Connection Instructions
Register here.
The session slide deck is available here.
The session notes are available here.
For background, you can watch the Oct. 6th Advisory Bodies Enhancement Project presentation at the City Council Governance Committee meeting here [timestamp 14:00-1:34:00].
Sessions will be recorded and posted on the City of Portland's website.
Project Background and Goals
In November 2022, Portland voters approved significant charter reforms changing the City’s form of government and elections system. These changes raised questions about what the changes meant for the advisory body program at the City and the need for clarity and coordination between the executive and legislative branches of government in ABC processes. The term “ABCs” includes all appointed boards, commissions, committees, teams, forums, and groups.
On March 31, 2025, the new Engagement Officer presented an outline of a project to review and enhance the advisory body program to council’s Governance Committee. The Governance Committee approved the project moving ahead.
The goals of this project are to:
- Align the ABC program with Portland’s new form of government including its new checks and balances and district-based representation
- Create a shared understanding of the overall goal and intent of advisory bodies
- Standardize equity-centered practices for appointments, operations, and volunteer experience
- Promote better resourced and more empowered, meaningful, and integrated ABCs
- Ensure existing ABCs are continuing to address an identified need or goal of the City and ensure meaningful participation by those serving
- Expand the availability of information about ABCs so Portlanders know how to find and engage with their work