OCI staff and current CIC members onboard new Community Involvement Committee members at their July orientation in the Midland library

Office of Community Involvement September 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!

September orientation for

new CBAC members

OCI Summer Outreach Recap

written by Lesly Rios-Santo

2025 College2County Intern

This summer, the OCI team traveled around the county, engaging in community outreach to raise awareness and encourage participation for our Community Budget Advisory Committees (CBAC’s)! We dedicated time away from our desks to explore our lovely communities and connect with community members. Our team distributed more than 100 flyers in all four districts at local coffee shops, grocery stores, small businesses and community centers to ensure we reached a broad collection of interested folks. We attended numerous community-led events such as tabling at the Back-to-School Health Resource Fair at Vance Park and Gresham Night Out, and spoke with community vendors and shoppers at Farmers Markets around the county. Alongside distributing flyers, we worked on connecting one-on-one with community members, answering their questions on what a CBAC does at Multnomah County.

These outreach efforts have been essential to raise awareness and promote participation, especially in budget-related feedback and recommendations. By connecting with members from various backgrounds and neighborhoods, we are aiming to include diverse perspectives and representation in CBACs, leading to more equitable and informed recommendations that reflect the needs and priorities of the entire community. While our summer recruitment period comes to an end, there are still opportunities to join a CBAC in the future!

Thank you, Lesly!

Lesly and Gabriela with the OCI table over the summer

Apply for the Food Service Advisory Committee!

Are you or anyone you know involved in the food service industry? The Food Service Advisory Committee is actively recruiting! This group of food service and safety representatives makes recommendations to Environmental Health Services’ food safety program! It also provides a line of communication between the food service industry and public health.

This is a great opportunity for front of house, back of house, food carts, caterers, managers and business owners to advise the County on issues relevant to their work.

Learn more and share the opportunity!

Join the Property Appeals Board!

The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners is seeking residents interested in contributing to the important process of reviewing property assessments by serving as volunteer board members on the Multnomah County Property Value Appeals Board (PVAB.) The three-member board is responsible for hearing taxpayer appeals for reduction of the value of their real and personal property. 

Applications due by 5 p.m. on September 30, 2025

Learn more and apply here!

EXTENDED: 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 open until September 26, 2025. 

Learn more about the Correctional Facilities Community Inspection Program and apply here!

Apply to be on the Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC)!

Multnomah County's Local Public Safety Coordinating Council (LPSCC) is currently seeking applications for two community representatives to each serve a two-year term as a member of the Council. Community representatives have the opportunity to contribute to these important discussions. Community representatives are full voting members who help ensure a wide range of perspectives are represented.

Applications are due Tuesday, September 30th!

Learn more and apply here!

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