Purposes and roles of the Cannabis Policy Oversight Team
The Cannabis Policy Oversight Team (CPOT) provides the Bureau of Development Services with diverse stakeholder perspectives on cannabis-related public policies. CPOT’s objectives are 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. It also advises and works with local government officials to develop policies that support equitable access and outcomes for the cannabis industry, cannabis consumers, and all Portlanders.
Eligibility
To be eligible to serve on CPOT, members must live, play, worship, work, or do business in the City of Portland.
CPOT consists of cannabis industry representatives and others who possess an in-depth understanding of issues affecting and affected by the cannabis industry.
The City of Portland seeks eight people, including:
- Those who have been directly impacted by cannabis criminalization (i.e. formerly incarcerated individuals, medical cannabis patients, veterans)
- People with community advocacy or social justice work experience
- People who work with youth or on issues specific to youth
- Cannabis business owners
- People with direct experience working in the City of Portland’s licensed cannabis industry.
Applications received from individuals who are not chosen through this recruitment will be retained for consideration for future openings.
Desired attributes
The Bureau of Development Services is at a point of significant transformation as it expands how it interacts with and provides services to the public. It is critically important to have people of color at the table, providing their advice, perspectives and feedback on the new ways the bureau and its partner bureaus provide information to the public about existing regulations and provide services to the community.
We need systems, processes, and services that work for people of color. If you want to help cannabis policies and enforcement better serve communities of color, we want to see your application.
- You believe government is better when community is involved.
- You have an interest in effective, equitable cannabis policies, processes, and outcomes.
- You are an advocate for racial equity: you want positive and long-lasting outcomes for racial and ethnic communities who have been left out before. You can bring discussion about racial and ethnic communities who need it the most.
- You believe in the value of public participation in government processes.
- You can work collaboratively and effectively with people representing diverse interests.
- You are available to attend all meetings and participate in the discussions.
Terms and time commitment
- CPOT meets on the second Thursday of each month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Currently, all meetings are held online via Zoom. All meetings of the committee are open to the public.
- Members serve a term of one year with the possibility of applying again at the end of the term.
- Members are expected to attend and participate in meetings consistently. Members are expected to prepare for meetings on their own time and arrive ready to discuss meeting materials and agenda items. Meeting materials are typically sent at least 48 hours in advance.
We remove barriers
- If needed, we can provide interpreters who will translate the conversation in your language during the meeting. Please ask for an interpreter at least a week in advance of the meeting so we have enough time to make arrangements.
- You may need to read and write in your language. Outside organizations provide verbal interpretations and written translations. The dialects may be different than your home region and may be different on each document.
- We can try to translate the written materials as requested, but we may not be able to provide translations for all meeting documents.
Please let us know if there are barriers to your participation. Parking passes will be available if you need those to participate fully in in-person meetings.
Volunteer ethics
Those who serve on this advisory body are considered to be public officials, which means that you must serve fairly and ethically. We will provide training on this once you are appointed. Part of following Oregon’s government ethics laws means you must tell the group when you or a relative may financially benefit (or avoid fees) by your recommendations. This is called a “conflict of interest.” If you tell us about potential conflicts of interest, that does not mean you cannot serve. In fact, many committees have members with potential conflicts of interest. We appreciate your inclusion of possible conflicts of interest on the form included with the application.
Application
Applications are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 15, 2024.
Please apply for appointment to the Cannabis Policy Oversight Team here.
To talk with someone about this opportunity or to receive assistance completing the application, please contact the committee’s staff liaison, Phil Keim, at Phil.Keim@portlandoregon.gov or 503-865-6997.
Voluntary and confidential demographic information
The City is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity. It uses the demographic information provided to help ensure that advisory body appointments represent a broad cross-section of the community. Your information will not be used during the recruitment or the selection process. State and federal law prohibit the use of this information to discriminate against you. The City will treat this information as confidential to the fullest extent allowed by law. Questions about this may be sent to AdvisoryBodies@Portlandoregon.gov.
For more information
For more information about CPOT, please visit its website.