The Portland City Council on Jan. 2, 2025 approved on first reading a package of short-term amendments to Chapter 3.02 of the city code intended to make council processes more accessible and to clarify roles while a longer rules review proceeds.

City Attorney Robert Taylor introduced the item and turned the floor to the ordinance sponsor, Councilor Kunal, who described the measure as “a narrow compromise measure, a short term fix designed to ensure that we're able to operate in a way that's more accessible and easy for the public to participate, more transparent for community members to know what's going on and ultimately more responsive to Portlanders.” He said the ordinance is intended as a “patch” while a broader, deliberative rules process continues.

The ordinance makes several procedural changes that the sponsor said will streamline how items move to committee, clarify the auditor's and president's roles in setting agendas, and remove a district requirement for committee membership. Councilor Zimmerman, who also spoke in introduction, said the changes are designed to protect the structural changes in the charter and allow the enlarged council to operate as an equal body.

Councilors approved two amendments to the draft ordinance before moving it to second reading. Councilor Zimmerman moved to amend Exhibit A, section 3.02.020.b.4 by striking the words “complete items” and replacing them with “items that meet the administrative requirements.” Councilor Ryan seconded; the amendment was adopted by roll-call—each councilor present answered “Aye”—and the chair declared the amendment approved.

A second amendment changed language in Exhibit A, section 3.02.050.a.2 to make committee membership nominations start from the council president’s proposal, with the council resolution to affirm that proposal. Councilor Zimmerman moved and Councilor Novick seconded. The amendment passed on roll-call and was announced as approved.

Several members of the public and advisory groups spoke during the public testimony period. Terry Harris, identifying himself as a member of the Government Transition Advisory Committee but testifying in his personal capacity, urged the council to retain district representation on standing committees and to consult GTAC research on legislative frameworks. Dan Handelman of Portland Cop Watch asked the council to “codify in a document ... that any cases of police misconduct … be placed on the agenda for council approval,” citing a charter change that shifts settlement authority and a concern that smaller payouts could be resolved without council review.

Council discussion after testimony included multiple councilors urging a sunset or review clause for any short-term rules so the council can revisit them after public engagement. Councilors said they want rules that enable public access and committee work while preserving deliberative review.

Because the ordinance was filed as nonemergency, the council took a first reading only. The item passed to a second reading, as amended, on Jan. 15, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.; the council may consider adding an emergency clause at second reading to make changes effective immediately upon adoption.

Why it matters: The changes alter how the council will route items to committees and how the council president sets agendas, shaping who can bring items forward and how quickly. Councilors and multiple public speakers urged safeguards—such as district representation on committees and a sunset clause—so short-term changes do not set permanent precedent without broader public input.

What’s next: The ordinance returns for a second reading on Jan. 15, 2025; that session may include additional amendments or an emergency clause to change the effective date.