Planning Commission seeks candidate for open position

News Article

Seeking member to serve on advisory body responsible for guiding, developing, maintaining, and updating the City's Comprehensive Plan and the Zoning Code.

The Portland Planning Commission plays a critical role in setting the vision for Portland and ensuring that that vision gets carried out. The Commission is a 9-member volunteer group that advises on projects and proposals that significantly affect the quality of life in Portland. We are currently seeking one new member to fill a currently vacant position.

Planning Commission membership represents the increased diversity of Portland. Applicants from under-represented communities with varied lived and professional experience, Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color, as well as individuals with disabilities, are strongly encouraged to apply.

We are seeking members who are enthusiastic about land use, urban solutions, new technologies, and continuing efforts to make Portland a thriving, livable city for all.

In 2024, the Planning Commission's work will include reviewing a new plan for the Montgomery Park area in NW Portland, the citywide Economic Opportunities Analysis, environmental zones in the Columbia Corridor, tax financing tools for Central City and East Portland, and the Urban Forest Plan. In addition, the Commission will make recommendations to City Council on several zoning code amendment projects.

About the Planning Commission

The Planning Commission holds hearings and makes recommendations to City Council on proposals to adopt, amend and update the Comprehensive Plan, zoning code, significant transportation policies, projects, and a variety of other topics. It also advises on plans and policies regarding such issues as housing, transportation, urban design, equity, economic development, public buildings, environmental protection, resource conservation, and other policies of citywide interest. The Commission provide a forum for community members to learn about principles, policies, and programs that promote sound land use planning.

As they learn, deliberate, and vote, Commissioners address how their work could benefit or burden Portland's Black, Indigenous, people of color and vulnerable communities; improve or worsen disparities; and advance the City's equity goals.

Application Process

Applicants should have a strong personal interest and commitment to the work the Planning Commission is responsible for. Typical time commitment for all members includes two 3-4-hour monthly meetings, significant reading/preparation time prior to each meeting to understand projects and public concerns and input, as well as occasional additional time on subcommittees. Full Commission meetings are generally held the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

Interested in serving on the Planning Commission? Please review the position posting and application information. Applications will be accepted until Monday, May 13, 2024, at 5 p.m.

Staff will review applications, interview selected candidates, and forward recommendations to the Mayor and Commissioner Carmen Rubio. Planning Commission members are confirmed by the City Council.

The Planning Commission values diversity and encourages everyone who is interested in this position to apply. Applications for those who apply who are not selected will be kept on file for two years for consideration when a position is again open or vacated.