Council confirms Michael Jordan as city administrator through Jan. 2, 2026 after heated public testimony over Zenith land-use decision

Portland City Council confirmed Michael Jordan as city administrator on Feb. 5, 2025, adopting an amendment that sets Jan. 2, 2026, as the end date for the appointment. The vote followed more than two hours of public testimony focused on the city’s recent land use compatibility statement for Zenith Energy and broader demands for transparency and oversight.

The council approved the amendment to the mayor’s resolution to add the Jan. 2, 2026 end date, then voted to adopt the resolution as amended. Mayor Ted Wilson introduced Jordan’s reappointment and proposed the end date to allow a nationwide search for a permanent city administrator this summer. Jordan addressed the council and said he would assist with designing a transparent recruitment process for the permanent hire.

Why it matters: Testimony from scores of residents,…