Monthly News & Updates

September | Issue #9

Welcome Director Amara H. Pérez

This is a critical moment for OCI and the County as we work to reimagine and strengthen our commitment and approach to community engagement.

After interviewing Amara for this position, Chair Vega Pederson expressed how impressed she is with Amara’s many years of community advocacy and organizing expertise, her curiosity, and the new ideas she would bring to this position at a time when Multnomah County is focusing so much effort on increasing engagement and connection within our community.

BUDGET ADVISORYS RAMP UP!

All Multnomah County Budget Advisory Committees (CBAC) are growing! Learn about CBAC changes in the Sept. 24 Board Briefing documents and video link. Listen as Central CBAC members Conrad Hulen and Madison Riethman [9.35 - 13 min.] share their views. Due to unprecedented timing there are openings on every committee for the FY 25-26 budget process. Join us and share your insights and input.

Community Involvement Committee Shares Recommendations

This past year the Community Involvement Committee (CIC) crafted recommendations on how to improve community engagement with the County Budget and County programs related to violence prevention and response. They presented these to the Board of County Commissioners on June 27th and are following up with County staff about next steps. The CIC consists of up to fifteen community member volunteers who advise on community engagement best practices throughout Multnomah County's programs, and will choose focus areas for the new fiscal year at their September 29th retreat. Learn more about their work and upcoming meeting information at multco.us/oci/cic

Participate & Advocate!

Community members are often very concerned about issues and challenges in their neighborhoods and cities. Their opinions and ideas sit quietly, unheard and unexplored because well, where do you go to participate and advocate?

First; know your district and find your commissioner. Email them and share your concerns, ideas and solutions. They are always interested in hearing from community members!

Second; the Board of County Commissioners meet weekly. Public testimony is a key part of each meeting. Any community member can sign up for 3 minutes at the mic.

Don't be shy, don't hesitate to be engaged and get involved. Your voice is welcome here!

Let's learn together!

Exploring Ways to Make Decision

Community engagement often requires negotiation and compromise as we work together to address community challenges. When it's time to make a final decision there is always the option to just take a vote and let the majority decide. There is also reaching a consensus for making the decision. Dynamic models include; the Fist to Five, Unanimity, and Modified Consensus. Inclusive and equity based, consensus models give us new ways for decision making and dialog as we work together.

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