Why Portland voters are considering overhauling their government

Voters in Portland, Ore., will consider a dramatic overhaul of their government in what supporters say is a bid to bring under control one of America’s most liberal cities after years of chaos, dysfunction and riots.

A city commission, convened once every decade to examine Portland’s governing charter and make recommendations for amendments, updates or changes, voted this week to advance the most substantial reform in the city’s history to voters later this year.

If the voters okay those changes, Portland would expand its city council from five at-large members to 12 members elected by districts; hire a professional city administrator who would work alongside the mayor; and implement ranked-choice voting for city government elections.

The changes will reform a system of government that, at present, gives city commissioners the authority to oversee specific departments of city government, in a way that supporters of the overhauls say takes their eyes off Portland’s larger goals.

Portland is the last major city in America to use a commission form of government. Portland voters approved the system in 1913, when the city was less than a third the size it is today.

https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/3526702-why-portland-voters-are-considering-overhauling-their-government/