City of Portland Advances One Water Model

Published

October 9, 2024 11:08 am

Mayor Ted Wheeler announced today that the City of Portland will advance the One Water approach, deepening its commitment to our most essential natural resource - whether it comes from the tap, a waterway, stormwater or wastewater.

This announcement marks the conclusion of a preliminary feasibility study directed by the mayor in August. According to a new report, Portland is already successfully enacting many elements of One Water, an integrated and holistic approach that is gaining popularity worldwide.

You can view the report here:

"Now is the time to build on Portland's momentum as we transition to our city's new form of government," Wheeler said. "Portlanders are counting on us to manage water resources in a way that is responsible, cost-effective and ensures public and environmental health for generations to come."

This initiative aligns with the City's commitment to sustainable, reliable and equitable service delivery, and supports the new Public Works Service Area in preparing to address community needs and effectively tackle future challenges.

At the heart of One Water are two bureaus that represent a combined 1,300 employees: Waterand Environmental Services. However, the One Water framework encompasses services provided by a variety of city bureaus and programs, from Transportation to Parks & Recreation.

To produce the report, external consultants from NEX Strategies, Stantec and the US Water Allianceworked closely with a task force of City leaders and subject matter experts. The report outlines recommendations for how the Citycan integrate a One Water approach into existing Public Works functions and services.

The task force explored opportunities in five focus areas:

• Improve the long-term financial health and feasibility of the Water and Environmental Services bureaus.

• Improve and achieve greater equity and affordability in the City's service delivery.

• Enhance environmental stewardship by creating a more sustainable, integrated, holistic and resilient water management system.

• Build on Portland's successes, such as integrated customer service, collaborative affordability work plan, synergistic communications teams and holistic management of the water cycle.

• Leverage the voter-approved changes underway to Portland's city government.

"The feasibility study has been a successful and collaborative endeavor, and we're excited to continue working together to advance the implementation of the One Water framework," said Deputy City Administrator for Public Works, Priya Dhanapal. The transition to our city's new form of government presents a unique opportunity to break down silos, foster increased collaboration across bureaus, and reimagine our approach to managing water resources. By doing so, we can build a more unified and collaborative service area that delivers services to our community efficiently and effectively."

Pursuing the One Water model does not obligate the City of Portland to any specific changes to its organizational structure or services. Instead, it sets the stage for enhanced alignment and collaboration, and consistent, effective and efficient service delivery. Adapting this framework for Portland is anticipated to take several years.

The report recommends several actions, such as developing a unified strategic plan, unified capital improvement plan and communications strategy for the Public Works Service Area, enhancing workforce development, supporting collaboration and change, and forming a One Water Leadership Team to champion the framework.

"Engaging with our staff, partners, and community will remain paramount as we advance One Water in Portland," emphasized Dhanapal, the deputy city administrator. "We are fortunate to have tremendous staff expertise and commitment to clean water and public health."