Mayor Wilson Puts Portland Housing Bureau Director On Leave

Mayor Keith Wilson placed Portland Housing Bureau Director Helmi Hisserich on immediate leave, appointing Michael Buonocore as the interim director. City Administrator Michael Jordan informed city councilors that the decision was motivated by urgent housing and homelessness challenges, although no specific reasons were provided. Hisserich, a strong advocate for social housing models, had been studying these solutions as part of the city's strategy to combat housing affordability issues. Councilor Jamie Dunphy, who recently traveled to Vienna to study social housing, expressed disappointment, stating that Hisserich's expertise is vital for the legislation addressing the crisis. He warned that the mayor's focus on immediate shelter solutions could undermine long-term planning.

Former Commissioner Carmen Rubio appointed Hisserich in 2023, recognizing her extensive background in housing policy from her time in Los Angeles. Buonocore, the new interim director, previously led Home Forward, Multnomah County’s housing authority. Dunphy's comments suggest concerns about the potential shift towards less expert-driven leadership within the Housing Bureau.