Purpose and roles of the Process Improvement and Technology Subcommittee
The Process Improvement and Technology Subcommittee is a citizen advisory committee comprising 12 members representing various interests. Generally, membership consists of individuals from the following professions or interests: architecture, development, engineering, land use consultancies, contracting, neighborhood representatives, and construction trades. Representation from a variety of development project types and sizes across the City is desired, including residential or commercial infill or redevelopment, new development and affordable-to-market-rate housing.
The committee's main role is to work with City of Portland development review staff in addressing concerns with, and providing advice on, current business processes relating to the City's plan review platform and electronic permitting system.
The subcommittee advises the Development Review Advisory Committee (DRAC), which is the main advisory body to the Bureau of Development Services and other bureaus of the City of Portland that are involved with construction-related permits. The DRAC fosters a timely, predictable and accountable development review process that implements the City's goals for land use, transportation, housing, economic development, neighborhood livability and the environment. The DRAC advocates for and supports the consistent and fair application and implementation of regulations.
Eligibility
To be eligible to serve on this subcommittee, members must live, play, worship, work or do business in the City of Portland. There may be multiple openings on the subcommittee for which new members are sought. As this is an advisory body to the DRAC, members who are recommended for appointment to this subcommittee must be confirmed by the DRAC.
Applications received from individuals who are not chosen through this recruitment will be retained for consideration for future openings.
Desired attributes
The Bureau of Development Services is at a point of significant transformation as it expands how it interacts with and provides services to the public, with a shift to more online and remote services becoming available. It is critically important to have people of color at the table, providing their advice, perspectives, and feedback on the new ways the bureau and its partner bureaus provide information to the public about existing regulations and provide development review, permitting, and enforcement services to the community.
We need systems, processes and services that work for people of color. If you want to help development review and permitting better serve communities of color, then we want to see your application:
- You believe government is better when the community is involved.
- You have an interest in effective, equitable development review policies, processes, and outcomes.
- 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 bring discussion about racial and ethnic communities who need it the most.
- You believe in the value of public participation in government processes.
- You can work collaboratively and effectively with people representing diverse interests.
- You are available to attend all meetings and participate in discussions.
Terms and time commitment
- The Process Improvement and Technology Subcommittee meets on the third Thursday of each month from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. All meetings are currently held online via Zoom and are open to the public. In-person meetings may resume at a later date. Such meetings will be held at 1900 SW Fourth Avenue.
- Members are expected to attend and participate in meetings consistently. Members are expected to prepare for meetings on their own time and arrive ready to discuss meeting materials and agenda items. Meeting materials are typically sent two to three days in advance.
- Members may, on occasion, need to attend a DRAC meeting at which to share their recommendations. The DRAC meets regularly on the third Thursday of the month from 8 to 10 a.m.
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 members with potential conflicts of interest. We appreciate your inclusion of possible conflicts of interest on the form included with the application.
Application
Deadline extended: Applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 20, 2023.
Apply now to serve on the Process Improvement and Technology Subcommittee
To talk with someone about this opportunity or to receive assistance completing the application, please contact the committee's staff liaison, Brenda Fahey, at brenda.fahey@portlandoregon.gov or 503-823-6272.
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 the 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.
For more information
For more information about the Process Improvement and Technology Subcommittee, please visit its website.