PORTLAND, Ore.– The day after Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler announced in a letter that he would not seek a third term as Mayor, he held a press conference. He skillfully outlined what he would be doing over the next 16 months. “I’m laser-focused on setting up Portland for success.” He wants the new form of city government which launches on January 1, 2025 to successful from day one. The mayor says, “I’m moving out of a political realm into a solution realm.
In reading over and listening to the Mayor’s remarks, I would say his cup is running over with ideas and programs. Already, as we emerge on the backend of 2023 a series of challenges remain. Economic Recovery, (more businesses closing everyday) a downtown that everyone hoped would be revitalized is continuing to struggle. Those two things alone could take another five years to achieve. These items make the Mayors’ 16 month list. Here’s more:
*Develop a Sports&Entertainment District (become a leader in attracting events)
*Eliminate unsanctioned camping
*Stronger police presence to reduce violence/foot patrols
*Waving development fees
*Create Tax incentives
*Police Task force for retail and auto theft
*Portland Cease Fire-modify behavior
*Long term focus on crime prevention
*Creating livable and enjoyable community spaces
Mayor Wheeler believes the government transition is historic. It needs attention right now in three key areas. 1) Getting an Interim City Manager in place 2) Establishing the Rank Choice Voting System 3)Renovating city hall to accommodate the new government.
Commissioner Dan Ryan will Oversee the Safe Rest Villages as part of Portland Solutions Programs. 137 are staying at the first site. Seven Villages are to open providing 500 shelter beds. The mayor intends to spearhead a reorganization of the Office of Joint Homeless Services. As part of that he wants to conduct performance audits, financial and data audits. These things are supposed to be done before he signs a new partnership with Multnomah County.
There are questions that need to be addressed. First, everything regarding homeless funding needs to be audited. That should be done at regular intervals. So much money has come in designated for homeless, but the public has no idea where all of it has gone. Plus there never seems to be enough. Why didn’t the mayor ask for an audit sooner? As to remodeling city hall one more time, that won’t be a cheap date. Where will the money come from? From the voters? I’m pretty sure voters did not anticipate having to pay for that on top of additional money issues that always seem to make their way to the ballot box. This is going to get interesting.