Simone Rede was sworn in as Portland City Auditor on Thursday, the first person of color and the first LGBTQ+ person to hold the office.
Voters chose Rede in May as the city’s elected, independent watchdog. She identifies as a Latina lesbian.
Rede, 39, is a longtime government performance auditor with previous experience at the regional government Metro and the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office. Although she won the first contested race for City Auditor in 36 years, voter-approved changes to the city’s government mean the City Auditor will run for an initial two-year term in 2024.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Youlee Yim You administered the oath of office during a ceremony at City Hall. The ceremony included music performed by Crystal Akins, arts activist. “Portlanders are counting on us to realize their vision of a more just, inclusive government.” Rede said.
Among those in attendance were Auditor’s Office staff and former city auditor Gary Blackmer.
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