City Narrows Search For Portlands Next Top Bureaucrat

Mayor Keith Wilson announced that the search for Portland’s first long-term city administrator has been narrowed to three finalists after reviewing nearly 100 applicants. The candidates are Maurice Henderson II, Raymond Lee III, and Valerie Washington, each with unique backgrounds in municipal governance. Henderson, who was chief of staff to former Mayor Ted Wheeler, has held various roles in transportation and civil engineering. Lee has served as the city manager in Greeley, Colorado, where he managed a $586 million budget. Washington previously worked as the deputy director of public safety in Indianapolis before joining Fort Worth as assistant city administrator.

The city administrator will oversee daily operations and manage an $8. 6 billion budget while implementing policies from the City Council. The City Council will offer feedback on the finalists after interviews, with public engagement influencing the selection process. The dynamics of leadership at City Hall remain to be seen as the new administrator steps into a pivotal role.