Calling all big thinkers and dreamers! People who care about Portland’s future and want to be involved in ensuring our city’s future is prosperous, healthy and equitable.
The Portland Planning and Sustainability Commission (PSC) is an 11-member volunteer group with expertise in a range of areas. They advise on projects and proposals that significantly affect the quality of life in our city. We are currently seeking members to fill several upcoming vacant positions on the Commission.
Our goal is that the PSC membership represents the increased diversity of Portland. Applicants from under-represented communities with varied lived and professional experience, Black, Native Indigenous, and other communities of color, as well as individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
We are especially interested in candidates who have experience and knowledge with environmental and natural resource conservation, as well as land use development and/or economics. We are seeking members who have experience and an understanding of under-served communities in Portland, including East Portland. We are seeking someone who is enthusiastic about innovative urban solutions, new technologies, community building, sustainability initiatives, and continuing efforts to make Portland a thriving, livable city for all.
About the Planning and Sustainability Commission
The Planning and Sustainability Commission has responsibility for the stewardship, development, and maintenance of the City's Comprehensive Plan, Climate Action Plan, and Zoning Code. Their recommendations to City Council on Portland’s long-range goals, policies, and programs for land use, planning, and sustainability aim to create a more prosperous, healthy, resilient, and equitable city.
In making recommendations to and advising City Council, the PSC considers the integration of Portland’s economic, environmental and social well-being. As they research, discuss, deliberate and vote, Commissioners address how the body’s actions and decisions could benefit or burden Portland’s Black, Indigenous and people of color, vulnerable communities; improve or worsen disparities; and advance the City’s equity goals.
The PSC also works to ensure sustainability principles and practices are integrated into policy, planning, and development decisions.
More information about the PSC
Application Process
Applicants should have a strong personal interest and commitment to the work the PSC is responsible for overseeing.
Typical time commitment for all PSC members includes two 3-4-hour monthly meetings, significant reading/preparation time prior to each meeting to understand projects as well as public concerns and input, as well as occasional additional time on subcommittees or work groups. Full Commission meetings are generally held the second Tuesday of the month at 12:30 p.m. and the fourth Tuesday of the month at 5 p.m.
Interested in serving on the Planning and Sustainability Commission? Please complete an application form as well as a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form. The Demographic Questionnaire is completely optional; if you choose to fill it out, please submit it with your application. Applications will be accepted until Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, at 5 p.m. at psc@portlandoregon.gov.
Staff will review applications, interview selected candidates, and forward to the Mayor. PSC members are selected by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. We expect City Council to make appointments for terms starting in early and mid-2021.
The PSC values diversity and encourages everyone who is interested in this position to apply. Applications for those who apply who are not selected will be kept on file for two years for consideration when a position is again open or vacated.