The Portland City Council Governance Committee made significant strides on August 11, 2025, by advancing an ordinance aimed at amending the small donors election code. This move, which received unanimous support from committee members, is set to enhance the electoral process by adopting recommendations from the Portland Elections Commission.

During the meeting, Councilor Ryan proposed the ordinance, emphasizing a two-pronged approach to the amendments. The committee agreed to table further discussions for 30 days, allowing for public comment and review of the data related to the proposed changes. This step is crucial for ensuring transparency and community involvement in the decision-making process.

The motion to send the ordinance to the full council with a "due pass" recommendation was seconded by Councilor Pirtle Guinea and passed without opposition. The committee highlighted that this is just the first phase of the initiative, with plans for additional discussions and amendments in the future.

Looking ahead, the next governance committee meeting is scheduled for September 8, where further updates on the committee's structure and meeting cadence will be shared with the public. This ongoing dialogue reflects the council's commitment to engaging with the community and refining electoral processes in Portland.