OCI staff, including summer intern Lesly (far right), plan outreach activities for the Community Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC) program.

Office of Community Involvement July 2025 Newsletter

About the Office of Community Involvement (OCI):

The OCI was established in 1984 to support County-wide engagement through a multifaceted approach. OCI collaborates with departments and staff to strengthen program-based engagement. We advise on engagement policies and procedures and develop engagement trainings and resources for county staff and community members. We serve as a community portal to departmental engagement opportunities and directly support civic 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, and worships 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!

Meet OCI Summer Intern, Lesly!

Lesly Rios Santos (she/her) is the office of Community Involvement College2County intern for summer 2025. Lesly brings a strong background in community engagement, cross-cultural communication, and public service. A proud first-generation college graduate from the University of Oregon, Lesly earned her Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies through the school of Global Studies and Languages and the Clark Honors College. Her undergraduate thesis explored ethnic disparities in the United Kingdom's migration and asylum system, reflecting her deep interest in equity and global human rights.

Born and raised in the Portland metro area, Lesly has worked with a range of local and international organizations, focusing on outreach, leadership development and inclusive advocacy. She is passionate about civic engagement and is excited to deepen her understanding of community participation through this role.

In her free time Lesly enjoys playing tennis, visiting farmers markets, spending time with her family, and snuggling her newly adopted kitten. 

Learn more about College2County!

Representatives from the Sheriff's Office CBAC share their recommendations on the FY26 budget, May 2025.

Apply for Community Budget Advisory Committees (CBACs)

Are you passionate about Multnomah County services and programs? Are you curious about how the county budget process works? Do you enjoy working in a group to advise on difficult decisions? If so, the Community Budget Advisory Program may be for you!

CBACs are groups of community members that review and make recommendations on county departmental budgets and operations. 

Ready to apply? The online application is live!

Need more information? Contact us or check out the below opportunities to learn more -

Upcoming 30 - minute virtual CBAC Info Sessions:

Sessions are virtual on Google Meet (click for link).

• Saturday, July 26, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am
• Saturday, August 2, 2025 10:00am - 10:30am
• Tuesday, August 12, 2025 6:00pm - 6:30pm

Virtual Drop-In Office Hours with OCI Staff: 

Stop by anytime and ask a question or get help submitting your application during OCI’s CBAC inquiry hour held every Monday on every Monday on Google Meet (click for link) starting July 7th through August 25th 12:00pm - 12:30pm.

Learn more and share the opportunity!

East County Residents- share your input!

In response to community concerns and a changing shelter landscape in East Multnomah County, Commissioner Jones-Dixon (District 4) is convening East County stakeholders to hear your perspective on sheltering in East County.

Meetings:

• Virtual meeting on July 30 from 10:30-12:00pm
• Findings Meeting on August 20 from 1:00-2:30pm

RSVP to a meeting or share your thoughts here!

2025 Correctional Facilities Community Inspection Program

Preparation for the 2025 Correctional Facilities Community Inspection Program is underway! Multnomah County will soon seek applicants for volunteers to accompany the Board of County Commissioners during the 2025 additional inspection. The application period is slated to open Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. 

The County will hold two CFCIP informational sessions this summer:

• Virtual: Wednesday, July 23, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
• In-person: Tuesday, Aug. 5, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., at Midland Library, Room 1B (805 S.E. 122nd Ave., Portland)

Please RSVP for those sessions here.

Learn more about the Correctional Facilities Community Inspection Program here!

Volunteers offer snacks at a Severe Weather Shelter

Summer's here: help our communities stay cool!

As temperatures begin to rise, here are some tips and resources, as well as reminders of upcoming trainings to help you prepare to support Severe Weather Shelters!

Heat tools

• Start building an emergency supply of water storage. But remember: even a little storage is worth it! 
• Cooling towels are affordable and reusable. Find one that works for you.
• Box fans can help if used properly as long as it’s under 95 degrees. You can even add a filter to your fan to help clean the air.  

Community Resources 

When the weather turns hot, please share the County’s Help for When It’s Hot website (multco.us/hot) with your networks. You can also remind people to swim and splash safely. 

Multnomah County may open up Disaster Resource Centers (DRCs) or Emergency Cooling Shelters to keep people safe, with communitywide support to help run or staff them. 

Visit multco.us/volunteer-emergency-shelter for details about upcoming Disaster Resource Center info sessions and trainings, if you are interested in volunteering.

Other ways to get involved if your group or facility are a good fit:

• Request a group info session and training.
• Work with our County Emergency Management Logistics team to create a DRC.
• Spread word about our help when it’s hot or care when it’s cold webpages before and during severe weather events.
• Share these links with your networks!

Thank you for being safe and caring about our communities!

-Department of County Human Services

Learn more about how to volunteer in extreme weather!

OCI staff table at a community event

More Volunteer Opportunities!

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