About the Office of Community Involvement (OCI)

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. Here are some opportunities for community members to engage:

Deadline Extended to 3/31!

Community Involvement Committee

Do you care about community involvement in County decision-making? Do you want to help reduce barriers to civic participation? Do you enjoy working with a diverse group to identify common goals that benefit the community? 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, advising the Board of County Commissioners on how to improve community involvement throughout the County.

This CIC is currently recruiting new members. In order to ensure representation across all County districts, we are especially in need of members from Districts 1 and 4 - find your district here!

Learn more & Apply!

Applications due by

Monday, March 31st, 2025

Applications: 

• Apply Online
• PDF applications (large print English and other languages)

Virtual Information Sessions (links): 

• Wednesday, February 19th, 5:30-6:00pm
• Monday, February 24th, 12:00-12:30pm
• Friday, March 7th, 10am-10:30am 

Engage in the Budgeting Process

Every year, the Multnomah County Chair prepares an executive budget that reflects our community’s values and priorities. To do so, we need as much input and engagement from as many people as possible. This is especially important in a year when we face a $22 million general fund budget cut, which will have an impact on the services we provide to the community. 

The Community Budget Advisory Boards (CBACs) have released their letters advising on departmental budgets. These letters are informed by meetings with department and fiscal staff, and will also be shared in budget work sessions. Community members are welcome to attend these public work sessions as well as public hearings on the budget in the coming weeks and months.

Save the date: Public Budget Hearings:

• May 14th, 6-8pm, Multnomah Building (501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland)
• May 21st, 6-8pm, East County location to be determined
• May 28th, 6-8pm, Virtual

To learn more about the budget process, find information about events, and learn about other engagement opportunities, visit the Chair's budget website.

Apply for Summer Internships with College2County!

The College to County Program applications are open till April 15th, 2025! Please spread the word to any and all currently enrolled undergraduate college students (going into Sophomore year, Junior, Senior, or one year removed from graduation) who will live in Oregon or Washington this summer!

This is a great opportunity for students and recent graduates to experience working at the County. We in the OCI are especially recruiting a Community Engagement Intern!

Learn more and share the opportunities!