Have a passion for architecture, development and public spaces? Consider joining the Portland Design Commission

Purpose and roles of the Portland Design Commission

The Design Commission provides leadership and expertise on urban design and architecture in design overlay zones throughout the City of Portland. It supports development that builds on context, contributes to the public realm, and provides high-quality and resilient buildings and public spaces. It also helps develop design guidelines for design districts and provides advice to other City bureaus and regional government partners.

Commission activities include:

1. Reviewing major developments within Design overlay zones;
2. Recommending the establishment, amendment, or removal of the Design overlay zone and design districts to the Planning and Sustainability Commission;
3. Recommending design guidelines for adoption by City Council except for guidelines for Historic Districts and Conservation Districts;
4. Reviewing other land use requests assigned to the Design Commission; and
5. Providing advice on design matters to the Hearings Officer, Planning and Sustainability Commission, Historic Landmarks Commission, Prosper Portland Commission, City Council, and other City bureaus or public agencies when necessary or requested.

Eligibility

To be eligible to serve on the Portland Design Commission, members must live, play, worship, work or do business in the City of Portland.

The Portland Design Commission consists of seven members, none of whom may hold elective office. The Commission must include: a representative of the Regional Arts and Culture Council, one person representing the public at-large, and five members experienced in either urban planning, design, architecture, landscape architecture, natural resource management, sustainable building practices or land development. No more than two members may be appointed from any one of these areas of expertise.

The Regional Arts and Culture Council member is nominated by the Regional Arts and Culture Council chair and approved by the Mayor. The other members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The term shall be four years, limited to a maximum of two consecutive full terms.

This is an open recruitment and the City will accept applications from individuals in any of the other categories noted above, including the at-large category. The City will retain all applications for consideration in future vacancies.

Desired attributes

We want people from every part of Portland here to share their voices on this committee, especially people who have not been involved before. If you want to serve your community and to help government make better choices, then we want to see your application. The attributes listed below are what will guide our selection process. It is helpful to be specific in your answers. We do not expect you to be or have everything listed.
 

• You believe in the value of public participation in government processes.
• You are an advocate for racial equity: you want positive and long-lasting outcomes for racial and ethnic communities who have been left out before.
• You can work collaboratively and effectively with people representing diverse interests.
• You are available to attend all meetings and participate in the discussions.
• You want to work collaboratively with applicants and agencies to serve the public good.
• You can share opinions respectfully.

Terms and time commitment

• The Portland Design Commission traditionally meets on the first and third Thursday of each month, beginning at 1:30 p.m., at 1900 SW 4th Avenue. Most meetings last between four and six hours each. Sometimes a third meeting is scheduled each month due to volume. Since March 2020, all meetings are held online via Zoom. A hybrid in-person/Zoom hearing format is anticipated to begin in 2023.
• Members serve a term of four years.
• Members are expected to prepare for meetings on their own time and arrive ready to discuss agenda items. Meeting materials for review are typically sent one week in advance.

We remove barriers

Please let us know if there are barriers to your participation. When we return to in-person meetings, dinner will be provided if the meeting is expected to exceed four hours. Also, for in-person meetings, parking validation will be available for the parking garage at 1900 SW 4th Ave.
 

Volunteer ethics

Those who serve on this advisory body are considered to be public officials, which means that you must serve fairly and ethically. We will provide training on this once you are appointed. Part of following Oregon’s government ethics laws means you must tell the group when you or a relative may financially benefit (or avoid fees) by your recommendations. This is called a “conflict of interest.” If you tell us about potential conflicts of Interest that does not mean you cannot serve. In fact, many committees have potential members with conflicts of interest. We appreciate your inclusion of possible conflicts of interest on the form included with the application.
 

Application process

Applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022.

Application information and materials are available here.

To talk with someone about this opportunity or to receive assistance completing the application, please contact the staff liaison, Tim Heron, at tim.heron@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-7726.
 

Voluntary and confidential demographic information

The City is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity. It uses the demographic information provided to help ensure that advisory body appointments represent a broad cross-section of community. Your information will not be used during the recruitment or the selection process. State and federal law prohibit use of this information to discriminate against you. The City will treat this information as confidential to the fullest extent allowed by law. Questions about this may be sent to AdvisoryBodies@Portlandoregon.gov.
 

General questions

For general questions about the City of Portland's Advisory Bodies program, the recruitment process, or other upcoming advisory body opportunities, please email AdvisoryBodies@Portlandoregon.gov.
 

We encourage you to apply

For more information about the Portland Design Commission, please visit its website.