City Council Selects Emma Sagor as City Manager

After receiving 45 applications, narrowing those down to four finalists and completing several rounds of interviews, City Council has selected Emma Sagor as its next city manager. Sagor has served as the acting city manager since April 2024 and will officially continue in that capacity immediately.

“City Council really appreciated the talents and experience all four finalists brought to the table—it was not an easy decision,” said Mayor Lisa Batey. “Ultimately, it became clear that Emma’s dedication over the past year, as well as during her previous consultant roles with the city, her commitment to continuing our climate and equity work, thoughtful approach to budgetary and other challenges we face, and enthusiasm made her the right choice to lead the city at this time.”

Sagor originally joined the city in 2023 as the assistant city manager. Most recently, she worked as the strategy, data and performance manager for the Portland Bureau of Transportation where she implemented the organization’s goals of equity, climate, safety, asset management and mobility, as well as it’s transportation justice framework. Sagor also served as the City of Portland’s climate advisor through the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge, managing organizational climate justice initiatives and leading community engagement efforts for the Rose Lane Project, among others.

Sagor holds a Bachelor of Arts in social studies from Harvard University and a Master of Science in Regional and Urban Planning from the London School of Economics.

The City of Milwaukie has a council-manager form of government. The city manager is appointed by city council to serve as the administrative head of the local government, advising city council members and acting as a liaison with city staff to accomplish goals and initiatives.

For more information, contact Brandi Leos, human resources director, at leosb@milwaukieoregon.gov or 503.786.7506.