The change will affect roughly 700 employees who have been working remotely or hybrid.

“As managers and supervisors, you set the tone and culture for staff across our city,” the Democrat said in a letter announcing the move.

“High-performing organizations across the nation have shown us it’s possible to bring people back together, while also remaining flexible,” Wilson added. “I’m committed to a culture of excellence, and working face-to-face cultivates the collaboration, camaraderie and innovation our city deserves. It also reflects the urgency of our work to end unsheltered homelessness and make Portland a safe, clean and welcoming place to live and work.”

Portland’s government will still have 8% of its workforce working fully remotely after the changes, while 64% will be fully in-person and 28% hybrid.

Wilson acknowledged that the new policy will raise “questions about our long-term workplace policy for other employees who remain remote and hybrid.” He said he does not anticipate making any further policy changes in 2025 but expects hybrid workers to continue spending half of their hours in their offices.

The move comes as city governments and the federal government consider bringing employees back into the office after the COVID-19 pandemic forced almost all employers to allow their employees to work fully remotely.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, also a Democrat, announced in May 2024 that all municipal employees would return to in-office work by July of that year. A union associated with the employees, the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, fought the mandate in court but failed.

AFSCME Local 189 President Rob Martineau, has protested Portland’s move. Martineau said many employees were concerned, particularly those who have made changes regarding commuting and childcare. He also said remote work has boosted morale and productivity.

Wilson is hoping the return to in-office work will help the city fight homelessness, one of if not the top issue in Portland. The mayor has promised to end unsheltered homelessness in the area, a pledge that propelled him to office.

“It’s time to end unsheltered homelessness and open drug use, and it’s time to restore public safety in Portland,” he said in his acceptance speech. “Voters aren’t interested in pointing fingers. They just want us to get things done.”