 Meanwhile, it remains unclear just why Portland's first justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion director left after just over a year on the job. Office Director Umaro Balda resigned in May. He hasn't said why. Portland Councilor Pius Ali, who chaired the committee that recommended the creation of the diversity office, offered no insight into Balda's departure, saying that it was a personnel matter. Asked to evaluate the progress made by the office thus far, Councilor Ali said that he takes a longer view.