency throughout all of Portland. This service area includes the Bureau of Development Services (BDS), Portland Housing Bureau (PHB), Prosper Portland, and the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS).
“Working amongst my colleagues in this service area has proven how much we can accomplish when we leverage our collective expertise and how essential this work is in improving the lives of Portlanders,” Director Oliveira said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to support the incredible people and programs in the Community and Economic Development service area as we continue to address Portland’s most significant challenges together. We have much to accomplish but I believe in the potential of public service to deliver solutions.”
Oliveira joined the City of Portland in 2019 and has been an integral part of the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability’s evolution and successes for the past five years. As Director, he has led key work across the bureau, including the development of the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund and the adoption of the City’s Climate Emergency Work Plan. He has also overseen the integration of the City’s Graffiti Removal and Community Technology programs to enhance those services.
Prior to joining BPS, Oliveira worked with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality after 14 years with the City of San Francisco. During his time in San Francisco, Oliveira co-authored the city’s lauded 2014 Climate Action Strategy and launched the award-winning Environment Now workforce development program. Oliveira was recognized 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.
Oliveira named Eric Engstrom as the bureau’s interim director. Engstrom has filled the deputy director role since June 3, 2022. Prior to that, he was a long-range planner with the City of Portland for 26 years. During his time at the City, Engstrom has led significant planning efforts, including the Portland Plan and the 2035 Comprehensive Plan, and is currently leading strategic planning for Community Technology programs.
About Commissioner Rubio
Commissioner Carmen Rubio joined the Portland City Council in January 2021. She oversees the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability, Bureau of Development Services, Portland Housing Bureau, and Prosper Portland.
About the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) develops creative and practical solutions to enhance Portland’s livability, preserve distinctive places and plan for a resilient future. BPS collaborates with community partners to provide comprehensive land use, neighborhood, district, economic, historic and environmental planning, and urban design; research, policy and technical services to advance green building, energy efficiency and the use of solar and renewable energy, waste prevention, composting and recycling, and a sustainable food system; and policy and actions to address climate change.