Portland Mayor Issues Executive Order to Comply with Federal Anti-Discrimination Laws, Preserve Funding

PORTLAND, Ore. — Mayor Keith Wilson issued a sweeping executive order on Thursday mandating that the City of Portland review and adjust any policies or programs that could conflict with federal anti-discrimination laws — a strategic move aimed at safeguarding the city’s $349 million in active federal grant funding.

The order ensures compliance with a recent executive directive from the President, interpreted by federal courts to require strict adherence to anti-discrimination rules. The stakes are high: over 90 percent of Portland’s federal grants support housing and transportation, and another $31 million in new federal agreements are due for certification in the coming weeks.

Balancing Equity and Legal Obligations

Mayor Wilson described the decision as both “challenging” and necessary.

“Although this decision has been challenging, it is in the best interest of Portlanders,” Wilson said in a public statement. “Losing federal funding would harm the very people that many of our city programs are designed to help.”

To ensure compliance, the city must now certify that all programs adhere to lawful grant requirements, especially as interpreted by the current federal judiciary. That means any city initiative that offers preference based on protected characteristics — including race, gender, or sexual orientation — must be legally justified through a disparity study or removed.

This order extends beyond just federally funded initiatives. All city programs and services, regardless of funding source, must align with the new legal framework.

Wide-Ranging Impact Across City and Partners

Portland’s decision affects more than just its own operations. The city serves as a federal grant administrator for dozens of sub-recipients, including nonprofit organizations, community groups, and other government partners. Without federal certification, these groups also stand to lose funding.

A preliminary legal review found that about 75 city programs and policies will need modification. Some changes are relatively simple, such as updating language to clarify that services are open to all residents, while others may require legislative action and City Council approval.

Wilson emphasized that community voices played a central role in shaping the decision. He consulted with over a dozen civic and nonprofit leaders before finalizing the executive order.

“Portland cannot afford to lose investments that make our communities stronger,” he wrote in a letter to partners. “Together, we are strong enough – and creative enough, and determined enough – to find new ways of creating the equitable Portland we envision.”

What’s Next?

In the coming weeks:

City staff will create action plans for impacted programs
The Office of Equity and Human Rights will provide guidance
Legislation will be introduced for programs embedded in city code
Coordination with City Council will be ongoing

Wilson said he had been in close communication with city councilors throughout the process and expects their support as the city transitions to the updated framework.

Continued Resistance to Federal Policy Shifts

While aligning programs to preserve funding, Portland is not backing down from its progressive values. The city remains a sanctuary jurisdiction, refusing to assist federal immigration enforcement efforts. It is also involved in lawsuits challenging federal orders that target sanctuary cities and restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Mayor Wilson made it clear that the city’s commitment to DEI remains unchanged, even as the legal landscape shifts.

“In Portland, we believe in diversity, we believe in equity, and we believe in inclusion. We say those words proudly,” Wilson said. “We will continue to operate the vast majority of programs designed to help all Portlanders… by making city government more inclusive and more accessible.”

As Portland works to protect its funding and maintain its values, city leaders face the difficult task of reconciling federal compliance with long-standing commitments to equity. Mayor Wilson’s executive order signals a careful — but determined — path forward.