Portland, OR — The transfer of power from Mayor Ted Wheeler to Mayor-elect Keith Wilson continued smoothly on Thursday, marking one month since Wilson’s election to lead the city. City Administrator Michael Jordan, who has been overseeing the transition, described the process as “incredibly gratifying,” calling it potentially the smoothest transition of power in any large U.S. city.
As part of the transition, Wheeler has provided Wilson with a temporary office on the executive floor, where Wilson’s transition team is already hard at work. “I’ve provided him with a temporary office on the executive floor adjacent to my own office where his transition team is already working,” Wheeler told reporters at a press conference.
Wilson, who will assume office in January, pledged to continue the work on public safety, supporting small businesses, and leading on climate issues, which were central to Wheeler’s administration. However, Wilson also faces a series of challenges, including the city’s ongoing homelessness crisis and budget issues.
Throughout his two terms, Wheeler led Portland through a series of tumultuous events, including the pandemic, widespread protests, riots, and a growing drug and homelessness crisis. Now, Wilson is preparing to lead the city through its continued struggles, including resolving the complex issue of unsheltered homelessness. He has vowed to end unsheltered homelessness within his first year in office.
At a press conference, KATU reporter Christina Giardinelli questioned Wilson about his plans for working with Multnomah County commissioners. “What have you done specifically to switch the direction into a more positive (one)? Because meetings have been happening, right?” Giardinelli asked.
Wilson responded that his team is already engaged in collaborative discussions with the county, specifically working on budgets and addressing homelessness. “We have specific requests from one another. We’re working on budgets. What we can do to deliver on that signature message, which is ending unsheltered homelessness, really addresses setting up a network of nighttime shelters,” Wilson said. “We’re already deep into that conversation, understanding how their system is set up and how our goals and desires align, and we’re coordinating. Our teams are already coordinating, and these are difficult discussions, but it’s collaborative.”
Wilson also discussed the status of the police accountability board, which has been a point of contention. Wheeler confirmed that a federal judge had directed the city to halt the initiative and pass it on to Wilson’s administration. The incoming mayor will oversee the creation of a new system of government, which will include a city administrator and 12 City Council members representing four districts.
Wilson has already met with all 12 members of the City Council. “I’ve had seven meetings with the 12 so far,” he said. “Not one of them had said that leaving Portlanders on the street is something that they want to do or that they accept.”
As the transition continues, the city’s leadership is working to ensure that the issues facing Portland are addressed in a collaborative manner. For many, Wilson’s approach offers hope for a city grappling with crisis. With a clear focus on tackling homelessness and fostering cooperation between city and county officials, Wilson’s leadership marks a new chapter for Portland—a chapter that many are watching with optimism.
