Add another name to the Portland City Hall revolving door.

Add another name to the Portland City Hall revolving door.

Dr. Ting Lu, the city’s first-ever Director of Public Utilities, was just abruptly placed on paid administrative leave.

Less than a year ago, Mayor Keith Wilson called her hiring a "watershed moment."

Now, she is sidelined under a cloud of secrecy.

This isn’t an isolated incident—it is a full-blown leadership crisis.

Since 2025, Portland has seen a staggering rash of bureau heads and top officials either fired or quietly paid to resign, draining millions from taxpayers:

•Priya Dhanapal (Public Works DCA) – Out under unclear circumstances with a $221,000 payout.
•Bob Cozzie (Public Safety DCA) – Out after just 8 months with a $275,000payout.
•Helmi Hisserich (Housing Bureau) – Out with a $240,880 payout.
•Shea Flaherty Betin (Prosper Portland) – Ousted with a $212,992 payout.
•Adena Long (Parks & Rec) & Shad Ahmed (Emergency Management) Both gone with six-figure golden parachutes.

The city refuses to give any details on Ting Lu’s status.

If history is any indication, taxpayers are about to fund another massive payout for a job that barely lasted nine months.

When does the lack of transparency end? 🚨💸 #PDXPolitics #Portland

https://t.co/Xdck4EURYL

— Portland Moderate. (@pdxmoderate) October 7, 2026