Pictured Above: Sharing about the Charter Review at the North Portland Sunday Parkways.

Office of Community Involvement June 2026 Newsletter

About the Office of

Community Involvement (OCI):

The OCI was established in 1984 to support multi-faceted engagement county-wide. OCI collaborates with departments and staff to strengthen program-based engagement, and advises on engagement policies and procedures and develops engagement trainings and resources for county staff and community members. We also serve as a community portal to departmental engagement opportunities and directly support community advisory committees to amplify public feedback in County engagement and budget resource allocation.

Through the county’s advisory bodies, community members are able to share feedback and provide recommendations for the improvement of services and programs. In addition, community members participate in the function, review, and improvement of Multnomah County's programs, policies, and services through a wide variety of volunteer and intern opportunities.

We welcome everyone who lives, works, plays, worships, and otherwise is invested in Multnomah County to participate in shaping our county policies, budgets, and programs. Continue reading to find opportunities to engage!

Check out the OCI Website for more information!

2027 - 2028 Charter Review Committee

Information Sessions Scheduled & Applications Open!!

We are officially halfway through our recruitment timeline for the Multnomah County Charter Review Committee (CRC)! As supporters of the Office of Community Involvement, you know firsthand how vital community voices are in local government. We need your help to find the next cohort of community leaders!

The CRC committee offers a real opportunity to make a lasting impact. Members will use their unique lived experiences to study the County Charter and propose amendments that could go directly to a public vote in 2028. If you or someone you know is passionate about civic engagement in Multnomah County, now is the time to act.

Important Timelines & Details:

• Information Sessions Now Live: We have officially scheduled a series of virtual and in-person info sessions running from August 25 through September 25, 2026. Join us to ask questions, learn about the role, and get direct assistance with your application. Find the schedule linked here.
• Application Deadline: We close recruitment on October 1!

How You Can Support This Today:

• Apply: Bring your perspective to the table and help steer the future of our county.
• Spread the Word: Share this opportunity and the new info session schedule with your networks, neighbors, and community groups.

Sign up to receive email updates about the Charter Review Committee and Share the Flyer!

Community Budget Advisory Committees

Accepting Applications!

Pictured Above: Flyer advertising the Community Budget Advisory Committees (CBAC)

Do you want to get more involved in next year's Multnomah County's budget process? The Community Budget Advisory Committees (CBACs) are recruiting this summer for new members!

Applications are accepted until August 28th: link.multco.us/CBACApply

 CBACs are groups of community members that review and make recommendations on county departmental budgets and operations. Learn more about the CBAC program and each CBAC:

• Department of Community Justice CBAC
• Department of Community Services CBAC
• Department of County Assets & Department of County Management CBAC (website coming soon)
• Department of County Human Services CBAC
• District Attorney’s Office CBAC (website coming soon)
• Health Department CBAC
• Homeless Services Department CBAC
• Multnomah County Library CBAC (recruits seperately)
• Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office CBAC
• Non-Departmental Offices CBAC 

Learn more and apply here!

Multnomah County Property Values

Appeals Board

Accepting Applications

Are you someone interested in local property values and have a passion for serving your community? Consider joining the Multnomah County Property Value Appeals Board (PVAB)!

The PVAB presides over hearings in which property owners present evidence to change the value of their real or personal property. The role of a board member is to hear each case, then determine if the current value is appropriate or if it should be reduced. The board will be active between February and mid April of next year. People may volunteer anywhere between 1 to 5 days per week (half days are available for the morning or afternoon if full days are not possible) and there is a per diem to compensate them for their time.

Applications are due September 30, 2026. For help with PVAB procedural questions, please call the clerk at (503) 988-2225 or email PVAB@multco.us.

Learn more and apply!

Volunteer Cat Care needed in Gresham!

Accepting Applications

Pictured Above: A volunteer poses with a shelter dog

Multnomah County Animal Services is looking for compassionate volunteers to help care for adoptable cats staying at PetSmart while they wait for adopters! You'll get to socialize with the cats, refresh their kennels, and help them meet potential adopters at PetSmart Gresham.

This and many more opportunities are available to support local animals and pet guardians!

Learn more and fill out your application!

Budget Process Updates

Learn More

Pictured Above: a community budget hearing for the FY27 budget.

The FY 2027 Adopted Budget Dashboard is now available. The dashboard is a dynamic and interactive public dashboard that lets the user explore the FY 2027 Adopted budget. 

The FY 2027 budget monitoring dashboard is now available on the Budget Office Dashboards page. The dashboard provides an easily understood graphical representation of current budget spending by department, fund, major expense category (e.g. personnel, contractual services, etc.), and program offer. It also includes department historical spending information. The data will be refreshed monthly.



Community Involvement Committee members present to the Board in June 2026

More Opportunities to Engage

Volunteer opportunities are available across Multnomah County!

General Volunteer Opportunities: members of the public can always find

a list of volunteer opportunities on the OCI website, under

"Volunteer and Intern with Multnomah County."

Advisory Boards are also listed on the Advisory Groups page and you

can learn more by visiting their specific sites.

Share this newsletter and view past newsletters by accessing the links

on the Engage Multnomah County webpage.

Want support finding the right opportunity for you?

Contact OCI at community.involvement@multco.us

Thank you for all you do to make our community a better place!