City Council (1903-Present)

As of February 2024, 147 individuals have served on the Milwaukie City Council.  Of the 227 Council swearing-in ceremonies, 55 were the result of appointments and 172 were the result of elections.  See the list of Mayors and  Councilors (below).

All powers of the city are vested in the council… The council is composed of a mayor and four councilors... elected from the city at large. Councilors shall hold office for a term of four years. No person shall serve more than two consecutive terms... (MMC Chapter III § 6 & 7)

In general, Councilors shall conduct themselves so as to bring credit upon the government of the City by respecting the rule of law, ensuring nondiscriminatory delivery of public services, keeping informed concerning the matters coming before the Council, and abiding by all decisions of the Council, whether or not the member voted on the prevailing side. (MMC Title 2, Chapter 2.04, Article II, Ord. 1988 § 6, 2008; Ord. 1812 § 8, 1996; Ord. 1480 § 4(H), 1981)

On June 2, 1903, in rented space at the corner of Main and Jefferson, the first Council meeting of the incorporated Town of Milwaukie, Oregon, was called to order by Mayor William Shindler.  After electing Owen J. Roberts as Council President and setting up the standing committees, Mayor Shindler proposed a "tax [on] all peddlers, grocery wagons, hotel keepers, etc. and those that would come under that trade." Councilor Casper Kerr suggested a poll tax, though no decision was made on either source of funding.  To show their support for the town's financial need, each councilor offered $1 for current expenses, with the idea that they would be refunded once the town's finances were stable.  Returning to the details of a new city, Councilor Kerr offered the space above the blacksmith shop for future Council meetings, but Mayor Shindler believed they could afford to rent the Woodsman's Hall and "it was decided to do so."  That first historic Council meeting ended with agreement to get a seal and hire a legal advisor which caused some debate about "a good many prominent lawyers". (Minute Book No. 1)

Mayors of the Town and City of Milwaukie since Incorporation

For more information on Milwaukie's current elected leadership visit the City Council page.
For information on the rules that govern the City Council see the Milwaukie Municipal Code.