Are you interested in Portland’s future and want to be involved in ensuring our city’s success?
The new Portland Planning Commission will be a 9-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 positions on the Commission including one seat for a youth representative. Terms are designated as 4-year positions, slated to begin on March 1, 2023.
Planning Commission membership represents the increased diversity of Portland. Applicants from under-represented communities with varied lived and professional experience, Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color, as well as individuals with disabilities, are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Planning Commission reviews numerous long-range, future-oriented planning projects, so a youth perspective is also important since today’s youth will be those inheriting our efforts. One position is reserved as a 2-year term for a transitional-age community member (ages 18-25 upon appointment).
We are seeking members who are enthusiastic about land use, urban solutions, new technologies, and continuing efforts to make Portland a thriving, livable city for all.
About the Planning Commission
The Planning Commission holds hearings and makes recommendations to City Council on proposals to adopt, amend and update the Comprehensive Plan, zoning code, significant transportation policies, projects, and a variety of other topics. It also advises on plans and policies regarding such issues as housing, transportation, urban design, equity, economic development, public buildings, environmental protection, resource conservation, and other policies of citywide interest. The Commission provide a forum for community members to learn about principles, policies, and programs that promote sound land use planning.
As they learn, deliberate, and vote, Commissioners address how their work could benefit or burden Portland’s Black, Indigenous, people of color and vulnerable communities; improve or worsen disparities; and advance the City’s equity goals.
Application Process
Applicants should have a strong personal interest and commitment to the work the Planning Commission is responsible for. Typical time commitment for all 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. Full Commission meetings are generally held the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.
Interested in serving on the Planning Commission? Please review the position posting and application information. Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 5 p.m.
Staff will review applications, interview selected candidates, and forward recommendations to the Mayor. Planning Commission members are selected by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. We expect City Council to make appointments in February 2023 for terms starting in March 2023.
The Planning Commission values diversity and encourages everyone who is interested in this position to apply. Applications for those who apply that are not selected will be kept on file for two years for consideration when a position is again open or vacated.