Portland Charter Reform Passes - A WIN for Representation

The measure (Ballot Measure 26-228) to change Portland’s archaic form of government passed in the November 8 General Election! CAT joined dozens of civil rights, advocacy, and other groups organizing for a more just future in endorsing this critical measure that completely overhauls how government works (or doesn’t work!) in the city.

This change to our charter (the local constitution) expands the city council from just 5 seats to 12, adds a city administrator to handle the more bureaucratic parts of government, improve our voting system, and breaks up the city into various geographic districts that each commissioner will represent.

That last piece will guarantee greater representation from frontline communities in a city that has only elected a handful of BIPOC officials and just two commissioners who’ve lived east of 82nd Avenue.

Portland was the last major city in the country to be using the commission form of government, so these changes present a major shakeup in how things will be done here.

We know this will increase access for frontline communities, improve accountability and ensure greater representation for all.

So a great big CONGRATS to our city for voting “YES” to a better Portland. We look forward to seeing it in action!