An Introduction to Efiles
Efiles is used by the Portland City Auditor's Office to make available online City records such as ordinances, resolutions, City Council minutes, historical documents, and photographs.
Above is a visual of the Efiles search page, which highlights the following functionality:
- The Simple Search bar in the center of this graphic, which is used for typing a description of the records of interest.
- Below the search bar you can filter the results by file type: Electronic, Archival, Photographs, or Council Documents
- The Advanced Search Tab is helpful if you would like to refine your results by Record Date, Record Number, and/or record type.
- Click on the Browse Tab to explore digitized maps, community historical records, and photographs organized by Portland neighborhood
- Bookmark your search results or click on the star icons to "favorite" records you would like quick access to.
- Click on the "Help" Tab to learn more searching tips and tricks to aid in the search process.
Requesting Copies of City Records
If a record in Efiles has already been digitized, then it will display an icon indicating that is ready for download. However, many records in Efiles have not yet been digitized. Archives & Records Management can digitize specific records (up to 20 items) upon request.
- High resolution scans are made at no cost
- You may be asked to narrow down the number of requested scans dependent on the queue for scanning and staff availability. You make also want to consider Visiting the City Archives in efforts to refine your records selection.
- Turnaround time for scans is 15 business days
- Due to the fragile nature of many historical records, some requests for paper or scanned copies may be denied.
To make a request, click on the "Ask about this record" link located at the bottom left of the records page. You can also click to access our PARC Records Request Form here.
On the bottom left of a record page in Efiles, "Ask About this Record" is highlighted with a red box and an arrow. This is where you click to request a digitized copy of the record.
Efiles Disclaimer
In an effort to increase citizens' access to information, we are pleased to provide this Internet tool for finding City-produced records. Efiles is the online program used by the Portland City Auditor’s Office to maintain important City records, such as ordinances, resolutions, City Council minutes and historical documents and photographs. This tool is provided for informational and convenience purposes only and should not be relied upon for official copies, which may be obtained from the Portland Archives and Records Center (PARC) PARC@portlandoregon.gov.
Read the City Archives' Statement on Harmful and Bias Language in Archival Description.