Mayor Ted Wheeler Signs Fourth Emergency Declaration for City Cleanup

“This is just common sense,” said Mayor Ted Wheeler. “It puts one centralized command structure over 20 city programs and 8 bureaus, that are currently managed by five different city council members.”

Mayor Ted Wheeler signed his next Emergency Declaration which works to improve the cleanup of the city, unrelated to homelessness. This is the fourth in a series of Emergency Declarations aimed at helping to address homelessness and livability issues in Portland. This Emergency Declaration was announced last Friday during his 2022 State of the City address, and went into effect Wednesday, May 11, 2022. The three previously issued Emergency Declarations by Mayor Wheeler were also renewed on May 11.

This Emergency Declaration will improve the cleanup of the city, unrelated to homelessness. This will streamline the work and accountability for cleaning up, dealing with trash, graffiti, illegal dumping, abandoned cars, and more. It focuses on cleanup work apart from—and outside of—occupied outdoor homeless camps. It will work toactivatea newcenter, the Public Environment Management Office (PEMO) to manage operations.

Christine Leon, who currently manages the Development Permitting and Transit Group for Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT), will serve as the Directorfor the Public Environment Management Office (PEMO).