Portland's First Engagement Officer

Civic Life is excited to announce the City’s first ever Engagement Officer, Amanda Garcia-Snell.

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The purpose of this new role is to update and organize community engagement efforts, processes, and systems across all service areas. The engagement officer will lead efforts to design citywide engagement practices and procedures, convene and lead a Citywide engagement team, develop and implement the City’s equitable engagement strategy, build relationships with community engagement leaders, and more.

The Engagement Officer also leads the Office of Community & Civic Life.

Garcia-Snell started in the role on January 31, 2025. She is coming from her role as the Community Engagement Manager and Temporary Deputy Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at Washington County. In that role, she managed community engagement efforts including developing and implementing complex programs, policies, and practices to improve engagement, collaboration and equity-centered outcomes.

Civic Life is excited for this new chapter and for improved community experiences and participation with their local government.