Transitioning to Portland’s new form of government was always going to be an exercise in trial and error.

With just a broad framework for the roles and responsibilities of the mayor, city administrator and expanded City Council, there were plenty of blanks for leaders to fill in during this first year. The challenges were especially high for the 12 city councilors, who needed to stand up a process for governing at the same time they were navigating relationships with each other.

Eight months later, unfortunately, councilors have few solid wins to claim. At times, even seemingly simple questions generate extensive argument and grandstanding, such as when to hear public testimony and whether routine matters resolved at the committee level may be fast-tracked by the full council, as The Or

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