The Multnomah County Charter Review Committee has voted to advance four recommended changes to the Multnomah County Charter.
Pending a final vote on the Charter text on Tuesday, July 5, the changes will go onto the Board of Commissioners to be referred to the voters in November.The text and other matters will be considered at Charter Committee meetings July 5 and if additional time is needed, on July 20.
The charter is the local version of a constitution, essentially creating the structure of Multnomah County government. A committee is convened every six years to study issues and recommend amendments.
The four changes the Charter Review Committee has advanced so far require:
- Gender-neutral Charter language.
- Multnomah County to adopt Ranked Choice Voting in its elections by 2026.
- Multnomah County to expand voting rights in Multnomah County elections to the extent allowed by law.
- Up to 18 months for future Charter Review Committees to complete their work and addresses leadership structure as well as public education, outreach, and engagement in the Charter Review Committee process.
The Committee plans to vote on the text of the amendments regarding gender-neutral Charter language, ranked choice voting, and extending voting rights in County elections. The text is what will appear in the Charter if approved by the voters.
On July 5, the Charter Review Committee may also consider advancing additional charter amendments including:
- Codifying the existing Good Government Hotline in the Charter.
- Adding language that explicitly requires the County Auditor's timely access to records, information and materials related to audits. Add a requirement that the County include “right to audit” clauses in contracts and subcontracts.
- Establishing an ombuds office within the Office of the Auditor.
- Requiring members of the County Board of Commissioners to increase inspections of County jail facilities with the participation of constituents.
- Changing the membership requirements and appointment process for Charter Review Committee members
Multnomah County Charter Review Committee meetings are public. The meeting will be Tuesday, July 5, 6:15 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
You can join the meeting viz Zoom: Zoom Link Passcode: he??V2^m
By telephone: el:1-253-215-8782 Webinar ID: 958 2586 1094 Passcode: 8065531
You can find the agenda here or sign up to verbally comment and find all meeting materials here.
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