City of Portland Announces Leadership Transition at Portland Solutions

In this article

The City of Portland today announced that Portland Solutions Director Skyler Brocker-Knapp will depart her role at the end of the month to join United Way of the Columbia-Willamette as its incoming Chief Strategy Officer. Brocker-Knapp founded Portland Solutions in 2024 under former Mayor Ted Wheeler and has led the program through two years of significant growth, innovation, and measurable impact. Prior to directing the program, Brocker-Knapp served as a senior advisor to Mayor Ted Wheeler, joining the City of Portland in 2022.

Deputy Director Hank Smith will step into the Director role and lead Portland Solutions through this transition.

"I'm deeply grateful for the opportunities I've had during my four and a half years with the City of Portland," Brocker-Knapp said. "This city is my home, and it's been a privilege to serve two Mayors and work alongside the dedicated Portland Solutions team. The program's collective determination, dedication, and hard work have changed thousands of lives, and I'm incredibly proud of what we've built together. I'm excited for what's ahead - for myself, for Portland Solutions, and for our city - and I will always be grateful for the people I've worked with and the community we serve."

Portland Solutions is a centralized program hub addressing the city's most pressing homelessness and livability challenges. Portland Solutions operates shelters, dispatches outreach and campsite response, and problem solves with neighbors to find creative solutions to issues affecting the public realm. The program works closely with contracted providers, community partners, and regional agencies to deliver meaningful results. Portland Solutions includes the City's outreach team, shelter services, the PEMO livability program, the Impact Reduction Program, and the Enhanced Service Districts.

"Skyler built Portland Solutions from the ground up, and her vision continues to guide our work every day," said Director Hank Smith. "I'm honored to step into the Director role and support our team through this transition. Portland Solutions is strong, stable, and focused. We will continue delivering the high-impact, person-centered services Portlanders rely on."

Under Brocker-Knapp's leadership, Portland Solutions grew from a pilot initiative into a citywide program serving thousands annually during one of Portland's most challenging periods. In 2022 Skyler established the Street Services Coordination Center, which expanded to include a team of City street outreach staff in 2023. In the last three years, Skyler championed the opening of over 2,000 shelter beds across our community.

"Skyler's leadership has been instrumental in shaping Portland Solutions into one of the City's most effective, innovative, and compassionate programs," said Mayor Keith Wilson. "Her work has helped thousands of Portlanders stabilize, rebuild, and find hope. While we will miss her deeply, we are proud to see her step into a regional leadership role that will continue strengthening our community. I'm grateful for her service and confident in the strong foundation she leaves behind."

Brocker-Knapp's team streamlined operations across dozens of providers, improving access and reducing wait times. They implemented new protocols that increased efficiency and reduced duplication across bureaus. The program also introduced performance tracking that strengthened accountability and transparency, and built durable partnerships with nonprofits, culturally specific organizations, and regional partners.

"We are thrilled to welcome Skyler to United Way. Her leadership, compassion, and deep commitment to serving our community make her an incredible addition to our organization," said Kelly O'Lague, President and CEO of United Way of the Columbia-Willamette. "We're grateful for the partnership of Mayor Wilson and his team, and we look forward to continuing our work together to improve the lives of all Portlanders."

Brocker-Knapp's last day with the City will be August 21.