Adopt Human Resources Administrative Rule, Employee Work Location, to define allowable work location and related criteria (add HRAR 4.045)

The City of Portland ordains: Section 1. The Council finds: Local jobs strengthen our community by promoting a diverse workforce that reflects local values and reinvests public funds by ensuring employees spend income and pay taxes locally. Local jobs also encourage employees filling those jobs to engage the community they serve as they support local businesses, charities, and causes. The City also recognizes the positive impacts of telework which provide greater flexibility for some employee classifications. There is a need to define the allowable work location and related work location criteria for employees who work remotely to ensure the City complies with legal requirements. Employees who work outside of Oregon and Washington state may incur substantial costs required to comply with out-of-state laws, including those related to compensation, leave, and worker’s compensation. The City’s allowable work location for its employees should balance the need for work location flexibility, while strengthening our local community and reasonably limiting the substantial costs required to comply with out-of-state laws. The proposed Human Resources Administrative Rule on Work Location balances the needs for work location flexibility, strengthening the community through local employment, and compliance with legal requirements. NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs: The Director of the Bureau of Human Resources is authorized to implement the Human Resources Administrative Rule on Work Location attached as Exhibit A.