About the Charter Review Committee
Multnomah County’s Charter requires that a Charter Review Committee (CRC) made up of community members be convened every six years to perform a comprehensive study of the charter. The CRC’s goal is to assess whether there are changes to the charter it thinks would better align it with those values and needs. If the CRC believes changes are needed, it can propose Charter amendments that the Board will submit to the voters of Multnomah County to decide via ballot.
The ultimate goal of the Charter Review Committee (CRC) is to comprehensively study the charter and to draft a final report to the people of Multnomah County and the Board of County Commissioners with their findings, conclusions, and recommendations, including any amendments they propose to the charter at least 95 days before the primary of general election of 2028. The study of the charter could include consulting subject-matter experts and the public. The CRC evaluates their findings to identify any potential improvements or changes. The CRC will report to the people and the Board their findings, conclusions, and recommendations at least 95 days before the primary or general election of 2028. While Multnomah County offers small stipends for reimbursements associated with participation, the Charter Review Committee member role is voluntary and unpaid.
Time Commitment
Serving on the Charter Review Committee (CRC) is a significant commitment. Membership involves about 18 months of service. The CRC will meet once or twice a month for two hours in the evening. This may also include participating in subcommittee meetings. In addition, there is an expectation that CRC members will spend five to 12 hours a month outside of meetings to read reports, study the current county charter, engage the public, and prepare draft recommendations.
The CRC will spend 12-14 months conducting research, which may include facilitating community engagement, and generating public input to inform an evaluation of the county charter. The CRC will present its findings and proposed amendments to the Board of County Commissioners in the spring or fall of 2028. Proposed changes will appear on the 2028 primary or general election ballot.
The CRC will kick off in February 2027 with a weekend orientation and onboarding retreat, and convene its first general meeting in March 2027.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Attend Meetings: Attendance is required for regular monthly committee meetings and subcommittee meetings. Meetings are often held on weekday evenings.
- Conduct Research: Significant time is spent outside of meetings reading reports, studying materials including the current county charter, as well as preparing draft observations, findings, and questions.
- Public Input: Members are expected to consult subject matter experts and the public through activities like: open hearings, community meetings, focus groups, interviews, and other civic inquiry methods to expand their understanding of issues and inform their decisions.
- Representation: CRC members are expected to engage with the broader community and listen to diverse perspectives. CRC members also accept that this is a public facing role and may attract public and media attention.
- Ethics: Once appointed, CRC members are public officials for purposes of state ethics law and must comply with those laws, including disclosing any potential or actual conflicts of interest.
- Collaboration: Appointed community members are expected to work collaboratively throughout the Charter Review process. This includes being open minded, active listening, problem solving, participating in discussions, and supporting the engagement of other CRC members.
Eligibility and Member Selection
Only electors of Multnomah County are eligible to serve on the Charter Review Committee (CRC). Applicants must be residents of a Multnomah County district. Districts can be determined by searching an address in this interactive map. In addition, applicants must be qualified to vote in Multnomah County elections.
The following persons are not eligible for appointment to the committee: state senators and state representatives who represent districts located in Multnomah County, the Chair and members of the Board of County Commissioners serving at the time of appointment, people younger than 18, and people who are not citizens. State, County and other local government employees are eligible.
Ideal Candidates
Multnomah County is looking for applicants that reflect the contributions.
- Knowledge of Multnomah County: knowledge of governance; role of elected officials; County functions, programs, services, and relationship to other jurisdictions
- Understanding of charter review process: understanding of scope of work (home rule charter), approach to process (study and inquiry), participant expectations (commitment and responsibilities), comfort with high-profile projects (media and public)
- History of community involvement: participation in formal/informal groups, experience working with others on local community issues and across differences, demonstrated history of collaboration
- Communities served: lived and learned experience with communities most impacted by Multnomah County’s programs and services
- Mission and values: alignment with County values like accountability; social and environmental justice; equity and inclusion; and safety and wellbeing - as foundational to Multnomah County's mission to provide accessible, high-quality, and innovative public services that create stability, enhance opportunities, and reduce disparities
- Civic inquiry oriented: interest and comfort with community-led inquiry (qualitative and participatory): commitment to hearing other perspectives, working with others to examine multi-issue problems, identifying pressing community needs, and determining what may be addressed through charter reform
How to Apply
Applications for the Charter Review Committee will be accepted July 1-October 1, 2026. Applications will be accepted online, as well as over email, postal mail, and in person.
Applications will be available on this page on July 1st, 2026.
If you have questions or would like assistance with the application, please email community.involvement@multco.us or leave a voicemail at 503-988-3450 (ext. 83450)