Ted Wheeler reflects on challenges and triumphs as term ends

Flashback: Wheeler's mayoral term was punctuated by crises.

• Among them: the COVID pandemic and associated shutdowns, a dramatic increase in homelessness, new and deadly types of street drugs and more than 100 days of sustained racial justice protests.

Throughout, Wheeler faced criticism for his decisions as Portland's problems drew national attention.

• "I actually believe history will reflect back on this administration much more kindly than maybe people view it through today's lens," he said.

Between the lines: Wheeler said one of his biggest regrets was not pushing harder for big projects like a Major League Baseball stadium, the OMSI Master Plan and getting the James Beard Public Market up and running more quickly.

• "Instead, I spent a lot of time on tarps, tents, litter, graffiti, needles and human waste," he said.

The big picture: One of the most high-profile moments of his term came in July 2020 when he joined a racial justice protest in downtown Portland.

• After remarks on stage — punctuated by boos and calls to resign — Wheeler ended up on the front lines of the protest and was among hundreds who were tear-gassed by federal agents.
• The incident made national headlines, but did little to quell tensions in Portland.
• "I wasn't there because I wanted to be," he said. "I was there because I was told that I had been an ineffective leader because I had not (previously) been there."

Yes, but: Despite the challenges that engulfed much of his term, he's proud of how he responded to the city's biggest issues.

• There were no city-run shelter beds when he entered office, he said, and today there are more than 700.
• Under his oversight, the city also created new programs to deal with litter and graffiti.

What he's saying: "I feel very good about where I'm leaving the city."

What's next: Wheeler has been working closely with Mayor-elect Keith Wilson.

• Wheeler and Wilson have neighboring offices on the same floor of the Portland Building along with the incoming City Council members.
• He's been offering the mayor-elect advice, when appropriate, and reminding him that in city government, "you can't do anything alone."

The bottom line: Wheeler isn't exactly sure what comes next for him professionally, but he is sure he's going to take some time to "recharge," he said.

• "It turns out that burnout is a real thing."