The head of the Portland agency that handles neighborhood issues is taking a temporary leave of absence.
Office of Community & Civic Life Director Michael Montoya announced the move Thursday in an email to city staff. Montoya was appointed to be the interim director of the office in May 2021. The office’s previous director, Suk Rhee, resigned following a scathing report on dysfunction within the city agency. Montoya has served in an interim role ever since.
In his email, Montoya said the decision is prompted by a need to “attend to some personal matters.” Montoya did not respond to OPB’s request for comment.
Daniel McArdle-Jaimes, a spokesperson for the Office of Community & Civic Life, said he does not know how long Montoya’s leave will last nor does he know who will lead the bureau while he’s away.
The Office of Community & Civic Life is overseen by Commissioner Dan Ryan. The bureau is currently in the midst of reorganization to help transition the city to a new form of government by 2025. In an email to OPB, Ryan spokesperson T.J. McHugh confirmed Montoya’s announcement.
“Our office will work closely with the staff of Civic Life and will move forward with a plan to ensure we deliver our core mission to serve Portlanders and our 94 Neighborhood Associations,” McHugh wrote.
Portland City Hall, as seen in September 2022.
MacGregor Campbell / OPB