Multnomah County Community Engagement Community of Practice members met in late 2025 to evaluate engagement tools.

Office of Community Involvement January 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 advise on engagement policies and procedures and develop 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 general information!

Apply for the Disability Services Advisory Committee

As a member of the Disability Services Advisory Council (DSAC) you will advise, advocate, review, and evaluate access to and effectiveness of services and supports provided to people 18 years and older living with disability and using Medicaid Long Term Services and Supports.

DSAC Members:

• Partner with ADVSD to improve access and quality of services

• Bring their experience and voice to their advocacy

• Help identify issues impacting people with disabilities and Medicaid-related services

• Show a commitment to racial equity.

They are especially seeking members who may: be older adults or elders, live with a disability, be on Medicaid and/or Medicare, use Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS), identify as people of color, identify as LGBTQ2SAI+, and/or be a caregiver.

Learn more and submit an interest form here!

or contact staff at 503-988-1250

Apply for the Aging Services Advisory Committee

As a member of the Aging Services Advisory Council (ASAC) you will advocate for system changes and connect with the community to understand the issues and priorities of older adults and elders, veterans and people with disabilities.

ASAC Members:

• Provide advice to Aging, Disability and Veterans Services (ADVSD) on policies and programs

• Bring their experience and voice to their advocacy

• Show a commitment to racial equity

They are especially seeking members who may: be older adults or elders, live with a disability, be on Medicaid and/or Medicare, use Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS), identify as people of color, identify as LGBTQ2SAI+, and/or be a caregiver.

Learn more and submit an interest form here!

or contact staff at 503-988-1250

Apply for Homeless Services Department Advisory Committees

The Homeless Services Department has five advisory committees and boards. These committees and boards gather community input to share with HSD leadership and the Board of County Commissioners. These advisory groups provide opportunities for community members to learn about the HSD’s work, bring a community perspective to our decision-making, and make recommendations on programs, services and policies. Our CABs are driven by these values: collaboration, equity, and inclusion.

HSD Advisory Committees and Boards include:

• Equity Advisory Committee: Provides guidance and recommendations to help address racial disparities in the HSD’s work on ending homelessness.
• Lived Experience Advisory Committee: Uplifts the voices of people who are or have been unhoused to ensure that the work of the Homeless Services Department centers their experiences.
• Continuum of Care (CoC) Board: Advises on and oversees the implementation of priorities and policies related to the Multnomah County Continuum of Care (CoC).
• Supportive Housing Services (SHS) Advisory Committee: Advises Multnomah County on adherence to the Metro SHS Measure and the County’s Local Implementation Plan and future regional plans.
• Community Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC): Reviews and makes recommendations on county departmental budgets and operations.

**The Office of Community Involvement coordinates the recruitment and application process for CBACs. You can find out more information at their website.

HSD has a new application process for the Equity Advisory Committee, Lived Experience Advisory Committee, the CoC Board and the SHS Advisory Committee. To begin applying, please complete this initial Advisory Interest Form.

Please visit the Advisory Committee and Board application webpage below for more information about the open application process.

Learn More Here!

Prepare to Volunteer at Extreme Weather Disaster Resource Centers this Winter

When dangerous winter weather hits, Multnomah County responds by opening Disaster Resource Centers (DRCs) to provide emergency shelter. Community volunteers, as well as county staff, support these DRCs and help save lives. Come learn more about these resource centers at upcoming trainings!

Learn more here and fill out the Volunteer Interest Form!

Community Involvement Committee members map out their connections to each district in the annual retreat held September 28, 2025

Get involved in this year!

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.

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!