What are the responsibilities and job description for the Volunteer (Non-Paid) Position - Parks Levy Oversight Committee position at City of Portland?
APPLY HERE: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/86881fecb9824d1398f981da54c9a32c
The Parks Levy Oversight Committee (PLOC) was established in July 2021 to advise the Portland Parks & Recreation Director on the progress and annual expenditures for the five-year Parks Local Option Levy (Parks Levy) passed by the voters of the City of Portland in November 2020. The PLOC reviews program progress, reviews Bureau delivery on commitments to voters, and will advise on an independent audit of the Parks Levy. The PLOC reports annually to City Council regarding program process and alignment with Parks Levy goals.
Committee activities include:
- Advise Portland Parks & Recreation Director and program staff on program implementation, transparency and communication strategies, and upcoming independent audit process
- Develop PLOC annual report and present to City Council regarding adherence to Parks Levy language, fiscal accountability, and transparency
- Review and provide feedback on requested budgets that include Parks Levy funding, including submitting a budget letter to City Council
- Understand and provide input to the Bureau on implementation of the 15 voter commitments made through the Parks Levy
Total number of advisory seats: 5
Number of seats available: 3
To be eligible for the advisory committee, members must live, play, worship, go to school, work or do business in the City of Portland.
What We Look For
We want people from every part of Portland here to share their voice on this committee, especially people who have not been involved before. If you want to serve your community and to help government make better choices, then we want to see your application. The attributes listed below are what will guide our selection process. It is helpful if you are specific in your answers. We do not expect you to be or have everything listed.
- You believe government is better when community is involved
- 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 have a perspective on navigating the community as a person with a disability.
- You are available to attend all meetings and participate in the discussions
- You have experience overseeing, providing, or delivering parks and recreation services.
- You have experience in the delivery of culturally specific services.
- You have lived experience of using parks and recreation services.
- Quarterly meetings will take place on weekday evenings virtually or hybrid
- Members are involved for a duration of 2-year terms and may reapply but may not serve more than 4 consecutive years.
- The anticipated time commitment is 7 hours quarterly (including the quarterly 2 hour meeting).
- 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. Verbal and written translations are performed by outside organizations. The dialects may be different than your home region and may be different on each document.
- We try to translate the written materials you ask for, but we may not be able to provide translation on all meeting documents.
- Members are expected to prepare for meetings on their own time. Meeting materials for review may be sent with minimal time to review, possibly as few as forty-eight hours (or two days) in advance.
Let us know if there are barriers to your participation. Dinner will be provided at in-person evening meetings. Public transportation or parking passes will be available if you need those to fully participate.
Volunteer Ethics
People who join this committee will become what we call “Public Officials,” which means that while you serve you must behave fair and ethically. We will provide training on this once you are accepted. Part of following Public Officials 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 potential members with Conflicts of Interest. We appreciate your ethical inclusion of possible Conflicts of Interest on the form included in the application.
APPLY HERE: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/86881fecb9824d1398f981da54c9a32c
Applications are due by 11:59pm on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
To talk with someone about this opportunity or to receive assistance completing the application, please contact the advisory body staff liaison at claire.flynn@portlandoregon.gov or 503-679-8008.
Voluntary & Confidential Demographic Information
The City is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Completing the demographic information on the application is voluntary, but we encourage you to provide that information. The City uses this information to help ensure that advisory body appointments represent a broad cross-section of community. Your information will not be used during the recruitment nor the selection process. State and federal law prohibit use of this information to discriminate against you. Questions about this may be sent to AdvisoryBodies@Portlandoregon.gov
General Questions
For general questions about the Advisory Bodies program, the volunteer recruitment process, or other upcoming advisory body opportunities please email AdvisoryBodies@Portlandoregon.gov.
We Encourage You to Apply
We welcome you to browse our website to learn more about the Parks Levy Oversight Committee.
Do you have questions or need more information? Email claire.flynn@portlandoregon.gov or 503-679-8008.
