Dear Neighborhood Groups,
My name is Amara Pérez and I am the director of Multnomah County’s Office of Community Involvement (OCI). I am excited to announce the upcoming County Charter Review Process – an important opportunity that happens every six years. As a community partner, you are uniquely positioned to help us spread the word.
The Charter Review Process
The Multnomah County Home Rule Charter is the local version of a constitution. It establishes the governance framework and provides the foundation for how Multnomah County operates. Regular reviews of the charter are intended to ensure that the document remains consistent with the community’s values and needs.The charter can only be amended through voter approval.
The last time the charter was updated was in 2022 through a Charter Review Committee – almost six years later we are now launching the next Charter Review Process!
2027 – 2028 Charter Review Committee
Multnomah County’s Charter requires that a Charter Review Committee (CRC) made up of community members from each district 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 current community 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. Past proposed charter amendments show the recommendations of previous CRCs.
Serving on the CRC is a significant commitment. Membership involves about 18 months of service including conducting research 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.
Applications for the upcoming Charter Review Committee will be open July 1st, 2026 – October 1st 2026. Help get the word out to people you know! Learn more about committee roles and responsibilities, time commitment, and scope of work.
We need a committee that truly represents Multnomah County. Please share this opportunity with your networks and encourage civic-minded individuals to apply!
Future Opportunities
In the spring of 2027, the CRC will begin gathering public input to better understand community and county issues that charter amendments may address. Open hearings, community meetings, focus groups, interviews, and other civic inquiry methods help expand the CRC’s understanding of issues and ultimately inform their recommendations. I would love to connect with you further on how to ensure your community’s voice is heard throughout this process.
Finally, you can keep up to date on the review process and future opportunities for public input by signing up for the charter newsletter.
Thank you for the work you do and your help to raise awareness about this critical process and leadership opportunity! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the office of community involvement: community.involvement@multco.us.
Warmly,
Amara Pérez
Director, Office of Community Involvement (OCI)
Multnomah County