The Position
The Planning Commission makes recommendations to City Council on the City’s long-range goals, policies, and programs for land use and planning. In making recommendations, it considers the economic, environmental, and social well-being of the city in an integrated fashion. The Commission has specific responsibility for guiding, developing, maintaining, and updating the development and maintenance of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and zoning code. The Commission deliberates using a climate and equity lens and is committed to effective public involvement and leadership in its work.
The Planning Commission consists of nine members, none of whom may hold public elective office. The members are appointed by the Mayor and are confirmed by the City Council. The membership of the Planning Commission aims to include a broad representation of Portland’s community and reflect the dynamic nature of this changing city.
Total number of Commission seats: 9 Number of seats available: 1 (as of April 1, 2024) To Qualify
To be eligible for the Planning Commission, members must live, play, worship, work or do business in the city of Portland.
Per City Code: - No more than two members of the Planning Commission may be engaged in the same occupation, business, trade, or profession.
- No more than two members of the Commission may be individuals, or members of any partnership, or officers or employees of any corporation, that engages principally in the buying, selling, leasing, or developing of real estate for profit.
What We Look For The City seeks members who represent the diversity of the city and bring professional expertise or lived experience to inform their deliberations on a wide variety of long-range land use planning issues facing Portland. We encourage you to apply if have not previously held a position on a City board or commission and are interested in serving your community.
The attributes listed below are what will guide our selection process. It is helpful if you are specific in the answers you provide on the application form. We do not expect you to be or have everything listed.
- You believe government is better when community is involved.
- You want positive and long-lasting outcomes for racial and ethnic communities who have been under-represented or under-served in past decision-making processes.
- You have a perspective on physically navigating the community with a disability.
- You are available to attend (virtually or in person) meetings and participate in the discussions.
- You have a background and/or understanding of urban issues including land use planning, transportation, housing, economic development, zoning, and the environment.
Terms and Time Commitment - Typical time commitment for Planning Commission members includes two 3-to-4-hour monthly meetings, reading/preparation time prior to each meeting, as well as possible additional time on work groups.
- Planning Commission meetings are held in a hybrid format: members and staff are encouraged to attend in person and the public may attend in person or via Zoom (or watch via YouTube).
- Generally, full Commission meetings are generally held the 2nd Tuesday of the month beginning at 12:30 p.m. and the 4th Tuesday of the month beginning at 5 p.m.
- Generally, members will serve a term of 4 years and may apply to be appointed for a second 4-year term.
- Members are expected to prepare for meetings on their own time and arrive ready to discuss meeting materials and agenda items.
We Remove Barriers Let us know if there are barriers to your participation. For commissioners who attend in person, a small meal is provided at meetings. Parking passes will be available if you need those to participate in person.
Volunteer Ethics People who join this commission are considered Public Officials. City staff will provide training on this responsibility for all new commission members. Part of following Public Officials Ethics laws means commission members must tell the group when they or a relative may financially benefit (or avoid fees) by recommendations and may have a Conflict of Interest. By relaying potential conflicts of interest does not mean someone cannot serve; however, the law requires that commissioners disclose potential conflicts and/or recuse themselves from recommendations when potential conflicts exist.
We appreciate your ethical inclusion of possible Conflicts of Interest on the form included in the application.
The Recruitment Process
Applications are due by 5pm on Friday, May 13, 2024 . Applications will be reviewed, and interviews will take place in May, with the appointment being confirmed at City Council in June.
For questions about this opportunity or to receive assistance completing the application, please contact the staff liaison at pc@portlandoregon.gov .
Voluntary & Confidential Demographic Information The City is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Completing the demographic information on the application is voluntary, but we encourage you to provide that information. The City uses this information to help ensure that advisory body appointments represent a broad cross-section of community. Your information will not be used during the recruitment nor the selection process. State and federal law prohibit use of this information to discriminate against you. Questions about this may be sent to AdvisoryBodies@Portlandoregon.gov .
General Questions For general questions about the Advisory Bodies program, the recruitment process, or other upcoming advisory body opportunities please email AdvisoryBodies@Portlandoregon.gov .
Additional Information
Meeting Location Planning Commissions meetings are held in person, typically at 1900 SW 4th Ave, with a virtual option (hybrid model). In the future, the exact meeting location may change based upon leadership direction and approval.
City of Portland volunteers are unpaid; therefore, employment benefits are not available.
Closing Date/Time: 5/13/2024 5:00 PM Pacific
