Pictured Above: New CBAC Members at their October Orientation

Office of Community Involvement October 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!

2027 - 2028 Charter Review Process Update

Pictured Above: Charter Review Coordinator Ellen tabling this summer

Recruitment has ended for the 2027-2028 Charter Review Committee! Thanks for helping us to get the word out! Stay tuned - there will be other opportunities to get engaged with the Charter Review process in 2027.



Sign up to receive email updates and be informed on engagement opportunities with the 2027-2028 Charter Review Process

Ballots are in the mail!

Make a plan to vote

Pictured Above: voting in November 2025

Ballots are in the mail for Multnomah County voters! Plan ahead for when you’ll receive yours, when you’ll vote, and how you’ll return it!

Return your ballot in person: Drop off your ballot at any convenient Official Ballot Drop Site before 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026: multco.us/dropsites

Or return it by mail: We recommend mailing your ballot by Tuesday, Oct. 27 — one full week before the election — to ensure it's postmarked by Election Day.

Sign up for Multnomah County’s Track Your Ballot service at: multnomah.ballottrax.net/voter/

Multnomah County Library

Volunteer & Share your Experience

Pictured Above: Multnomah County Library logo

Featured Library Position: Become a book club facilitator

Are you an avid reader who enjoys talking about books? Do you have experience facilitating group discussions? Volunteer to co-lead a Pageturners Book Club at the library! Our book for winter is the 2027 Everybody Reads selection, The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich. 

• Age Requirement: 18+
• Locations: Central Library, East County Library, Hillsdale Library, Holgate Library, Midland Library, North Portland Library
• Time Commitment: Quarterly club meetings plus time spent reading the book for a minimum of 6 months.
• Available Shifts: Book clubs begin in early 2027. Meeting dates and times vary by location.

Interested? Learn more and apply here!

Explore more volunteer roles at the Multnomah County Library and sign up for their monthly newsletter to get opportunities delivered to your inbox!

Pictured Above: Library patrons enjoying a book

Library Patron Survey



We need your input as a patron of Multnomah County Library. Please share your feedback and help improve your library system by October 23rd, 2026!

Homeless Response System Community Advisory Committee

Apply Today!

Pictured Above: a Homeless Response Action Plan meeting

Want to advise on local strategies to end homelessness in Multnomah County? The Homelessness Response System Community Advisory Committee is recruiting new members. People with lived experience of homelessness and/or connections to the homeless services system are especially encouraged to apply.

Interested in joining the committee? Please do the following steps:

1. Learn more about what's involved by reading the participation description: Participation Description (PDF)
2. Fill out the online interest form before October 30, 2026: Interest Form

Have any questions or need help? Contact Robyn Johnson at robyn.johnson@multco.us.

Applications close Oct. 30.

Learn more and apply now!

Sheriff's Office Policy Review

Share your feedback!

Pictured above: MCSO Policy Review banner

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is inviting stakeholders to review and provide feedback on a proposed policy governing the confidentiality and disclosure of concealed handgun license records in accordance with state law.

The public review period is October 13 to November 12, 2026.

How to Participate in the Stakeholder Review Process 

Community members, partner organizations, and MCSO staff are encouraged to review the proposed policy and submit feedback during the 30‑day period. All comments become part of the public record. 

MCSO values thoughtful input that helps ensure policies reflect shared expectations for safety, accountability, and member wellness. 

To read the draft policy and provide comments, please visit the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office’s policy page.

You can also sign up for email updates to stay informed about future policy reviews and agency announcements. 

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!