Bureau of Planning & Sustainability Announces Tate White as Deputy Director

Bureau of Planning & Sustainability Director Eric Engstrom is excited to announce Tate White as the bureau's next Deputy Director.

Tate has been serving the City of Portland for eight years, including with Portland Parks & Recreation and on the transition team for Portland's mayor-council form of government. Tate's key areas of expertise include urban planning and design, policy development, project management and public administration.

"Tate is bringing over 15 years of local government experience to the Bureau of Planning & Sustainability, grounded in promoting equity and sustainable development," said Director Engstrom. "I am thrilled to have her join BPS's leadership team as we explore new efficiencies in our work and continue leading the City in land use planning, climate action, environmental stewardship, and urban design."

As Deputy Director, Tate will lead bureau efforts as the City realigns its core functions, including human resources, technology, procurement, communications, engagement, equity, and security. She will also join the bureau's leadership team to provide strategic guidance on budget, system improvements and change management.

"The Bureau of Planning & Sustainability is doing exceptional work to shape the city's future, and I am ready to dig in and support this team," said Deputy Director White. "I am looking forward to working alongside Director Engstrom, City leadership, our partner Bureaus, and community partners as we craft meaningful solutions for the challenges our city faces."

Prior to joining BPS, Tate led assessments to address the City's asset management and infrastructure spending. Over the past year, she has served the Deputy City Administrator for City Operations, primarily leading strategic planning efforts to enhance citywide asset management and promote coordinated infrastructure decision-making and investment practices. During her transition, she will also be completing some work for the City Administrator on the Citywide Asset Management Strategy.

Before moving to Portland in 2017, she worked in various roles across the City of Vancouver, British Columbia. Tate received her master's degree in planning from the University of British Columbia after completing her degrees in geography and international studies at the University of Kentucky. Tate is an avid reader, walker, and transit rider and enjoys completing DIY projects on her home and garden.