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Label:
Report
Appoint members to the Noise Review Board
Accepted
TO THE COUNCIL:
As Mayor, I request Council confirmation of the following appointments to the Noise Review Board.
The Noise Review Board (NRB) is a 5-member, quasi-judicial board. The NRB works to improve neighborhood livability by striking a balance between sound-generating activities related to construction and special events, and the desire for livable communities. The board reviews applications for noise variances for events and construction that may impact many people or take place over a significant period of time. The board is also responsible for working with the Noise Program to advise and make recommendations to the Portland City Council on sound-related code and policy decisions.
The Board holds monthly meetings which currently occur at 6:00 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month.
I recommend two candidates for appointment.
| Appointment | Membership Category | Term | Term Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Maxwell | Community-at-Large | 1st | 5/1/26 – 4/30/29 |
| Martin Leima | Community-at-Large | 1st | 6/1/26 – 5/31/29 |
Jeremy Maxwell
- Holds a B.S. in Automotive Industry Management and two years serving on the Board of Directors of Depave, a Portland-based nonprofit organization focused on removing unnecessary pavement to restore community spaces and improve environmental and neighborhood health.
- Over ten years of continuous volunteer service, including newsletter public communications, special events, and facilitation of space science education.
- Demonstrated dedication to equitable access to science education, particularly for youth, aligned with inclusion and equity values.
- Residency in both Southwest Portland and East Portland, providing firsthand understanding of neighborhood-level disparities and the real-world impacts of local issues, including noise, on residents' daily lives.
Statement from Jeremy Maxwell: The idea of helping my neighbors is very exciting. It's a challenging time for Portland, and I've thrown my support to my city for the long term. I'm determined to participate in government alongside my new district reps. I'm eager to help.
This candidate brings a community-centered and policy-informed perspective to the Noise Review Board. He will support thoughtful evaluation of noise impacts on quality of life and contribute constructively to balanced, practical noise policy discussions.
Martin Leima
- Retired high-tech professional with extensive experience working in diverse, international, and multidisciplinary environments
- Holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Electrical Engineering with a solid technical knowledge base and professional experience in IP telephony, including acoustics, noise reduction, and echo cancellation.
- Worked with people across a wide range of ages, ethnic backgrounds, gender identities, and with professionals from more than two dozen countries.
Statement from Martin Leima: What excites me most about serving on this board is the opportunity to provide input to the Noise Review Board that includes my work in acoustics.
This candidate brings a wide range of experience, professional expertise, and community perspectives that will strengthen the Noise Review Board and City.
Both candidates will bring complementary community and technical expertise to the Noise Review Board, strengthening its ability to evaluate noise issues, review noise variance applications, and promote strategies that enhance livability across Portland.
With these appointments, the Noise Review Board membership will have all vacant seats filled.
Exhibits and attachments
Impact Statement
Purpose of proposed legislation and background information
The Noise Review Board is comprised of five members, including three community member-at-large positions, a representative from the construction industry, and a professional in the field of acoustics. Appointments to the volunteer Noise Review Board are made for a three-year term.
In accordance with Title 18, the Noise Review Board is charged with reviewing and approving or denying noise variances for projects that range from nighttime construction projects to large outdoor concerts, to auto racing events at PIR. The Board also works to develop long-term objectives for achieving the reduction of noise levels in the community.
Financial and budgetary impacts
There are no financial or budgetary impacts.
Economic and real estate development impacts
Not applicable.
Community impacts and community involvement
Noise Review Board members are expected to serve as a voice for community and for industry/infrastructure in balancing requests for noise variances with direct impact on community livability concerns.
For this search, we conducted outreach to groups that have expressed interest in noise issues. We utilized the extensive email list Office of Community & Civic Life sends out regularly. Outreach included business groups, professional acoustical lists, neighborhood coalitions, diversity and civic leadership partners, and personal staff contacts.
100% renewable goal
Not applicable.
Economic and real estate development analysis
Analysis provided by Prosper Portland
An Economic and Real Estate Development Impact Analysis was not submitted for this proposed action. Pursuant to City Council Resolution 37664, Prosper Portland staff has reviewed the action and agree that it does not require an Economic and Real Estate Development Impact Analysis.
Document history
Document number: 2026-137
President's referral: Finance and Governance Committee of the Whole