Pictured Above: OCI Staff posting recruitment fliers in neighborhoods in early July.

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!

Pictured Above:

Ellen Wyoming DeLoy

Introducing the Charter Review Committee Program Coordinator:

We are excited to welcome Ellen Wyoming DeLoy to lead the Charter Review Process! A trained urban planner and longtime Oregon public sector practitioner, Ellen has spent sixteen years helping public agencies and communities navigate complex, high-stakes processes - from regional parks planning to statewide policy development to executive leadership support. She is committed to public processes that are transparent, accessible, and genuinely representative of the communities they serve. Learn more and apply to the Charter Review Committee below!

2027 - 2028 Charter Review Committee

Accepting Applications NOW!

Pictured Above: Informational video about the Charter Review Process

The Multnomah County Charter can only be amended through voter approval and the most common way to amend the Charter is through the Charter Review Committee – which is convened every six years. The committee is made up of people eligible to vote who live in Multnomah County. Together the committee will perform a comprehensive study of the Charter to ensure that the document remains consistent with community values and needs. Community members will also have opportunities to share ideas with the Charter Review Committee beginning in 2027.

Our county charter is the local version of a constitution. It establishes the governance framework for the County and provides a foundation for how Multnomah County operates. The Charter touches on important issues - including:

• The powers of Multnomah County
• The boundaries of County Districts
• The number, structure, and essential duties of elected offices
• How legislation is passed
• The creation of advisory boards, commissions, and departments
• How to pursue County public improvement projects
• Much more!

It’s critical that we have a diverse committee that represents our communities here in Multnomah County - apply and share today! Applications are open now and must be submitted by October 1st, 2026. 

Learn more and apply here!

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!

Oregon Historical Society Levy Oversight Committee (LOC)

Accepting Applications NOW!

Pictured Above: the Oregon Historical Society Levy Oversight Committee briefing the Board of County Commissioners in October 2025.

If you love history, and want to ensure that the stories we tell are reflective of our diverse communities, consider joining the Oregon Historical Society Levy Oversight Committee (or “LOC”)! The LOC ensures accountability for the expenditure of Oregon Historical Society levy funds approved by voters and advises and supports the Oregon Historical Society in ensuring that its board, partnerships, staff, exhibits and programs proactively represent Multnomah County’s diverse communities.

Applications close August 15th.

Learn more and apply!

Volunteer Dog Walkers Needed!

Accepting Applications

Pictured Above: A volunteer poses with a shelter dog

Love dogs and want to make a real difference in your community?

Multnomah County Animal Services needs your help! They are looking for volunteer dog walkers to give our pups exercise, daily attention and handling from caring people, and mental stimulation.

Please note: For everyone's safety and the well-being of the dogs, volunteers are required to attend an orientation and training session at the shelter before starting their first volunteer shifts. The team at Multnomah County Animal Services will guide you every step of the way!

Learn more and fill out your application!

Volunteer at Disaster Resource Centers

Trainings Available

During dangerous weather emergencies Multnomah County opens life-saving Disaster Resource Centers (DRCs) across our community that offer people shelter, safety, resources and connection — especially those who are at greatest risk of harm. Trainings this month:

DRC Information Session: Wednesday, July 15, 2 - 2:45 p.m. (Meets Link)

DRC "Staff Roles" training: Friday, July 17, 10 a.m. -noon (Register)

Check back here for future trainings!

Multnomah County welcomes the support of community members like you when the need arises. Depending on where we set up shelters, you might even be able to assist at a site in your own neighborhood! Getting trained and gaining basic shelter skills ahead of time can help you be prepared and ready to support these important efforts. Learn more about the Resource Centers, upcoming trainings, and how to get involved!

Learn more and get trained!

Review Draft Sheriff's Office Policies

Provide Feedback

The Multnomah County Sheriff's Office is inviting community members, partner organizations, and staff to review and provide feedback on draft policies now through Wednesday, August 12, 2026.

Multnomah County has opened a 30‑day Stakeholder Review period for six proposed policies, including one outlining arrest authority for sworn corrections members. All comments submitted become part of the public record. Community participation helps ensure that policies reflect shared expectations for clarity, accountability, and high professional standards.

Read more about the proposed policies and submit feedback!

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!