LWVPDX Podcasts

Portland: Know Your New Government!

League of Women Voters of Portland Season 2024 Episode 2

This fall, Portland’s election system isn’t the only thing changing. Our form of city government is changing, too.

In 2022, Portlanders voted for change, and on January 1, 2025, we are getting it.  The Mayor will be running the City government, and hiring a City Administrator to get the job done.  The Mayor won’t be on the Council any more – Council will pick its own leaders.  The new City Council will still be adopting laws and approving the budget, and they will need to collaborate to get Council business passed.

What should voters be looking for in their candidates when they cast their ballots for City Council or Mayor?  When this new set of leaders take office in January, what should Portlanders expect from them in their role?  And how can Portlanders stay engaged with what Council and City bureaus are doing in this new form of government? This panel answers these questions – as well as questions brought by our live audience.

Wynne Furth hosts this panel discussion between four esteemed guests bringing perspectives both from within City government and from the community:

  • Michael Jordan, Interim City Administrator for the City of Portland 
  • Destiny Magaña-Pablo, member of Portland’s Government Transition Advisory Committee 
  • Jenny Lee, Deputy Director of the Coalition of Communities of Color 
  • Dr. Melody Valdini, Political Science Professor at Portland State University

Listen to this podcast, part of our community education series for the 2024 election.  Then subscribe to be sure you don't miss any of our podcasts about important community issues and election information.

This podcast comes from one of our community education programs held free of charge for our members and the public. Visit www.lwvpdx.org to donate or become a member and support these programs! 

Our website also has lots of information about candidates, ballot measures, and ranked-choice voting for the 2024 election.  Visit www.lwvpdx.org or www.vote411.org for free, nonpartisan election information.