Amend Title 15 Emergency Code to align with the amended City Charter approved by voters in Portland Measure 26-228 (replace Code Title 15)

In November 2022, voters approved amendments to Portland’s City Charter that included establishment of a mayor-council government, creation of four new geographic districts with three councilors representing each district, and election of City officials using Ranked Choice Voting. This ordinance amends Portland City Code Title 15, Emergency Code, to ensure the City has clearly identified who is responsible for declaring emergencies, under what circumstances they may be declared, and what authorities are granted under an emergency declaration in the mayor-council government. The ordinance additionally clarifies that council is able to modify or terminate extensions of declarations, but not the initial emergency declaration. Exhibit A to this item shows the replacement code and Exhibit B shows the redline mark up between current code language and the proposed replacement.

There is no direct fiscal impact to this ordinance. However, emergency declarations may include the need to use resources differently or beyond what the city routinely allocates in the budget process.

The amended Title 15 would expand the order of succession for the mayor beyond the list outlined in the amended Portland City Charter. It additionally would clarify the mayor’s executive and administrative powers and the city council’s legislative authority in an emergency. The City’s Charter Transition Team sought public input on several policy choices as well as general feedback on the proposed language. The means for providing input included by email, an online comment form, calling 3-1-1, and a presentation to the Government Transition Advisory Committee.