County Commissioners Staffer Fired After Scrutiny Over Political Activity

Vikki Payne was fired from her role as a communications and project manager in Multnomah County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards’ office on August 4, following concerns about her political involvement. As the leader of Future Portland, a political action committee critical of county leadership, Payne often overshadowed her official communications duties. The PAC advocated for increased funding for law enforcement and publicly opposed policy decisions made by County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson. Payne's activities included organizing a press conference during work hours to protest a budget amendment that would have reduced police funding. Concerns regarding her performance and potential conflicts of interest were raised multiple times, according to Brim-Edwards’ chief of staff, Bryan Hockaday.

Oregon law prohibits county employees from engaging in political activities during official hours, which may have influenced the decision to terminate Payne. Her annual salary was just under $77,000, and she declined to comment on her firing. The commissioner’s office is currently seeking a replacement for the communications position.