Change is coming to Portland City Council’s crowded and clunky meetings.
This week, councilors will review a plan to overhaul the number and makeup of council committee meetings. Committees are still relatively new in City Hall — they were introduced as part of the government transition that went into effect in January 2025.
Council meets weekly as a full 12-person body. Council currently has eight policy committees focused on certain city issues, like transportation or finance. These committees are made up of six councilors each, who meet biweekly for two hours. This structure has led to long meetings with unclear goals…