Sam Adams (Oregon politician)

Samuel Adams was born in Butte, Montana,Judetz, Mary (January 2, 2009). "Openly gay man is mayor of Portland - Swearing-in on New Year's: He ran not to be a gay mayor, but a great mayor.'" The Oregonian. to parents Larry and Karalie Adams.{{cite web |last=Rubin |first=Harriet |date=May 15, 2009 |title=Becoming Sam Adams |url=http://www.portlandmonthlymag.com/issues/current-issue/articles/sam-adams-0109/3/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907004005/http://www.portlandmonthlymag.com/issues/current-issue/articles/sam-adams-0109/3/ |archive-date=September 7, 2012 |access-date=June 18, 2012 |work=Portland Monthly}} Adams was the third of four children.{{cite news |author=Theriault, Denis |date=October 8, 2010 |title=Sam Adams Gets "Mortified"—He Also Says "It Gets Better." |newspaper=Portland Mercury |url=https://www.portlandmercury.com/BlogtownPDX/archives/2010/10/08/sam-adams-gets-mortifiedhe-also-says-it-gets-better |access-date=March 16, 2018 |archive-date=March 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327105522/https://www.portlandmercury.com/BlogtownPDX/archives/2010/10/08/sam-adams-gets-mortifiedhe-also-says-it-gets-better |url-status=live }} When he was a year old, his family moved to Richland, Washington, but shortly after moved to Newport, Oregon.{{cite magazine |author=Rubin |first=Harriet |date=May 19, 2009 |title=Becoming Sam Adams: The new mayor defeated debt, doubt, and Dozono to reach City Hall. Portland expects a lot of him, but not more than hizzoner expects of himself |url=https://www.pdxmonthly.com/articles/2009/5/19/sam-adams-0109 |magazine=Portland Monthly}} Adams graduated from high school in 1982, then started at the University of Oregon in 1984.{{cite web |title=About Sam Adams |url=http://www.samforpdx.com/2007/10/about_sam_adams.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412021047/http://www.samforpdx.com/2007/10/about_sam_adams.php |archive-date=April 12, 2008 |website=Sam Adams for Portland Mayor}} Adams did not graduate from college until 2002, when he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Oregon in political science.Baker, Nena (December 15, 2002). "Sam Adams Official Title: Chief of Staff for Portland Mayor Vera Katz." The Oregonian.

Adams began his career in politics as a staffer on Peter DeFazio's 1984 campaign for the U.S. House of Representatives in Oregon's 4th district. He dropped out of the University of Oregon to work on Peter DeFazio's successful bid for Congress.{{cite magazine |author=Graves |first=Lucia |date=June 5, 2016 |title=What the Former Mayor of Portland who Cameoed on Portlandia is up to Now |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/06/what-the-former-mayor-of-portland-who-cameoed-on-portlandia-is-up-to-now/439566/ |magazine=The Atlantic}} After DeFazio won, Adams worked as a communications and policy assistant in his Oregon office, and on his re-election campaigns until 1988.{{cite web |date=April 2, 2004 |title=Meet Sam. |url=http://samforpdx.com:80/MeetSam.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040401182250/http://samforpdx.com/MeetSam.htm |archive-date=April 1, 2004 |website=Sam Adams for City Council |publisher=}}{{cite news |author=Stern, Hank |date=April 6, 2004 |title=City Council Frontrunners Differ in Credentials More Than Policy |newspaper=The Oregonian}} Adams also worked for Democratic Majority Leaders David Dix and Carl Hosticka.{{cite web |title=Sam Adams |url=http://www.commissionersam.com/office/2 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120219033133/http://www.commissionersam.com/office/2 |archive-date=February 19, 2012 |access-date=June 18, 2012 |website=CommissionerSam.com |publisher=}}

In 1988, Adams was elected chair of the Lane County (Oregon) Democratic Party.{{Cite web |last=Griffin |first=Anna |date=September 9, 2007 |title=Who are you, Sam I Am? |url=http://blog.oregonlive.com/oregonianextra/2008/04/who_are_you_sam_i_am_1.html |access-date=March 28, 2008 |website=The Oregonian/OregonLive |archive-date=May 12, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080512061948/http://blog.oregonlive.com/oregonianextra/2008/04/who_are_you_sam_i_am_1.html |url-status=live }} In 1990, Adams worked as the Oregon director for the highway safety organization Citizens for Reliable and Safe Highways (CRASH). He next worked on Vera Katz's 1992 mayoral campaign in Portland and served as her chief of staff 11 years.

Image:Sam Adams Portland2.jpgIn a 2004 election for a seat on the Portland City Council, Adams received fewer votes than candidate Nick Fish in the primary election,{{Cite web |title=2004 May Election - Official Results |url=https://www.portlandoregon.gov/auditor/article/45782 |access-date=January 13, 2023 |website=The City of Portland, Oregon |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113062753/https://www.portlandoregon.gov/auditor/article/45782 |url-status=live }} but Adams won the general election.{{Cite web |date=July 24, 2011 |title=November 2, 2004 - Election Results |url=https://www.multco.us/elections/november-2-2004-election-results |access-date=January 13, 2023 |website=Multnomah County |language=en |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113062757/https://www.multco.us/elections/november-2-2004-election-results |url-status=live }}

Adams ran an unsuccessful campaign to rejoin city council in 2020.{{Cite web |date=May 20, 2020 |title=Former mayor Sam Adams concedes in tight Portland City Council race |url=https://www.kgw.com/article/news/politics/elections/results-for-portland-commissioner-position-4-in-oregon-primary/283-263d9920-b191-4e77-866e-4052c3eaa52f |access-date=January 13, 2023 |website=KGW |language=en-US |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113062750/https://www.kgw.com/article/news/politics/elections/results-for-portland-commissioner-position-4-in-oregon-primary/283-263d9920-b191-4e77-866e-4052c3eaa52f |url-status=live }} From 2020 to 2023, he served as director of strategic innovations{{Cite web |last=Ellis |first=Rebecca |date=January 28, 2021 |title=Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler adds former Mayor Sam Adams to his staff |url=https://www.opb.org/article/2021/01/28/portland-mayor-ted-wheeler-hires-former-mayor-sam-adams-as-director-of-strategic-innovations/ |access-date=March 16, 2021 |website=OPB |archive-date=January 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130024639/https://www.opb.org/article/2021/01/28/portland-mayor-ted-wheeler-hires-former-mayor-sam-adams-as-director-of-strategic-innovations/ |url-status=live }} for the office of Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler.{{Cite web |last=Allison |first=Megan |date=March 15, 2021 |title=Portland leaders looking for volunteers in city cleanup efforts |url=https://katu.com/news/local/portland-leaders-looking-for-volunteers-in-city-cleanup-efforts |access-date=March 16, 2021 |website=KATU |archive-date=March 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316150910/https://katu.com/news/local/portland-leaders-looking-for-volunteers-in-city-cleanup-efforts |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Goldberg |first=Jamie |date=March 15, 2021 |title=Former Mayor Sam Adams wants Portlanders to 'roll up their sleeves' to revive city |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2021/03/former-mayor-sam-adams-wants-portlanders-to-roll-up-their-sleeves-to-revive-city.html |access-date=March 26, 2021 |website=The Oregonian/OregonLive |language=en |archive-date=March 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210328125033/https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2021/03/former-mayor-sam-adams-wants-portlanders-to-roll-up-their-sleeves-to-revive-city.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Kavanaugh |first=Shane Dixon |date=January 10, 2023 |title=Sam Adams says he's stepping aside as adviser to Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler due to health concerns |work=The Oregonian/OregonLive |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2023/01/sam-adams-says-hes-stepping-aside-as-advisor-to-portland-mayor-ted-wheeler-due-to-health-concerns.html |access-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111012438/https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2023/01/sam-adams-says-hes-stepping-aside-as-advisor-to-portland-mayor-ted-wheeler-due-to-health-concerns.html |url-status=live }}

As city commissioner, ran the Portland Bureau of Transportation and the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services. He also served as Portland City Council's liaison to the Arts and Culture and Small Business communities. As part of managing the Bureau of Transportation, he inherited the responsibility to oversee the development of the Portland Aerial Tram, which opened to the public in January 2007.

Adams and his staff maintained a blog highlighting their activities in the community, especially pertaining to Adams' priorities such as arts and culture, livability and environment, and transportation.

{{main|Portland, Oregon mayoral election, 2008}}File:Sam Adams and Tim Leavitt.jpg director Tim Leavitt at a meeting of the Columbia River Crossing Project]]

In October 2007, Adams announced his intentions to run for Mayor of Portland.{{cite news |last=Mayer |first=James |date=October 3, 2007 |title=Sam Adams says he's running for Portland mayor |newspaper=The Oregonian |url=http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2007/10/sam_adams_says_hes_running_for.html |access-date=March 28, 2008 |archive-date=June 11, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611143427/http://blog.oregonlive.com/breakingnews/2007/10/sam_adams_says_hes_running_for.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=March 5, 2004 |title=Sam Adams for Mayor |url=http://samforpdx.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006110757/http://www.samforpdx.com/ |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |access-date=June 18, 2012 |publisher=Samforpdx.com}} His main opponent was Sho Dozono, a civic leader and businessman. In the primary election, held May 20, 2008, Adams won 58 percent of the vote and was elected without the need for a run-off.{{cite news |date=May 21, 2008 |title=Portland elects its first openly gay mayor |publisher=KGW |url=http://www.kgw.com/election2002/stories/kgw_051908_election_portland_mayoral_race_.ced71e0.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081009211052/http://www.kgw.com/election2002/stories/kgw_051908_election_portland_mayoral_race_.ced71e0.html |archive-date=October 9, 2008}} Dozono received 34 percent of the vote.{{cite web |title=Elections – Multnomah County |url=http://www.co.multnomah.or.us/dbcs/elections/2008-05/results.shtml |access-date=June 18, 2012 |archive-date=July 18, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718202355/http://www.co.multnomah.or.us/dbcs/elections/2008-05/results.shtml |url-status=live }} Adams took office on January 1, 2009, becoming the first openly gay mayor of a major U.S. city.

Adams said his top three priorities were creating more family-wage jobs, reducing the high school dropout rate, and making Portland more sustainable.{{cite web |url=http://eastpdxnews.com/general-news-features/sam-adams-takes-mayoral-oath-at-parkrose-high/ |title=Sam Adams takes mayoral oath at Parkrose High |publisher=East PDX News |access-date=February 17, 2012 |archive-date=December 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101216203311/http://eastpdxnews.com/general-news-features/sam-adams-takes-mayoral-oath-at-parkrose-high/ |url-status=live }}

In his first State of the City address on February 27, 2009, Adams outlined his goal of making Portland "the most sustainable city in the world." Adams emphasized reduction of carbon dioxide emissions and investment in efficient green energy as essential to the city's energy-environmental goals and called on the Oregon State Legislature to provide incentives for the expansion of green energy companies, notably Vestas Wind Systems, into the Portland metropolitan area.{{cite news|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2009/02/23/daily56.html|title=Adams' goal: Make Portland most sustainable city|agency=Portland Business Journal|first=Andy|last=Giegerich|date=February 27, 2009|access-date=March 1, 2009|archive-date=March 6, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090306224026/http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2009/02/23/daily56.html|url-status=live}}

In 2009, Adams established a local economic stimulus plan by fast-tracking capital improvement projects,{{cite web |last=Adams |first=Sam |url=http://www.portlandonline.com/mayor/index.cfm?c=49519&a=327492 |title=2010 Progress Report: Job Creation |publisher=Portlandonline.com |date=November 19, 2010 |access-date=February 17, 2012 |archive-date=January 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111184915/http://www.portlandonline.com/mayor/index.cfm?c=49519&a=327492 |url-status=live }} helped secure a Major League Soccer franchise, began work on the Oregon Sustainability Center established a free-bus-ride program designed for low-income students,{{cite web |last=Office |first=The |url=http://www.portlandonline.com/mayor/index.cfm?c=51351&a=277441 |title=Getting Everyone on the Bus |publisher=Portlandonline.com |date=December 17, 2009 |access-date=February 17, 2012 |archive-date=September 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110916035426/http://www.portlandonline.com/mayor/index.cfm?c=51351&a=277441 |url-status=live }} secured $2.5 million in grants designed to help the city reduce diesel emissions,{{cite web|last=Office |first=The |url=http://www.portlandonline.com/mayor/index.cfm?c=51352&a=276806 |title=Check It |publisher=Portlandonline.com |date=December 14, 2009 |access-date=February 17, 2012}} began construction of 15 miles of bike boulevards,{{cite web |last=Office |first=The |url=http://www.portlandonline.com/mayor/index.cfm?c=51353&a=277247 |title=Boulevards Benefit Bikes and Cars |publisher=Portlandonline.com |date=December 16, 2009 |access-date=February 17, 2012 |archive-date=January 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119155119/http://www.portlandonline.com/mayor/index.cfm?c=51353&a=277247 |url-status=live }} and consolidated the city's permitting process.{{cite web |last=Office |first=The |url=http://www.portlandonline.com/mayor/index.cfm?c=51350&a=277741 |title=Pass the Scissors |publisher=Portlandonline.com |date=December 17, 2009 |access-date=February 17, 2012 |archive-date=January 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111184915/http://www.portlandonline.com/mayor/index.cfm?c=51350&a=277741 |url-status=live }}

In September 2009, Adams opposed the $4 billion, twelve-lane replacement for the I-5 bridge over the Columbia River, a plan he had once supported. Adams stated, "I'd rather settle for a bad bridge for another 25 years than a terrible bridge that punishes Portland for another 100 years."{{cite news |title=Beset by money woes, I-5 bridge project looks at cuts |first=Dylan |last=Rivera |work=The Oregonian |date=September 18, 2009 |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/09/beset_by_money_woes_i5_bridge.html |access-date=September 18, 2009 |archive-date=September 22, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090922191108/http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/09/beset_by_money_woes_i5_bridge.html |url-status=live }} The twelve-lane idea was a compromise deal Adams helped write with then-Mayor Royce Pollard of Vancouver, Washington, in February 2009. The deal helped get the Portland City Council to agree for a bridge of up to twelve lanes, something Vancouver wanted in exchange for its support of Portland's MAX Light Rail extension across the I-5 bridge.[http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/09/beset_by_money_woes_i5_bridge.html Beset by money woes, I-5 bridge project looks at cuts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090922191108/http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/09/beset_by_money_woes_i5_bridge.html |date=September 22, 2009 }} oregonlive.com Adams focused on improving the local economy by attracting large, sustainable employers to Portland, including a $200-million investment by the company Vestas.{{cite news | url=http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2009/09/vestas_looking_at_existing_bui.html | work=The Oregonian | title=Vestas looking at existing buildings for headquarters | date=September 8, 2009 | access-date=March 5, 2010 | archive-date=January 12, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100112034336/http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2009/09/vestas_looking_at_existing_bui.html | url-status=live }}

File:Charles Jordan and Sam Adams.jpg, 2012]]

In November of that year, Adams fired the police chief and then fired a police officer who had shot and killed an unarmed citizen.{{cite news | url=http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2010/11/16/mayor-adams-fires-officer-ron-frashour.html | first=Andy | last=Giegerich | title=Adams fires officer in fatal shooting | date=November 16, 2010 | access-date=December 29, 2010 | archive-date=June 9, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609205945/http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/news/2010/11/16/mayor-adams-fires-officer-ron-frashour.html | url-status=live }} He recruited a wind company to spend $66 million on development and hire 400 employees, established the city's first economic development plan, developed programs designed to reduce Portland's high school dropout rate and make the city more sustainable,{{cite news | url=http://blog.oregonlive.com/portlandcityhall/2010/12/mayor_sam_adams_releases_seven.html | work=The Oregonian | title=Mayor Sam Adams releases seventh status report on his priorities | date=December 20, 2010 | access-date=December 29, 2010 | archive-date=December 24, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224095829/http://blog.oregonlive.com/portlandcityhall/2010/12/mayor_sam_adams_releases_seven.html | url-status=live }} and, along with the rest of the city council, adopted gun control regulations that are designed to reduce shootings.{{cite web |last=Theriault |first=Denis C. |url=http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/BlogtownPDX/archives/2010/12/01/city-council-adopts-sam-adams-gun-control-laws |title=City Council Adopts Sam Adams' Gun Control Laws | Blogtown, PDX |publisher=Blogtown.portlandmercury.com |date=December 1, 2010 |access-date=February 17, 2012 |archive-date=March 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322221008/http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/BlogtownPDX/archives/2010/12/01/city-council-adopts-sam-adams-gun-control-laws |url-status=live }}

In 2011, Adams helped establish curbside composting,{{cite web|url=http://www.kgw.com/news/local/Portland-Announces-Curbside-Compost-Collection-90796139.html |title=Portland's curbside composting begins | kgw.com Portland |publisher=Kgw.com |date=April 13, 2010 |access-date=February 17, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114145234/http://www.kgw.com/news/local/Portland-Announces-Curbside-Compost-Collection-90796139.html |archive-date=January 14, 2012 }} led a ban on single-use plastic bags,{{cite web|url=http://www.portlandonline.com/mayor/?c=53123 |title=Plastic Bag Ban |publisher=Portlandonline.com |access-date=February 17, 2012}} adopted a transgender-inclusive health plan for city employees,{{cite web |last=Harmon |first=Andrew |url=http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/06/09/Portland_Adopts_Trans_Inclusive_Healthcare_for_City_Workers/ |title=Portland Adopts Trans-Inclusive Health Care for City Workers | News |publisher=The Advocate |access-date=February 17, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613033715/http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2011/06/09/Portland_Adopts_Trans_Inclusive_Healthcare_for_City_Workers/ |archive-date=June 13, 2011 }} recruited a photovoltaic company to move to and invest $340 million in infrastructure in Portland,{{cite web |url=http://www.portlandonline.com/mayor/index.cfm?c=56995 |title=Economic Development in 2011 |publisher=Portlandonline.com |access-date=February 17, 2012 |archive-date=May 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514192639/http://www.portlandonline.com/mayor/index.cfm?c=56995 |url-status=live }} recruited several TV and movie companies to do business and spend about $100 million on production in Portland,{{cite web |url=http://www.portlandonline.com/mayor/index.cfm?c=56954 |title=Arts & Culture in 2011 |publisher=Portlandonline.com |access-date=February 17, 2012 |archive-date=May 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514192536/http://www.portlandonline.com/mayor/index.cfm?c=56954 |url-status=live }} established a $2.1 million seed fund to help start-up businesses in Portland, supported Occupy Portland at first, but later dispersed the camps,{{cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/nation/la-xpm-2011-nov-19-la-na-portland-mayor-20111120-story.html | work=Los Angeles Times | first=Kim | last=Murphy | title=Occupy Portland dispersal a tough call for mayor | date=November 19, 2011 | access-date=December 24, 2011 | archive-date=December 30, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111230224753/http://articles.latimes.com/2011/nov/19/nation/la-na-portland-mayor-20111120 | url-status=live }} and cracked down on gangs with a 14-month police undercover operation that resulted in the arrests of 31 gang members.{{cite news | url=http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/12/portland_police_and_federal_ag.html | work=The Oregonian | title=Portland police and federal agents crack down on 'toxic' gangs | date=December 20, 2011 | access-date=December 24, 2011 | archive-date=February 3, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120203125447/http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/12/portland_police_and_federal_ag.html | url-status=live }}

On July 29, 2011, Adams announced on his official city blog that he would not seek a second term as Portland's mayor.{{cite web |last=Adams |first=Sam |date=July 29, 2011 |title=Portland's future—and mine |url=http://www.portlandonline.com/mayor/index.cfm?c=49278&a=358679 |access-date=July 29, 2011 |publisher=City of Portland |archive-date=October 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111012215336/http://www.portlandonline.com/mayor/index.cfm?c=49278&a=358679 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Schmidt |first=Brad |date=July 29, 2011 |title=Portland Mayor Sam Adams not running for re-election |newspaper=The Oregonian |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/07/portland_mayor_sam_adams_not_r.html |access-date=July 29, 2011 |archive-date=September 26, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110926022426/http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/07/portland_mayor_sam_adams_not_r.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Former Mayor Sam Adams Prepares to Run for Multnomah County Commissioner |author=Sophie Peel |work=Willamette Week |date=February 19, 2024 |access-date=February 21, 2024 |url= https://www.wweek.com/news/2024/02/19/former-mayor-sam-adams-prepares-to-run-for-multnomah-county-commissioner/ |quote=A scandal involving Adams’ sexual relationship with an 18-year-old state legislative intern named Beau Breedlove cost him a second term as mayor. }} He had an approval rating of 56%.{{Cite web |last=Oregonian/OregonLive |first=Beth Slovic {{!}} The |date=May 10, 2012 |title=Poll: Mayor Sam Adams' approval ratings improve 8 months before he leaves office |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/portlandcityhall/2012/05/poll_mayor_sam_adams_approval.html |access-date=March 13, 2024 |website=oregonlive |language=en}}

Days after his last day as Mayor, Adams was named executive director of the City Club of Portland, a non-profit organization best known as the host of public civic policy meetings.{{cite news |last1=Schmidt |first1=Brad |title=Former Portland Mayor Sam Adams named executive director at City Club of Portland |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2013/01/former_portland_mayor_sam_adam.html#incart_m-rpt-2 |access-date=March 23, 2019 |agency=The Oregonian |date=January 16, 2013 |page=B1-B2 |archive-date=January 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116030445/https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2013/01/former_portland_mayor_sam_adam.html#incart_m-rpt-2 |url-status=live }} On January 14, 2014, Adams announced that he was leaving the City Club to become director of U.S. Climate Initiatives at the World Resources Institute, a global nonprofit dedicated to environmental sustainability.{{cite web |url=http://www.golocalpdx.com/news/former-mayor-sam-adams-to-leave-portland-for-job-in-d.c |title=Former Mayor Sam Adams to Leave Portland for Job in D.C |publisher=GoLocalPDX |date=January 14, 2015 |access-date=November 27, 2016 |archive-date=August 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160823132935/http://www.golocalpdx.com/news/former-mayor-sam-adams-to-leave-portland-for-job-in-d.c |url-status=live }} Adams moved to Washington, D.C., as a result.{{Cite news|url=http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2015/01/sam_adams_former_portland_mayo.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150123090102/http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2015/01/sam_adams_former_portland_mayo.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 23, 2015|title=Sam Adams, former Portland mayor, leaving city for job in Washington, D.C., with environmental group|work=OregonLive.com|access-date=November 14, 2017|language=en-US}}

In 2020, Adams returned to Portland and ran for City Council, but lost in the May primary.{{Cite web|title=Results for the Oregon primary election May 19, 2020|url=https://www.kgw.com/article/news/politics/election-results-oregon-primary-election-may-19-2020/283-ab125462-1fbe-4b9d-aabe-31401bbd8f6d|access-date=March 16, 2021|website=kgw.com|date=May 19, 2020|language=en-US|archive-date=March 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210317075453/https://www.kgw.com/article/news/politics/election-results-oregon-primary-election-may-19-2020/283-ab125462-1fbe-4b9d-aabe-31401bbd8f6d|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|author=KATU Staff|date=May 20, 2020|title=Former Mayor Sam Adams concedes in City Council race|url=https://katu.com/news/politics/former-mayor-sam-adams-concedes-in-city-council-race|access-date=March 16, 2021|website=KATU|archive-date=May 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210512182634/https://katu.com/news/politics/former-mayor-sam-adams-concedes-in-city-council-race|url-status=live}} In February 2021, he became the director of strategic innovations for mayor Ted Wheeler.{{Cite web|last=politics|first=About Nigel Jaquiss News reporter Nigel Jaquiss joined Willamette Week in 1998 He covers|title=Former Portland Mayor Sam Adams Will Join Mayor Ted Wheeler's Office, Although Not as Chief of Staff|url=https://www.wweek.com/news/2021/01/25/former-portland-mayor-sam-adams-will-join-mayor-ted-wheelers-office-although-not-as-chief-of-staff/|access-date=March 16, 2021|website=Willamette Week|date=January 25, 2021 |language=en-US|archive-date=March 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306013330/https://www.wweek.com/news/2021/01/25/former-portland-mayor-sam-adams-will-join-mayor-ted-wheelers-office-although-not-as-chief-of-staff/|url-status=live}} In that role, Adams' goal was revitalizing the city after the coronavirus pandemic and protests.{{Cite web|last=Oregonian/OregonLive|first=Shane Dixon Kavanaugh {{!}} The|date=March 12, 2021|title=Dumptown: How Portland's trash problem spiraled out of control|url=https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2021/03/dumptown-how-portlands-trash-problem-spiraled-out-of-control.html|access-date=March 16, 2021|website=oregonlive|language=en|archive-date=March 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210316014721/https://www.oregonlive.com/news/2021/03/dumptown-how-portlands-trash-problem-spiraled-out-of-control.html|url-status=live}} Adams led initiatives in 2021 and 2022 to ban homeless camping,{{Cite web|title=Portland leaders approve plan to ban homeless camping, create large government-sponsored shelters|url=https://www.opb.org/article/2022/11/03/portland-leaders-approve-plan-to-ban-homeless-camping-set-up-large-sites/|access-date=December 9, 2022|website=opb.org|date=November 3, 2022|language=en-US|archive-date=December 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209182552/https://www.opb.org/article/2022/11/03/portland-leaders-approve-plan-to-ban-homeless-camping-set-up-large-sites/|url-status=live}} and in a memo he said the city should use of executive power to end unsanctioned camping move houseless people into in mass shelters of 3,000 people, staffed by the National Guard, and ask the 'Federal Emergency Management Agency' to declare homelessness a federal emergency eligible to receive federal funds.{{Cite web |date=February 11, 2022 |title=Portland Mayoral Aide Outlined Ideas to Eliminate Unsanctioned Camping Across City |url=https://www.wweek.com/news/city/2022/02/11/portland-mayoral-aide-outlined-ideas-to-eliminate-unsanctioned-camping-across-city/ |access-date=March 13, 2024 |website=Willamette Week |language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Memo suggests mass shelters in Portland staffed by National Guard|url=https://www.koin.com/news/portland-sam-adams-memo-homeless-shelters-national-guard/|access-date=December 9, 2022|website=www.koin.com|date=February 11, 2022|language=en-US|archive-date=December 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209182552/https://www.koin.com/news/portland-sam-adams-memo-homeless-shelters-national-guard/|url-status=live}} The city later voted to end unsanctioned camping, but only during the day,{{Cite web |title=Portland leaders approve plan to ban homeless camping, create large government-sponsored shelters |url=https://www.opb.org/article/2022/11/03/portland-leaders-approve-plan-to-ban-homeless-camping-set-up-large-sites/ |access-date=March 13, 2024 |website=opb |language=en}} and the ban has not been widely enforced.{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=FOX 12 |date=July 7, 2023 |title=Portland's daytime camping ban in effect, unhoused residents say city has told them nothing |url=https://www.kptv.com/2023/07/07/portlands-daytime-camping-ban-goes-into-effect-friday/ |access-date=March 13, 2024 |website=www.kptv.com |language=en}} On January 3, 2023, Adams was credited with cleaning up the "deadliest block" in Portland. On January 10, 2023, Adams resigned from his office, citing health problems due to chronic anemia that was getting worse.{{Cite news |last=Peel |first=Sophie |date=January 11, 2023 |title=Mayoral Aide Sam Adams Will Get No Severance Package, Last Day is Wednesday |work=Willamette Week |url=https://www.wweek.com/news/2023/01/11/mayoral-aide-sam-adams-will-get-no-severance-package-last-day-is-wednesday/ |access-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111184734/https://www.wweek.com/news/2023/01/11/mayoral-aide-sam-adams-will-get-no-severance-package-last-day-is-wednesday/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2023 |title=Mayoral Aide Sam Adams Resigns, Citing Chronic Health Issues |url=https://www.wweek.com/news/2023/01/10/mayoral-aide-sam-adams-resigns-citing-chronic-health-issues/ |access-date=March 13, 2024 |website=Willamette Week |language=en}} Wheeler signed off on Adams resignation and initially praised Adams for his work,{{Cite web |last=Oregonian/OregonLive |first=Shane Dixon Kavanaugh {{!}} The |date=January 11, 2023 |title=Sam Adams says he's stepping aside as adviser to Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler due to health concerns |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2023/01/sam-adams-says-hes-stepping-aside-as-advisor-to-portland-mayor-ted-wheeler-due-to-health-concerns.html |access-date=March 13, 2024 |website=oregonlive |language=en}} but in a press conference several days later, Wheeler asserted that he had forced Adams to leave because Adams had repeatedly intimidated female employees.{{Cite web |last=Peel |first=Sophie |date=January 13, 2023 |title=Mayor Ted Wheeler Says Sam Adams Was Asked to Resign for a Pattern of 'Bullying' and 'Intimidation' That Was Documented by Human Resources Bureau |url=https://www.wweek.com/news/city/2023/01/13/mayor-ted-wheeler-says-sam-adams-was-asked-to-resign-for-a-pattern-of-bullying-and-intimidation-that-was-documented-by-human-resources-bureau/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114000056/https://www.wweek.com/news/city/2023/01/13/mayor-ted-wheeler-says-sam-adams-was-asked-to-resign-for-a-pattern-of-bullying-and-intimidation-that-was-documented-by-human-resources-bureau/ |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |access-date=January 14, 2023 |website=Willamette Week |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Kavanaugh |first=Shane Dixon |date=January 13, 2023 |title=Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler: I forced out Sam Adams due to 'bullying' of female employees |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2023/01/portland-mayor-ted-wheeler-says-he-forced-out-adviser-sam-adams-due-to-bullying-behavior-toward-female-employees.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114005545/https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2023/01/portland-mayor-ted-wheeler-says-he-forced-out-adviser-sam-adams-due-to-bullying-behavior-toward-female-employees.html |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |access-date=January 14, 2023 |website=The Oregonian/OregonLive |language=en}} Adams was not told about the complaints and none of the allegations were investigated.{{Cite web |date=January 18, 2023 |title=Mayor Ted Wheeler Hired Sam Adams to Be His Hatchet Man. Why Did He Give Him the Ax? |url=https://www.wweek.com/news/2023/01/17/mayor-ted-wheeler-hired-sam-adams-to-be-his-hatchet-man-why-did-he-give-him-the-ax/ |access-date=March 13, 2024 |website=Willamette Week |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Oregonian/OregonLive |first=Shane Dixon Kavanaugh {{!}} The |date=January 14, 2023 |title=Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler says he fired Sam Adams for 'bullying' female employees. Here's what records show |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2023/01/portland-mayor-ted-wheeler-fired-sam-adams-for-bullying-female-employees-heres-what-records-show.html |access-date=March 13, 2024 |website=oregonlive |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=January 17, 2023 |title=Wheeler's Office: Timeline of complaints against Sam Adams |url=https://www.koin.com/news/portland/mayor-ted-wheelers-office-timeline-of-complaints-against-sam-adams-bullying-intimidation/ |access-date=March 13, 2024 |website=KOIN.com |language=en-US}} Adams has retained an attorney to contest the details of his departure.

In early 2024 Adams was discussing plans to run for city council or a Multnomah County District seat. On February 26 he announced he would run for the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners in district 2, representing North and Northeast Portland.{{cite news|last=Kavanaugh|first=Shane|date=February 26, 2024|title=Former Portland mayor Sam Adams enters Multnomah County Commission race|url=https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2024/02/former-portland-mayor-sam-adams-seeks-seat-on-multnomah-county-commission.html|work=The Oregonian|access-date=February 26, 2024}} He said his priorities are ending unsanctioned outdoor homelessness, building a more humane and effective system for addiction and mental health treatment, stopping gun violence and crime, and building affordable housing.{{Cite web |last=Staff |first=Steve Benham, KATU |date=February 27, 2024 |title=Former Portland Mayor Sam Adams wants to fix dysfunction in run for county commissioner |url=https://katu.com/news/politics/former-portland-mayor-sam-adams-wants-to-fix-dysfunction-in-run-for-multnomah-co-commissioner |access-date=March 13, 2024 |website=KATU |language=en}} Adams finished second in the May primary, advancing to a November runoff election against Shannon Singleton.{{cite news|last=Effinger|first=Anthony |date=May 25, 2024|title=Two Multnomah County Commissioner Seats Will Go to Runoff in November|url=https://www.wweek.com/news/county/2024/05/25/two-multnomah-county-commission-seats-will-go-to-runoff-in-november/|work=Willamette Week|access-date=June 20, 2024}}

Because of the Irish birth of his maternal grandfather, Adams holds dual Irish and American citizenship.{{cite news |author=Julie Sullivan |date=December 14, 2008 |title=Honoring victims of Ireland's famine Country's president helps dedicate Portland memorial |newspaper=The Oregonian}}{{cite web |date=April 2, 2004 |title=Meet Sam. |url=http://samforpdx.com:80/MeetSam.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040401182250/http://samforpdx.com/MeetSam.htm |archive-date=April 1, 2004 |publisher=Sam Adams for City Council}}

Adams had a recurring role on the IFC show Portlandia as assistant to Portland's fictional mayor played by Kyle MacLachlan.{{cite news |author=Kristi Turnquist/The Oregonian |date=January 28, 2011 |title=It's official: Portlandia': Mayor Sam Adams plays an assistant to ... the mayor of Portland |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/movies/index.ssf/2011/01/portlandia_mayor_sam_adams_pla.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106024016/http://www.oregonlive.com/movies/index.ssf/2011/01/portlandia_mayor_sam_adams_pla.html |archive-date=November 6, 2012 |access-date=October 10, 2012 |publisher=OregonLive.com}} He also appeared as himself in a 2012 episode of the Portland-based NBC show Grimm.{{Cite web |last=Oregonian/OregonLive |first=Kristi Turnquist {{!}} The |date=November 17, 2012 |title='Grimm' fall finale: Everybody needs to talk, and where's that key? |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/movies/2012/11/grimm_fall_finale_everybody_ne.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113062747/https://www.oregonlive.com/movies/2012/11/grimm_fall_finale_everybody_ne.html |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |access-date=January 13, 2023 |website=oregonlive |language=en}}

Adams, who is gay, remained closeted at work until he became Mayor Vera Katz's Chief of Staff in 1993. He broke the news to Katz for the first time 1992 after she offered him the job as her campaign manager, to which she replied "Sweetie, I don't give a damn."{{cite news |author=Mitchell, S. Renee |date=March 8, 2004 |title=Sam Adams is More Than Just Another Gay Guy |newspaper=The Oregonian}} In discussing not disclosing his sexuality, Adams noted he came from a "family of tough Montanans" where "there's a premium on being tough and strong, and being queer and a faggot wasn't strong."

From 1992 until 2004, Adams was in a long-term relationship with Greg Eddie.[http://www.basicrights.org/?page_id=26 Basic Rights Oregon] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208051107/http://www.basicrights.org/?page_id=26 |date=December 8, 2008 }} During that time, in 1993, he was outed as gay by the alternative newspaper Willamette Week. In 2007, the former couple, in a challenge to the state constitution, filed suit against the State of Oregon to dissolve their domestic partnership and divide Adams' future pension.{{cite news|first=Scott |last=Moore |title=BRO Suit Pits Sam Adams And His Former Partner Against The State |newspaper=Portland Mercury |date=February 20, 2007 |url=http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/2007/02/bro_suit_pits_sam_adams_and_hi.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828111837/http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/2007/02/bro_suit_pits_sam_adams_and_hi.php |archive-date=August 28, 2008 }}{{cite web |title= Sam Adams Sues Oregon for Discriminatory Policy |publisher= Gay Rights Watch |date= February 21, 2007 |url= http://www.gayrightswatch.com/2007/02/sam-adams-sues-oregon-for.html |access-date= January 7, 2009 |archive-date= January 29, 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090129141655/http://www.gayrightswatch.com/2007/02/sam-adams-sues-oregon-for.html |url-status= live }}

Adams met his partner Peter Zuckerman, a journalist and author, in 2008.{{cite news |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2015/01/former_portland_mayor_sam_adam_1.html |title=Former Portland Mayor Sam Adams 'very passionate' about new climate job; observer says it's 'astute political move' |publisher=Oregon Live |date=January 14, 2015 |author=Brad Schmidt |access-date=March 16, 2018 |archive-date=March 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180317035842/http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2015/01/former_portland_mayor_sam_adam_1.html |url-status=live }}

In 2005, Adams met Beau Breedlove, a 17-year-old interning for Oregon State Representative Kim Thatcher.{{Cite news |last=Egan |first=Timothy |date=January 28, 2009 |title=The Great Gay Hope |url=http://egan.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/28/the-great-gay-hope/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130075326/http://egan.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/28/the-great-gay-hope/ |archive-date=January 30, 2009 |access-date=January 29, 2009 |work=New York Times}} In September 2007, Adams denied rumors of a sexual relationship between the two, saying of Breedlove, "He was looking for a mentor. I tried to be both prudent and useful to him."{{Cite web |title=Magnificent 7 |url=https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-11256-magnificent-7.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113062747/https://www.wweek.com/portland/article-11256-magnificent-7.html |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |access-date=January 13, 2023 |website=Willamette Week |date=November 4, 2009 |language=en}} In January 2009, after being confronted with a story in Willamette Week, Adams admitted to having a sexual relationship with Breedlove.{{Cite web |title=A is for Adams |date=July 18, 2012 |url=http://www.wweek.com/portland/article-19449-a-is-for-adams.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725003058/http://www.wweek.com/portland/article-19449-a-is-for-adams.html |archive-date=July 25, 2018 |access-date=July 24, 2018}}{{cite news |date=January 14, 2009 |title=Adams' Admission: Mayor Sam Adams Tells WW He Lied About Not Having Sex With Beau Breedlove |url=http://wweek.com/editorial/3510/12093/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123162813/http://wweek.com/editorial/3510/12093 |archive-date=January 23, 2009 |access-date=January 20, 2009 |work=Willamette Week}} Breedlove confirmed Adams' accounts.{{cite news |last=Associated Press |date=January 25, 2009 |title=Oregon Mayor in Sex Dispute Is Staying Put |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/26/us/26portland.html?ref=us |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404034457/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/26/us/26portland.html?ref=us |archive-date=April 4, 2015 |access-date=January 25, 2009 |newspaper=The New York Times}} Adams apologized, saying he had lied to avoid accusations of grooming a minor and the likely disruption such allegations would cause in his mayoral campaign.{{cite news |last=Humphrey |first=Stephen |date=January 14, 2009 |title=Sam Adams Issues Statement on Sex Scandal Admission |url=http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/BlogtownPDX/archives/2009/01/19/sam_adams_issues_statement_on |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123035950/http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/BlogtownPDX/archives/2009/01/19/sam_adams_issues_statement_on |archive-date=January 23, 2009 |access-date=January 20, 2009 |work=Portland Mercury}}{{cite news |title=Portland mayor admits past relationship with teen |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jvwY0RIxZNyu3R49LuwtvETqDe2gD95QMHRO0 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123105604/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jvwY0RIxZNyu3R49LuwtvETqDe2gD95QMHRO0 |archive-date=January 23, 2009 |access-date=January 20, 2009 |agency=Associated Press}}{{Cite news |title=Mayor's scandal divides Portland |url=https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jan/23/mayors-scandal-divides-portland/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114202212/https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/jan/23/mayors-scandal-divides-portland/ |archive-date=November 14, 2017 |access-date=November 14, 2017 |newspaper=The Washington Times |language=en-US}} Adams announced his intention to remain in office.

Oregon Attorney General John Kroger initiated a criminal investigation in January 2009. By June, Kroger's office announced that no charges would be filed and that there was "no credible evidence" of inappropriate sexual contact before the age of consent.{{cite news |last=Slovic |first=Beth |date=January 21, 2009 |title=Updated with AG Statement: Adams' Admission Reaction—Oregon Attorney General To Announce Investigation |url=http://wweek.com/wwire/?p=19857 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721042340/http://wweek.com/wwire/?p=19857 |archive-date=July 21, 2012 |access-date=January 21, 2009 |work=Willamette Week}}{{cite web |title=Attorney General Releases Report On Adams: Mayor In The Clear |url=http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/BlogtownPDX/archives/2009/06/22/attorney-general-to-take-questions-on-adams |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628190227/http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/BlogtownPDX/archives/2009/06/22/attorney-general-to-take-questions-on-adams |archive-date=June 28, 2009 |access-date=June 22, 2009 |work=blogtown.portlandmercury.com}} Before Kroger's findings were made public, several newspapers called for Adams' resignation. The Portland Mercury and the board of the Portland Area Business Association, the LGBTQ chamber of commerce, spoke out against resignation.{{cite news |last=The Oregonian Editorial Board |date=January 21, 2009 |title=Sam Adams and his fight with the truth |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2009/01/sam_adams_and_his_fight_with_t.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090124053811/http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2009/01/sam_adams_and_his_fight_with_t.html |archive-date=January 24, 2009 |access-date=January 21, 2009 |work=The Oregonian}}{{cite news |date=January 22, 2009 |title=In our view Jan. 22: Resign, Mayor Adams |url=http://columbian.com/article/20090122/OPINION02/701229974/-1/OPINION |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090125143958/http://columbian.com/article/20090122/OPINION02/701229974/-1/OPINION |archive-date=January 25, 2009 |access-date=September 8, 2009 |newspaper=columbian.com}}{{cite news |date=January 21, 2009 |title=Tribune Editorial: Adams must resign |url=http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=123252244248976800 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123234650/http://portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=123252244248976800 |archive-date=January 23, 2009 |access-date=January 22, 2009 |work=Portland Tribune}}{{cite news |date=January 21, 2009 |title=Just Out Editorial Board Asks Portland Mayor Sam Adams To Resign From Office |url=http://blogout.justout.com/?p=5945 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090124072744/http://blogout.justout.com/?p=5945 |archive-date=January 24, 2009 |access-date=January 22, 2009 |work=Just Out}}{{cite news |last=Petroni |first=MJ |date=January 24, 2009 |title=LGBTQ Chamber Wants Sam to Stay |url=http://blogout.justout.com/?p=6031 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713133441/http://blogout.justout.com/?p=6031 |archive-date=July 13, 2011 |access-date=January 25, 2009 |work=Just Out}}{{cite news |last=Humphrey |first=Stephen |title=Why Adams Should Stay |url=http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/BlogtownPDX/archives/2009/01/24/why_adams_should_stay%26cb%3Dce106787eae3741fcab11e4aadac5b6a%26sort%3Ddesc#readerComments |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715110144/http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/BlogtownPDX/archives/2009/01/24/why_adams_should_stay%26cb%3Dce106787eae3741fcab11e4aadac5b6a%26sort%3Ddesc#readerComments |archive-date=July 15, 2011 |access-date=January 25, 2009 |work=The Portland Mercury}} Out magazine columnist Dan Savage noted what he saw as hypocrisy, homophobia, and sex panic about age disparity in sexual relationships. In July 2009 a recall campaign asserted that Adams had lost the trust of the public and other elected officials to ill effect on the city's economy.{{cite news |last=Mayer |first=James |date=July 7, 2009 |title=Recall Petition Filed Against Portland Mayor Sam Adams |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2009/07/recall_petition_filed_against.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231032301/http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2009/07/recall_petition_filed_against.html |archive-date=December 31, 2014 |access-date=January 4, 2013 |work=The Oregonian |publisher=Oregon Live LLC}} It fell short of gathering the necessary number of signatures.{{cite news |last=Millman |first=Joel |date=July 7, 2009 |title=Campaign Begins to Recall Portland's Mayor |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124699801516207461 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150410060929/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124699801516207461 |archive-date=April 10, 2015 |access-date=June 18, 2012 |publisher=Online.wsj.com}}[http://wweek.com/editorial/3535/12779/ Willamette Week] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091204121357/http://wweek.com/editorial/3535/12779/|date=December 4, 2009}} "Total Recall: Mayor Sam Adams' would-be recallers need to collect 358 valid signatures a day. Do they stand a chance?," by Allison Ferre (July 8, 2009 – retrieved on July 16, 2009). A second effort began in late 2009, with financial backing from over a dozen regional businesses. The backers posited that a "lack of trust and political capital" was affecting their businesses' bottom lines.{{cite news |date=October 5, 2009 |title=Adams recall fails, second effort, with the help of business, ready to begin |url=http://portland.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2009/10/05/daily6.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091017005140/http://portland.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2009/10/05/daily6.html |archive-date=October 17, 2009 |access-date=October 20, 2009 |work=Portland Business Journal}}{{cite news |date=October 16, 2009 |title=A second business backer identified in Mayor Sam Adams recall effort |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2009/10/a_second_business_backer_ident.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091020032448/http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2009/10/a_second_business_backer_ident.html |archive-date=October 20, 2009 |access-date=October 20, 2009 |work=OregonLive.com}}{{cite news |author=Nigel Jaquiss |author-link=Nigel Jaquiss |title=Wurster Confirms New Recall Group Will Start And Get The Signatures He's Gathered |url=http://blogs.wweek.com/news/2009/10/05/wurster-confirms-new-recall-group-will-start-and-get-the-signatures-hes-gathered/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091010103109/http://blogs.wweek.com/news/2009/10/05/wurster-confirms-new-recall-group-will-start-and-get-the-signatures-hes-gathered/ |archive-date=October 10, 2009 |work=Willamette Week}} However, it too failed due to lack of sufficient signatures.{{cite news |author=Brent Wojahn/The Oregonian |date=April 20, 2010 |title=It's official: Second attempt to recall Portland Mayor Sam Adams fails |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2010/04/its_official_second_attempt_to.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104112311/http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2010/04/its_official_second_attempt_to.html |archive-date=November 4, 2011 |access-date=June 18, 2012 |publisher=OregonLive.com}}

In November 2017, Adams was accused of repeated sexual harassment by a former aide between 2008 and 2012.{{cite news |last=Monahan |first=Rachel |title=Former Assistant Says Ex-Portland Mayor Sam Adams Routinely Sexually Harassed Him |url=https://www.wweek.com/news/city/2017/11/03/former-assistant-says-ex-portland-mayor-sam-adams-routinely-sexually-harassed-him/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112074755/https://www.wweek.com/news/city/2017/11/03/former-assistant-says-ex-portland-mayor-sam-adams-routinely-sexually-harassed-him/ |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |access-date=January 11, 2023}} Adams denied the allegations. In 2019, Willamette Week interviewed 10 staffers who were present at the time relating to the allegations and found "none say they believe Adams had sexually harassed Gonzalez."{{Cite web |last=politics |first=About Nigel Jaquiss News reporter Nigel Jaquiss joined Willamette Week in 1998 He covers |title=Sam Adams Wants Another Chance |url=https://www.wweek.com/news/2019/10/02/sam-adams-wants-another-chance/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303181153/https://www.wweek.com/news/2019/10/02/sam-adams-wants-another-chance/ |archive-date=March 3, 2021 |access-date=March 16, 2021 |website=Willamette Week |date=October 2, 2019 |language=en-US}} In 2021, Adams was cleared of the harassment allegations through an investigation by the city's human resources department.{{Cite news |date=May 12, 2023 |title=Ex-Portland mayor Adams cleared in sexual harassment probe |url=https://apnews.com/article/sam-adams-sex-harassment-cleared-798bb051e6b746cef5dbdd9fa387e242 |access-date=January 30, 2024 |work=Associated Press}}{{Cite news |date=May 11, 2023 |title=Former Portland Mayor Sam Adams cleared of years-old sexual harassment allegations by 2021 city HR investigation |url=https://www.oregonlive.com/politics/2023/05/former-portland-mayor-sam-adams-cleared-of-years-old-sexual-harassment-allegations-by-2021-city-hr-investigation.html |access-date=January 30, 2024 |work=The Oregonian}}

• List of LGBT people from Portland, Oregon

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| title=Mayor of Portland, Oregon

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{{Mayors of Portland, Oregon}}

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Category:1963 births

Category:Living people

Category:21st-century American LGBTQ people

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