Portland Public Works Deputy Administrator Priya Dhanapal to Depart
Priya Dhanapal, the deputy city administrator for Portland's Public Works service area, is leaving her position on September 4. This departure follows a series of exits by top city administrators. Dhanapal's role encompassed overseeing significant city functions including transportation, parks,…
Portland, OR, August 25, 2026 —
Priya Dhanapal, deputy city administrator for Portland’s Public Works service area, is set to leave her post on September 4. Her departure marks another in a recent series of exits among senior city officials.
In her role, Dhanapal was responsible for the oversight of key city operations, including the bureaus of transportation, parks, water, and environmental services. These departments manage critical infrastructure and public services for the city.
Mayor Keith Wilson acknowledged Dhanapal’s contributions, particularly her involvement in the reorganization of the city’s bureau structure. However, the transition follows a period where anonymous complaints regarding her management style were lodged.
Upon her departure, Dhanapal will receive a severance package. The amount is stipulated to be equivalent to 75 percent of her annual salary. Further details regarding the total value of the severance package were not provided.
The specific reasons for Dhanapal’s departure beyond the general statement of her leaving were not detailed. The city has not provided further comment on the circumstances surrounding her exit or the anonymous complaints previously filed.
Story summarized from the original created by Jeremiah Hayden on www.portlandmercury.com, see more information here.
