The Advisory Bodies Program provides training and resources to advisory body members, makes sure all advisory bodies follow their rules and bylaws, and handles recruitment for open member positions.
An advisory body is any City of Portland board, committee, or commission that advises City bureaus and special projects. They are a powerful tool for community members and City liaisons to work together on government projects and provide valuable insight on Portlanders’ diverse needs and interests. These bodies provide opportunities for City officials and communities to come together to hear appeals and concerns, provide expertise and advocate, develop and implement code, review current practices, and plan future services.
Here are some examples of the many advisory bodies working with the City of Portland:
- Cannabis Policy Oversight Team (or CPOT): CPOT provides Civic Life with diverse stakeholder perspectives on cannabis-related public policies. The body’s objective is to discuss and develop policies that support equitable access and outcomes for the cannabis industry, cannabis consumers, and all City of Portland residents. CPOT holds recurring public meetings to hear from Portlanders and discuss cannabis policies. They also advise and work with local government officials to develop policies that support equitable access and outcomes for the cannabis industry, cannabis consumers, and all Portlanders.
- Portland Clean Energy Fund (or PCEF): The PCEF grant program was created with the intention of supporting communities on the frontlines of climate change, especially those facing financial and racial barriers. PCEF is responsible for evaluating applications for grants from the Portland Clean Energy Fund, making recommendations to Portland City Council on which applications should receive a grant, and ensuring that the fund is achieving its goals of creating clean energy and living-wage jobs.
- Community Involvement Committee (or CIC): The committee advises staff on community involvement practices for Comprehensive Plan-related projects. The CIC, guided by the policies of Chapter 2 of the 2035 Comprehensive Plan, advises staff on the design, implementation and evaluation of community involvement in these projects and ongoing community involvement activities, and will review and amend the Community Engagement Manual.
- Golf Advisory Committee (or GAC): The GAC advises the Parks & Recreation Director and the Commissioner-in-charge of Parks on golf program-related matters. These include the golf program’s strategic plan, operating budget and capital improvement projects, concession sales, management and lease contracts and proposals, marketing of the system, attracting more participants, and any other matter that furthers the public interest toward the development and operation of one of the best municipal golf systems in the country.
- Historic Landmarks Commission: The Historic Landmarks Commission provides leadership and expertise on maintaining and enhancing Portland's historic and architectural heritage. The commission identifies and protects buildings and other properties that have historic or cultural significance or special architectural merit, provides advice on historic preservation matters, and coordinates historic preservation programs in the city.
Interested in learning more or attending a meeting?
Most advisory body meetings are open to the public. You can view a complete list of advisory bodies here, or visit the City job board to find current open advisory body positions, search "volunteer (non-paid)" in the search field.
If you have questions, email us at AdvisoryBodies@PortlandOregon.gov!
What’s in a name: Is there a difference between a committee, commission, and city board?
No, the term “advisory bodies” includes boards, committees, commissions, and groups of all different names that involve community members and City staff liaisons.
Promote the Common Good: Civic Life connects the people of Portland with their City government to promote the common good. Our programs create a culture of collaboration, expanding possibilities for all Portlanders to contribute their knowledge, experience, and creativity to solve local problems and make life better in the city we all share.