adopted resolution 2025-027

Appoint Robert Day as Chief of Police

public safety
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 Chief of Police is appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by Council. Robert Day was appointed by former Mayor Ted Wheeler and has been serving as Chief of Police since September of 2023. Mayor Keith Wilson is submitting this resolution for the appointment of Robert Day as Chief of Police 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 Chief of Police. 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: 12 months of severance pay if separated without cause during the first 36 months, and a severance of 6 months pay if terminated without cause, thereafter.

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/charter-review-commission/key-documents-and-information

▸ 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 amended City Charter provides that the Mayor appoints the Chief of Police, subject to City Council confirmation; and WHEREAS, on September 20, 2023, former Mayor Wheeler appointed Robert Day as Interim Police Chief; and WHEREAS, on April 12, 2024, former Mayor Wheeler appointed Robert Day as the permanent Police Chief; and WHEREAS, in this capacity, Robert Day works closely with City and community leaders to create a strategic vision and goals for the bureau, leads initiatives to improve service delivery, directs personnel and operations for sworn and non-sworn positions, acts as a representative of the City and the Police Bureau to the general public, elected officials, law enforcement agencies, government jurisdictions, and the media, and provides crisis management for major incidents; and WHEREAS, Mayor Keith Wilson has carefully reviewed Robert Day’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 Day as Chief of Police; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council hereby confirms Robert Day’s appointment as Chief of Police.

Tally

12 yea 0 nay