Portland welcomes Keith Wilson as presumptive first mayor elected to oversee new form of government beginning in January

Press Release

The City is prepared to onboard Portland's new mayor and city council members, marking a new milestone in its transformation.

As election week ends, the City of Portland begins its next chapter: welcoming a new mayor and 12 new city councilors into a new form of government.

City leaders have reached out to congratulate presumptive Mayor Keith Wilson, who led his opponents by a wide margin Thursdayin Portland's first ranked-choice election. Wilson, the CEO of a trucking company known for its green fleet, focused his campaign on ending unsheltered homelessness.

Multnomah County is still counting ballots and has until Dec. 2 to certify election results. However, major news organizations have declared Wilson the winner of the mayoral race due to his commanding lead, and opponents have conceded.

"I'd like to thank the Portland voters for their faith and support," Wilson wrote in a social media message. "Together, we can build a stronger and better community, and I call on everyone in Portland to be part of the hard and important days ahead. Let's get right to work."

Portlanders will soon learn which three people were elected from each of four new geographic districts, more than doubling the size of the legislative body. While some candidates currently hold significant leads, other seats are too close to call.

This week's election represents a major milestone in Portland's government transition. In 2022, voters approved changes to the city's election system and form of government, launching a two-year sprint to prepare four new council districts, launch a robust ranked-choice voter education campaign, set the salaries for the incoming elected officials, and renovate council chambers and council offices to accommodate for the expanded city council.

Outgoing Mayor Ted Wheeler said he's committed to a smooth transition - from briefing Wilson on policy issues, to providing office space right away, to seeking his input on the City's budget development.

"Portland's future is bright and I am committed to supporting Mayor-elect Wilson as youtransition into your role leading this incredible organization," Wheeler said. "I'm looking forward to rolling up our sleeves together with the newly elected city council."

Wilson and the 12 people elected to council will participate in an extensive orientation over the next few months.

Onboarding will begin in early December, covering everything from public meetings law and the City's budget process to teambuilding and civic leadership. Portland's new elected officials will be sworn in Dec. 19.

The new council will host their first meeting and elect a council president and vice president Jan. 2, the first workday of 2025.

During their first two months in office, the council will participate in work sessions and tours to introduce them to the city's six service areas - highlighting successes and challenges facing Portland.

"Portland's new leaders are bringing tremendous passion and expertise to their roles," said interim City Administrator Michael Jordan. "In turn, we're going to provide them the best possible crash course in city government."