The City of Portland has approved a severance package amounting to just under $115,000 for its former emergency manager, Shad Ahmed, prompting questions from residents and city officials alike. Ahmed, who led the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management since 2022, was placed on administrative leave in mid-January 2026 and subsequently resigned in early February.
The severance agreement, dated February 9, 2026, stipulates a one-time payment and includes six months of health insurance coverage. This payout was negotiated during his leave and contains nondisclosure and legal release provisions. Reports indicate that the details of this agreement, reviewed by OregonLive, have raised concerns regarding the approval process and the rationale behind the city’s decision to offer such a substantial amount.
In a statement, Deputy City Administrator Bob Cozzie confirmed that Ahmed was placed on paid administrative leave starting on January 16, 2026. Ahmed, whose annual salary was $229,424, remained on the city payroll throughout his leave. During this transition, the Portland Bureau of Emergency Management will be managed by an interim director as city officials assess future leadership.
This severance agreement is part of a trend of significant payouts to departing city leaders. Over the past year, the city has expended more than $700,000 on severance packages for various officials. Notably, former Housing Bureau Director Helmi Hisserich received approximately $240,880, while former Parks Director Adena Long was awarded a severance of $140,000. Additionally, the former interim director of Prosper Portland, Shea Flaherty Betin, received $212,992 in severance.
The growing number of high-cost severance packages has sparked a debate among residents and council members about the need for greater transparency in how these agreements are handled. Critics argue that taxpayers are entitled to more clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding these exits. Currently, the city has not disclosed specific reasons for Ahmed’s departure or that of other officials, leading to increased scrutiny.
For the time being, the interim director will maintain daily operations at the emergency management bureau while city leaders consider their long-term options. The situation adds to a series of recent headlines regarding senior staff departures and significant payouts, prompting conversations in Portland about accountability and transparency in public service employment practices.
