Portland election to overhaul government with new City Council structure

Portland is preparing for a significant transformation this November as voters get ready to overhaul the city's government structure. After enduring four tumultuous years marked by over 100 days of protests, a fentanyl and homelessness crisis, and the decriminalization of all drugs, the Rose City is seeking a reset.

In 2020, an overwhelming 74% of Multnomah County residents supported Measure 110, which decriminalized all drugs. However, the aftermath of this policy, combined with existing financial challenges, has intensified issues such as rising drug use and homelessness.

City Council member and mayoral candidate Carmen Rubio described the situation as “a perfect storm.” She is one of many local politicians running for office amid a political free-for-all.

The city will transition from four at-large City Council seats to 12 district seats. Nineteen candidates are vying for the mayoral position, while 98 are competing for City Council seats. Most candidates lean to the Left and include Black Lives Matter activists, nonprofit leaders, business owners, and police officers.

With the exodus of the old government comes a population decline, with nearly 12,000 residents leaving Multnomah County between 2020 and 2023. Downtown Portland, once vibrant, is now struggling economically.

Retiring longtime Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., lamented that some areas resemble “Dresden in World War II,” stating, “I’ve spent 54 years trying to make Portland the most livable city in the country or in the world. No one’s going to describe it like that now.”

Residents’ biggest concerns include crime, drugs, homelessness, and economic revitalization. The upcoming local elections will determine which issues the city prioritizes in its efforts to revitalize.

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