adopted resolution 2025-012

Appoint Robert Taylor as City Attorney

elections government
appointment

Introduced by: Mayor Keith Wilson
Status: Adopted

Impact statement

Purpose & background

The 2022 charter amendments established a mayor/council form of government. Under the voter-approved charter, the City Attorney is appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by Council. Robert Taylor was appointed by Mayor Ted Wheeler and has been serving as City Attorney since February 2021. Mayor Keith Wilson is submitting this resolution for the appointment of Robert Taylor as City Attorney for council confirmation per the requirements of the updated City Charter.

Financial impacts

This Fiscal Impact Statement includes the pay range and relevant terms for the City Attorney. Actual pay is to be negotiated, but estimated to be substantially similar to budgeted amounts in the current fiscal year and planned in the FY 2025-26 budget. Pay Range: $190,008.00 to $282,796.80 annually Term: 36-month contract, yearly renewal thereafter. Severance package: 6 months of severance pay if separated without cause during the first 36 months.

Economic impacts

Not applicable.

Community impacts

The Charter Commission lead an extensive process to develop their proposals that were submitted to voters for approval. Information about the community engagement can be found in the Charter Commission’s final report at https://www.portland.gov/charte… .

▸ Full text (the legislation as adopted)

WHEREAS, on November 8, 2022, voters approved Portland Measure 26-228 (the Measure) which amended the City Charter, establishing a governance structure with an executive Mayor and legislative Council; and WHEREAS, Section 2-401(g) of Portland’s City Charter provides that the Mayor appoints the City Attorney, subject to City Council confirmation; and WHEREAS, on February 22, 2021, Mayor Ted Wheeler appointed Robert Taylor as the City Attorney; and WHEREAS, in this capacity, Robert Taylor has acted as chief legal counsel for the organization and managed an office of attorneys, paralegals, legal assistants, and others that represent and advise on legal affairs of the City’s elected officials, employees, bureaus, offices, programs, boards and commissions; and WHEREAS, Mayor Keith Wilson has carefully reviewed Robert Taylor’s qualifications and years of service to the City of Portland, further outlined in Exhibit A; and WHEREAS, Mayor Keith Wilson has appointed, subject to Council confirmation, Robert Taylor as City Attorney; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council hereby confirms Robert Taylor’s appointment as City Attorney.

Tally

12 yea 0 nay