Mayor Wilson Nominates New City Administrator

""As the mayor of a city on the rise, I knew Portland would need an innovative city administrator with a track record of success to unlock a new chapter of safety, innovation, and shared prosperity," Wilson stated in the announcement. "We've found that and more with Raymond Lee. I'm proud to put Lee before my City Council colleagues for their vote, and I'm grateful for their support and enthusiasm as we finalize the confirmation process.""

"The city administrator is a powerful position in Portland's form of government, which transitioned to a new voter-approved structure at the start of the year. The city's top bureaucrat oversees the city's day-to-day operations, managing four deputy city administrators that direct four service areas-City Operations, Community and Economic Development, Public Safety, and Public Works. The city administrator also implements policies adopted by the City Council, and oversees an $8.6 billion budget. That's a much larger assignment than Lee's previous role."

"Lee will make an annual salary of $370,000. That is the high end of the advertised range, which started at $284,000 and topped out at $393,000 annually. Michael Jordan, the current city administrator, has a $314,912 salary. Wilson cited Lee's experience managing 1,600 employees and a $515 million budget, saying he brings a wealth of experience to the job. Lee's achievements, listed in Wilson's press release, include leading a 300-acre entertainment and housing district, with a 10,000-seat arena, revitalization of the city's downtown, and improving its affordable housing review process."

Raymond Lee was nominated as Portland's first long-term city administrator following a year-long nationwide search and a two-week finalist visit. Lee has served as Greeley, Colorado city manager since 2021 and will oversee day-to-day municipal operations, four deputy administrators and four service areas: City Operations, Community and Economic Development, Public Safety, and Public Works. The role implements City Council policies and manages an $8.6 billion budget. Lee will earn $370,000 annually. His prior experience includes managing 1,600 employees and a $515 million budget and leading a 300-acre entertainment and housing district, downtown revitalization, and affordable housing review improvements.

Read at Portland Mercury