What are the responsibilities and job description for the Volunteer (Non-Paid) Position - Planning Commission position at City of Portland?
APPLY HERE: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/5ca39e8fb5f2425780cf2091556fa62b
The Planning Commission makes recommendations to City Council on the City’s long-range goals, policies, and programs for land use and planning. In making recommendations, it considers the economic, environmental, and social well-being of the city in an integrated fashion. The Commission has specific responsibility for guiding, developing, maintaining, and updating the development and maintenance of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and zoning code. The Commission deliberates using a climate and equity lens and is committed to effective public involvement and leadership in its work.
The Planning Commission consists of nine members, none of whom may hold public elective office. The members are appointed by the Mayor and are confirmed by the City Council. The membership of the Planning Commission aims to include a broad representation of Portland’s community and reflect the dynamic nature of this changing city.
Total number of Commission seats: 9
Number of seats available: 5 (as of July 1, 2025) includes one 2-year youth position, aged 18-25 at the start of the appointment.
To be eligible for the Planning Commission, members must live, play, worship, work or do business in the city of Portland.
Per City Code
- No more than two members of the Planning Commission may be engaged in the same occupation, business, trade, or profession.
- No more than two members of the Commission may be individuals, or members of any partnership, or officers or employees of any corporation that engages principally in the buying, selling, leasing, or developing of real estate for profit.
What We Look For
The City seeks members who represent the diversity of the city and bring professional expertise or lived experience to inform their deliberations on a wide variety of long-range land use planning issues facing Portland. We encourage you to apply if have not previously held a position on a City board or commission and are interested in serving your community.
Youth Commissioner Position
Due to the long-range, future-oriented planning projects the Commission reviews, a youth perspective is especially important. One position is reserved for a transitional-age community member (ages 18-25 upon appointment), which is currently open. Current students, new graduates, young professionals, and members of community organizations are all encouraged to apply.
Terms and Time Commitment
Typical time commitment for Commission members includes two 3-4-hour monthly meetings, preparation time prior to each meeting to read staff reports and public testimony, as well as occasional additional time on work groups.
Full Commission meetings are held in a hybrid format: members and staff are encouraged to attend in person, and the public may attend in person or via Zoom (or watch via YouTube).
- Generally, full Commission meetings are generally held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month beginning at 12:30 p.m. and the 4th Tuesday of the month beginning at 5 p.m.
- Generally, members will serve a term of 4 years and may apply to be appointed for a second 4-year term.
- The Youth Commission appointment is a 2-year term.
- Members are expected to prepare for meetings on their own time and arrive ready to discuss meeting materials and agenda items.
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/5ca39e8fb5f2425780cf2091556fa62b
Applications are due by 5:00pm on Monday, March 24, 2025.
To talk with someone about this opportunity or to receive assistance completing the application, please contact Ocean Jasso at ocean.eale@portlandoregon.gov.
Voluntary & Confidential Demographic Questionnaire
The City is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Following the application, there is a separate demographic questionnaire; completing the questionnaire 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 the community. 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: https://www.portland.gov/bps/planning/planning-commission
Do you have questions or need more information? Email ocean.eale@portlandoregon.gov.
Currently, many advisory bodies are meeting remotely. In the future, meetings could: 1) be conducted fully remotely, or 2) be conducted remotely and in person (hybrid model). As the situation evolves, the exact meeting location may change.
Terms
As the City of Portland shifts to a new government structure, advisory bodies may undergo updates and changes. If applying for a vacant position on this advisory group, please note that the term may be shorter than what is listed elsewhere in this recruitment post.
