City Of Portland Says It’s Ready To Make Historic Hire – KXL

PORTLAND, Ore. – The City of Portland has launched a nationwide search for its first long-term city administrator, a key leadership role created under the city’s newly restructured form of government.

Mayor Keith Wilson announced the search Tuesday, marking what he called a “milestone” in Portland’s transition to a stronger mayor-council model approved by voters in 2022. The city administrator will oversee day-to-day operations, managing an $8.6 billion budget and supervising 6,800 city employees across public safety, public works, economic development and internal operations.

The position is expected to be filled by late 2025 or early 2026, following a multi-round selection process that includes interviews with city leaders, staff and community partners. The mayor will ultimately select a candidate for city council confirmation, as required by the city charter.

The role offers a salary between $284,000 and $393,000. Applications are being accepted through Sept. 25, when the first round of reviews will begin.

Michael Jordan, who has served as interim city administrator since the transition began, plans to retire at the end of the year. Jordan helped implement the city’s new organizational structure and delivered its first budget under the revised system.