Top Officials Quit as Oregon’s Transportation Department Faces Sweeping Job Cuts

Amid a deepening budget crisis, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is set to overhaul its leadership structure and streamline operations. The first wave of changes, including departmental reshuffling and potential layoffs, will take effect August 1.

Some high-ranking ODOT officials could lose their jobs, with a total workforce loss that could reach 700 by early next year.

Situation Created When Lawmakers Failed to Agree on a Funding Package

ODOT’s present position is the result of lawmakers’ failure to reach a consensus on a funding package during the last legislative session. However, Governor Tina Kotek has recalled lawmakers to a special session on August 29 to resolve the impasse.

The agency was relying on a multi-million-dollar funding package to maintain and improve the state’s rapidly deteriorating transportation network.

The departmental restructure has been confirmed by the director of ODOT, Kris Strickler, who will now oversee departments responsible for highway and bridge maintenance statewide. This position, previously held by a department head, will be scrapped, while a new deputy director position to oversee other departments will be created.

However, the restructure has not convinced several members of the Oregon Transportation Commission that operations at ODOT will improve. They have expressed skepticism about the work overload that could exacerbate employee morale, presently at an all-time low.

Senior ODOT Officials Resign Amid Job Security Uncertainties

Severe financial restraints and job security uncertainties are attributed to the resignation of several high-ranking officials at ODOT in the last month.

They are Project Director of Portland’s Rose Quarter freeway expansion project, Megan Channell, Government and External Affairs Director Lindsey Baker, and Central Oregon Region Manager Tiffany Johnson.

Another top-ranking ODOT official, Operations Director Leah Horner, announced earlier this month that she will be among the 483 who are earmarked to lose their jobs within the next few weeks.