Bob Cozzie, the deputy city administrator for Portland’s Community and Public Safety service area, is leaving his role, the city announced Tuesday, May 5.
Cozzie previously led the Bureau of Emergency Communications, which oversees the region’s 911 program, for seven years. He was tapped to lead the city’s Public Safety operations last June, after the exit of Mike Myers.
Cozzie’s last day will be May 18. The reason for his departure wasn’t immediately clear.
The leadership change comes as Portland is in the process of trying to close a roughly $160 million gap before adopting a budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The Public Safety service area includes more than 2,200 employees and has a budget of roughly $611 million. The service area includes 911 operations, Portland Police Bureau, Portland Fire & Rescue, and other emergency services.
Portland City Administrator Raymond Lee III, who oversees the city’s four deputy city administrators, will directly manage the Public Safety service area while a national search for Cozzie’s replacement gets underway.
“Portland is safer because Bob Cozzie has dedicated his career to public service,” Lee stated in a city news release. “I know our staff and community members join me in thanking him for his leadership.”
Cozzie’s departure is the latest in a string of leadership exits at the city over the past year. In addition to Cozzie’s predecessor, last June, the director of Portland Parks & Recreation left unexpectedly. In November 2025, the director of the Portland Housing Bureau resigned abruptly after being placed on leave. And the Bureau of Emergency Management director also resigned unexpectedly in February.
Cozzie’s salary is $275,808. He’ll receive a year of pay upon his departure, the city confirmed.
-Jeremiah Hayden contributed reporting to this story.
