08/12/2026
Please help us congratulate Kaela Gonzalez, our July Employee of the Month! Kaela works as a Program Coordinator in our Housing & Economic Development Department and is recognized for her exceptional work ethic, her meticulous attention to detail, always going above and beyond, and her unwavering positivity. 🔆
Kaela initially joined the City in the Finance Department where she consistently demonstrated a willingness to step up in times of need in her role coordinating ARPA funding, during a critical time amidst the pandemic. She has continually expanded her role since transitioning to the Housing and Economic Development Department, taking on complex responsibilities and challenges with remarkable initiative and grace.
When a staff member went on leave, Kaela didn’t hesitate. She is commended for her exceptional leadership and project management for expertly stepping in to manage and staff the Portland Fish Pier Authority Board of Directors, including two new subcommittees, and seamlessly coordinating with the Chair, Corporation Counsel, and department staff to ensure critical workflows continued smoothly.
Kaela also had an instrumental role in the CAD Cell/Dredge Project in facilitating complex agreements with over 25 waterfront pier owners to have their individual piers dredged. Kaela’s meticulous attention to detail and her initiative in arranging personalized meetings with owners, City staff, and consultants to ensure everyone understood the project’s logistics and their specific roles, helped facilitate this massive public/private project moving forward –so impressive! 👏
Beyond Kaela’s achievements, she is recognized by her colleagues and outside consultants alike for her positivity, reliability, attention to detail, and timeliness. Kaela is extremely responsive, fun to work with, and builds phenomenal relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders.
Kaela - thank you! You truly are an asset to the Housing & Economic Development Department and to the City of .
