Help steer the county's work: Join one of our citizen boards or committees

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Below you will find a list of current openings for citizen boards and committees at Multnomah County. To find out about the application process, level of commitment required, or general information about any of the groups listed, please call the corresponding contact listed below each description.

Columbia River Gorge Commission

The Columbia River Gorge Commission has an opening for the Multnomah County appointed member position*. Please send a resume and cover letter by Friday, May 31 to:

Multnomah County Chair Jeff Cogen
501 SE Hawthorne Blvd. STE 600
Portland, OR 97214

OR Email: mult.chair@multco.us OR Fax: 503-988-3093

Background
The Columbia River Gorge Commission was established in 1987 to develop and implement policies and programs that protect and enhance the scenic, natural, cultural and recreational resources of the Gorge, while encouraging growth within existing urban areas of the Gorge and allowing development outside urban areas consistent with resource protection.

Membership: The Commission typically meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month for an all day meeting that's located at various locations throughout the Gorge. The Commission also has subcommittees that meet occasionally.

The Commission is composed of 13 Gorge Commissioners who are appointed by state governors and county commissions with one representative appointed by each of the six counties, three members appointed by each governor, and one ex officio, non-voting member who is an employee of the USDA Forest Service, appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture.

*County representatives must be residents of their respective counties. Commissioners serve four-year terms. They receive reimbursement for travel expenses and a per meeting compensation. The Gorge Commission Chair is selected by a majority vote of the Commission members.

For more information, contact Grace Neal: 503-988-5882 or grace.neal@multco.us

Portland Children's Levy Allocation Committee

The Portland Children's Levy Allocation Committee is looking to fill the open Multnomah County appointed member position. The application is due by Friday, May 31. 

Background

The Portland Children's Levy was created by city voters in 2002 and overwhelmingly renewed in Fall 2008 for an additional five years. The Levy annually invests about $12.5 million in programs designed to help children arrive at school ready to learn, provide safe and constructive after-school alternatives for kids, prevent child abuse, neglect and family violence and help foster kids succeed. The Levy is subject to annual audits and keeps administrative expenses to 5 percent or less.

The Levy is overseen by a five-member Allocation Committee that meets publicly to make funding decisions. It is composed of one Portland City Commissioner, one Multnomah County Commissioner and one member appointed by the city, county and Portland Business Alliance respectively. This application is to fill the Multnomah County appointed member position.

Due to the upcoming planning for the funding year, the PCL Allocation Committee will meet monthly through March 2014, then two-three times a month in April and May 2014. Meeting frequency will change after planning is complete.

For more information, contact Grace Neal: 503-988-5882 or grace.neal@multco.us

Library Advisory Board

Description:  The Library Advisory Board (LAB) acts in coordination with the County Librarian to undertake long-range planning for library services and to make appropriate recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners. LAB also reviews and advises the Librarian about library policies and programs upon their request or when public comment is appropriate. Additionally, LAB advises the County Chair in the selection of a Librarian and serves as the library's citizen budget advisory committee.

LAB meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 a.m. in the U.S. Bank Room at Central Library.

Membership/terms: The board consists of 17 members, including two youth members, appointed by the County Chair subject to approval by the Board. The term of office is 4 years (youth members serve 2-year terms), commencing on July 1 in the year of their appointment. Members may not hold appointment as a member for more than 2 full consecutive terms, but any person may be appointed again to the board after an interval of 1 year.

Apply at: https://multcolib.org/sites/web.multcolib.org/files/LAB_Interest_Form_2011.pdf

For more info: contact Jamie Owens at 503-988-5403 or jamieo@multco.us.

Planning Commission

Multnomah County’s Land Use Planning division is looking for two county residents who live in rural areas of Multnomah County, east of the cities of Gresham and Troutdale, to serve as volunteer members on the county’s Planning Commission. 

The Multnomah County Planning Commission consists of nine volunteers appointed by the Board of County Commissioners for four-year terms. The Planning Commission acts as the land use advisory body to the Board of County Commissioners for unincorporated Multnomah County.  It recommends to the Board of County Commissioners, the adoption, revision or repeal of the comprehensive plan and the implementing measures needed to carry out the plan.

The Planning Commission meets on the first Monday of every month (except holidays) starting at 6:30 p.m.  Most meetings take place at the Multnomah Building, 501 SE Hawthorne Boulevard, in Portland. 

Applications are due Tuesday, April 16. The application may be requested via email or US mail by calling 503-988-3043 Ext. 22610 or emailng charles.beasley@multco.us.

For more information, contact Chuck Beasley: 503-988-3043 or charles.beasley@multco.us

Citizen Involvement Committee (CIC)

The CIC works to create meaningful opportunities for residents to provide input into the County's decision-making process. This includes informing residents of their opportunities and rights in the decision-making process of all branches of county government. The CIC is the cornerstone of citizen involvement in Multnomah County as it was formed in 1984 when citizens felt their views and input were not being taken account by county decision-makers.

Meets once a month throughout the year and members are also encouraged to participate in CIC events.

For more info, contact Kathleen Todd: 503-988-3450 or kathleen.m.todd@multco.us

Community Health Council

The Community Health Council serves as the community advisory board for the Health Department, working closely with the department's director and the Board of County Commissioners to provide community guidance on a wide variety of public health issues, programs and policies affecting Multnomah County residents. It provides input and direction for federally-funded primary care activities, and advises the Health Department on current and emerging matters in public health, including program reviews, policy development and budget recommendations. The council provides members the opportunity to stay informed about health issues and policies within the community, influence important decisions about health care, strengthen their leadership and group facilitation skills, and help others and give back to the community.

For more info, contact Kimie Ueoka at 503-988-3663 x25355or kimie.ueoka@multco.us

Sheriff’s Office Citizen Budget Advisory Committee

This committee provides citizen input with regard to the policies and budget of the Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff's Office operates the jails and the Restitution Center; provides policing in unincorporated areas of the county; and has special services such as the River Patrol, Alarm Program, Concealed Weapons Permits, and Traffic Safety.

It meets the last Friday each month at noon. Members must be able to pass a criminal background check.

For more info, contact Robb Wolfson: 503-988-3450 or robb.wolfson@multco.us

Disability Services Advisory Council 

Disability Services Advisory Council (DSAC) is looking for members who are committed to improving the lives of people with disabilities. If you are a person with disabilities or an advocate for the disability community, we need your advice and a commitment of just a few hours a month. Bring your life experience and willingness to speak up on behalf of people with disabilities. DSAC meetings are held on the 4th Monday of the month, 12:30 -2:30 pm at Aging and Disability Services Central Office, 421 SW Oak Street, in downtown Portland.

For more info, contact Julie Bergstrom: 503-988-3646

Elders in Action Commission

Assure a vibrant community through the active involvement of older adults. 

For more info, contact Tara Krugel: 503-235-5474