OCI and other county engagement staff came together in late February to discuss the state of engagement at Multnomah County!

Office of Community Involvement March 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 general information!

Community Involvement Committee

Accepting Applications

Do you care about community involvement in county decision-making?

Do you want to help reduce barriers to civic participation?

Do you enjoy learning and making recommendations in a diverse team?

If so, apply to join the County's Community Involvement Committee (CIC). The Community Involvement Committee serves as Multnomah County’s advisory body on community engagement and involvement. Members attend bi-monthly meetings, work in subcommittees, and craft recommendations for the OCI and county leadership.

The CIC is especially seeking members who live in Districts 1 and 4 (find your district here). Final applications due March 31st!

Learn more and apply here!

Board of Commissioners Audit Committee

Accepting Applications

The Auditor’s Office is recruiting one member to the Board of Commissioners Audit Committee. The Audit Committee of the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners serves as a liaison between the Board, the independent external auditor, and county management, as their duties relate to financial accounting, reporting, and internal controls and compliance. This committee focuses on the county's annual financial reports. Per County Code, the Auditor supports the committee. The committee does not advise the Auditor.

Applications are accepted through the end of the day on March 20, 2026. 

Learn more on the Audit Committee's Webpage!

Ryan White HIV Services Planning Council

Rolling Applications

The Ryan White HIV Services Planning Council works to improve the quality of life for those living with HIV/AIDS. It ensures that community members play lead roles in planning and assessment of HIV resources.

The Planning Council is a 30-member community involvement group that:

• Decides how to spend $3 million in federal funds on programs that help people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
• Plans the delivery of medical and social services in Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, Yamhill, Washington and Clark counties.
• Involves the community to assess healthcare and social service needs of people living with HIV.

This diverse council is composed of service providers, public health officials and people living with HIV/AIDS. They accept membership applications at any time.

Learn more and submit an interest form here!

Homeless Services Department Advisory Committees & Boards

Rolling Applications

Did you know that the Homeless Services Department has five advisory bodies, four of which you can apply to using one application? Check out the link below to apply for the Equity Advisory Committee, Lived Experience Advisory Committee, Continuum of Care Board, and the Supportive Housing Services Advisory Committee.

 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. The Committees and Boards are driven by the shared values of collaboration, equity, and inclusion.

Learn more and submit an interest form here!

2028 Multnomah County Charter Review

to launch Spring 2026

Newspaper clipping reporting on the 1983-1984 Charter Review Committee.

Every six years Multnomah County convenes a Charter Review Committee to study the Home Rule Charter and recommend any changes to the voters of the county. The last Charter Review Commission met in 2021-2022, and the next one is coming right up with their first meetings scheduled for spring of 2027!

Recruitment for Charter Review Committee members will begin in summer 2026! Take time now to review the website information, check out the current charter, and get folks you know excited about this opportunity to impact county governance!

Learn more about the Charter Review Committee

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

Get involved with Multnomah County!

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!