Sponsors withdraw resolution after mayor directs City Attorney to rescind appeal in Townsend case

Sponsors of a proposed resolution about the Michael Townsend litigation asked the Community and Public Safety Committee on April 8 to refer the item back to their offices after the mayor directed the City Attorney to rescind an appeal in the case.

The item, listed as “repeal authorization of city attorney to appeal the judgment in Kelly Jones as personal representative for the estate of Michael Townsend v. City of Portland,” was originally drafted to direct the City Attorney to rescind the appeal and to ensure the Townsend family received settlement payments. Councilor Carmen Rubio (sponsor) said the mayor provided written confirmation that he would direct the City Attorney to rescind the appeal, and that the Townsend family had approved withdrawing the council resolution to respect the family’s wishes and to advance closure.

Councilors who had co‑sponsored the resolution thanked the sponsors and said they remained interested in clarifying the state‑law interpretation at issue but supported referring the item back. No committee vote was required; the item was ordered referred back to sponsors’ offices without objection.

Why it matters: sponsors said the city had been incurring legal costs by continuing the appeal and that rescinding the appeal at the mayor’s direction would allow the family to obtain settlement funds and begin the process of closure. Speakers emphasized that no monetary settlement can replace the family’s loss but said the procedural step could reduce further harm.

Ending note

Committee members indicated they will pursue other avenues to clarify the legal question raised by the case, but that rescinding the appeal as directed by the mayor met the family’s request and removed the need for the council resolution at this time.