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Portland is facing a historic election involving a new voting system and an unusually high number of candidates. Journalists at The Oregonian/OregonLive and Oregon Public Broadcasting share a goal of ensuring that Portland voters have the information they need to make informed choices, and we also know candidates’ time is valuable and limited.
That’s why the two news organizations teamed up this cycle to solicit Portland mayoral candidates’ perspectives on the big issues in this election. Here’s what they had to say.
For each of the following questions, we asked candidates to limit their answers to 150 words.
About the candidate
Name: Mingus Mapps
Neighborhood: Buckman
Are you a renter or homeowner: Homeowner
Education: PhD in Government from Cornell University, BA from Reed College
Occupation: Portland City Council member
How long you’ve lived in the city of Portland: Off and on since 1987
Age: 56
Pronouns: He/Him
Why are you the best candidate to serve as mayor at this time? Please point to specific accomplishments as part of your answer.
I am the best candidate for mayor because I bring a unique combination of experience, vision, and commitment to Portland. As a City Council member, I’ve led key initiatives to improve public safety, increase housing options and enhance our city’s infrastructure. I have successfully overseen bureaus like Environmental Services, Water and Transportation, demonstrating my ability to manage large departments and complex budgets even during times of serious funding issues. With deep ties to Portland’s diverse communities, I prioritize transparency, equity and accountability. My approach is collaborative and practical, and I have a track record of delivering real results, even in the face of tough challenges.
What are one or two issues that you’d like to draw attention to or champion as mayor that are overlooked or receiving less attention than they deserve?
One issue I would like to elevate is the expansion of mental health services within the city’s homelessness response system. We need more robust behavioral health programs to address the root causes of homelessness. Another issue is economic revitalization — particularly for small businesses, which are the backbone of Portland’s economy. I will prioritize policies that provide targeted support to ensure they thrive.
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What specific examples do you have that demonstrate your competence to oversee a city with an $8.2 billion budget?
I have successfully managed three major city bureaus — Environmental Services, Water and Transportation — each with multimillion-dollar budgets. My oversight has included navigating complex infrastructure projects and funding allocations. I’ve ensured fiscal responsibility while balancing urgent city needs. Additionally, my work on the Reconnecting Albina Planning Project and managing federal grants showcases my ability to handle large-scale financial planning and execution.
What are your biggest concerns, if any, about the new form of government? What role do you think the mayor should play in it?
My main concern is ensuring that the new government structure remains efficient and transparent, especially with increased council representation. The mayor should serve as a unifying figure, focusing on strategic leadership, policy vision and ensuring accountability across all bureaus. The mayor must also foster collaboration between the council and city administrators.
Mingus Mapps, Portland mayoral candidate, in an undated provided photo.
Courtesy of the candidate
How would you work to promote and boost Portland nationally as mayor and reinvigorate people’s sense of civic pride?
As mayor, I will promote Portland’s unique strengths — its innovation, sustainability and thriving arts and culture. I will champion initiatives that spotlight local talent, like Geek Week and other cultural festivals, while working to ensure a safe, vibrant downtown. My focus will be on improving livability for residents that will naturally attract visitors and businesses.
Mayor Ted Wheeler has already warned that next year’s budget will be a difficult one as costs rise and forecasts call for lower revenue. What would guide your decisions in developing a budget, what specific ideas would you explore to minimize service reductions and are there specific areas where you would look to make cuts?
My approach will prioritize protecting essential services — public safety, housing and infrastructure — while cutting inefficiencies. I would explore public-private partnerships to enhance revenue streams and look at restructuring administrative costs to free up funds for critical programs. Community input will guide my decision-making to ensure budget decisions reflect residents’ needs.
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How can the city of Portland and Multnomah County improve their existing partnership to more effectively address the homelessness, addiction and behavioral health crises?
Improving coordination and data-sharing between the city and county is essential. I support joint efforts to create centralized service hubs that offer a full range of assistance — from housing to addiction recovery. We should also develop a unified strategy for deploying resources, including shelter capacity and outreach teams, to maximize impact.
If elected, you will oversee the police chief. What is your opinion of police bureau priorities and operations and what changes, if any, would you make? Would you push for the city to fund hundreds more police officers than the City Council has already authorized? If yes, where would you find the money?
Public safety is a top priority, and I believe in a balanced approach to policing that focuses on community trust, accountability and crime prevention. I support fully staffing the Portland Street Response and reassigning resources to address gun violence and property crimes. I would explore federal grants and efficiencies within the city budget to fund additional officers, if necessary.
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For the five remaining questions, we asked candidates to answer in 50 words or fewer:
Do you favor arresting and jailing people who camp on public property in Portland who have refused repeated offers of shelter, such as the option to sleep in a city-designated tiny home cluster?
Yes, but only as a last resort after multiple offers of shelter and services. The focus must remain on providing humane solutions, while balancing public safety and livability for all Portland residents.
Have the problems impacting downtown Portland received too much or too little attention among current city leaders? Are there other specific neighborhoods in the city that have not received enough attention?
Downtown’s issues have been prioritized, but North and East Portland need more attention. Areas like St. Johns and Gateway face underinvestment in infrastructure and small business support. These neighborhoods must be part of our city’s broader revitalization efforts.
Do you support the decision to use millions from the Portland Clean Energy Fund to backfill budget holes in various city bureaus? Would you seek to continue, expand or halt that practice?
I believe the Portland Clean Energy Fund should be used for its intended purpose — investing in climate solutions. I would halt its use for backfilling budget holes, as it compromises the fund’s mission.
Do you support a potential change to the region’s homeless services tax that would direct some of the program’s unanticipated revenue to construct more affordable housing? Why or why not?
Yes, I support directing additional revenue toward affordable housing, as it addresses the root cause of homelessness. Housing is the foundation for any long-term solution, and we need to maximize available resources to create stable living situations for those in need.
Describe the qualities and experience you will seek in a city administrator. Describe the working relationship you plan to build with the top administrator and their half dozen deputies.
I will seek a city administrator with proven leadership, experience managing complex budgets and a commitment to equity. I aim to build a collaborative, transparent relationship, setting clear priorities and empowering them to execute the council’s vision effectively.