Starting in January 2025, the Portland City Council will expand to 12 members, marking a significant shift in its operational approach. The members will no longer manage city departments directly, a change seen as crucial to alleviating past dysfunction within the council. Instead, they will be focused on addressing the needs of their districts and establishing citywide policies. This new governance model is intended to enhance responsiveness and community engagement, allowing council members to concentrate on local issues without the distractions of departmental management. Many advocates believe that this structural change will lead to improved decision-making and accountability in city governance.

The motivation behind this reform stems from a recognition of the inefficiencies that have plagued the council, and there is hope that this new direction will yield positive results for Portland's residents. As the city prepares for these changes, the public remains optimistic about the potential for a more effective local government. Observers will be closely watching how the newly configured council will adapt to its expanded role.