City Council

Meetings are held on the first and third Monday of each month in the council room at Portland City Hall located at 100 South Russell Street.

Meetings are open to the public. To watch meetings or review past meetings online visit the City of Portland Live Broadcast website.

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

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    Penny Barnes

    City Council Member

    Term Ends: November 2024


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    Mike Hall

    City Council Member

    Term Ends: November 2026


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    LaToya Holcomb

    City Council Member

    Term Ends: November 2024


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    Drew Jennings

    City Council Member

    Term Ends: November 2026


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    Jody McDowell

    Vice Mayor-City Council Member

    Term Ends: November 2024


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    Megann Thompson

    City Council Member

    Term Ends: November 2026


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    Brian Woodall

    City Council Member

    Term Ends: November 2024


Overview

The City of Portland was formed as a Private Act Charter Municipality. The City Charter provides for the specific powers, duties and responsibilities of the Mayor and Board of 7 Aldermen (City Council members). Although Portland was incorporated in May 1905 and the 1st mayor elected at that time, Portland's Private Act Charter was not established until 1939 by action of the Tennessee Legislature, defining the duties of the Mayor and board of seven Aldermen. Private Act Charter Municipalities make up more than 60% of all of Tennessee's cities. 

Municipal elections are held every 4 years, on the 1st Tuesday of November to coincide with the general election per Ordinance 12-01. November voting began in 2014.

Portland's mayor is elected to a 4-year term. Three of the seven city council seats are filled in the same city election as that of mayor; each to 4-year terms. The remaining 4 city council seats are up for election to 4-year terms in the next election cycle. This election method is referred to as 'staggered terms' and was intended to retain experienced people in office at all times.

Board of Aldermen & Committee System

The Board of Aldermen and Committee system for the City of Portland serves as a great medium for working through much of the needs of our community.

Most of the fact-finding and debates take place in these forums. Recommendations and information are often sent from the appropriate committee to the full Board of Aldermen for review and/or action. The Board of Aldermen will then determine whether there is sufficient information to make a decision, or they may ask another committee or board to do further review before action is taken.

The public is always invited to these informative meetings.