CITY GOVERNMENT REFORM
2017-present
City Club spent four years researching the City of Portland government and published two reports with one clear conclusion. Our current form of government and how we vote are outdated, inequitable, and in need of significant reform. We called for the City to conduct a public process to develop a new form of government. One informed by the collective wisdom, personal experiences, and creativity of a diverse group of Portlanders. Through the 2020-2022 Portland Charter Review process, we have the opportunity to do just that.
What is the Portland Charter Review?
A charter is a founding document that defines the powers of a city’s government and how they are organized. It lays out how city infrastructure and services are managed, how elections work, and the roles and responsibilities of our elected leaders. It affects everything from streets, parks and public safety to the way taxes are levied and bonds issued. Portland’s City Charter was established in 1913.
At least once every 10 years, the Portland City Council appoints an independent body of 20 Portlanders to review the Charter and recommend changes to make it better reflect today’s Portland. These recommendations are based on hundreds of hours of research and robust conversations with the community at large. The 2020-2022 Charter Review is happening now, and you can help by letting the Charter Commission know what is important to you. How could the Portland city government more functional, modern, and democratic?
Calls to Action
Our primary focus of engagement is to ensure that the voices of historically marginalized communities are elevated in developing the final comprehensive package of reforms. We are conducting a multi-tiered outreach initiative that includes digital content, public events, and partnerships with culturally-specific organizations Next Up and the Coalition of Communities of Color. You can help by learning more about the Charter Review, why it matters, and how to be involved at every stage in the process. And then telling your friends!
Digital Toolkit on Charter Review
In partnership with the Coalition of Communities of Color and Next Up, we created a Charter Review digital toolkit for everyday Portlanders and civic leaders to inform their family, friends, and communities about the Charter Review. Choose from more than 25 original graphics to share on social media or wherever you are online. The toolkit is currently only available in English but will be available in additional languages in late November.
Charter Chat
Charter Chat is a Q&A event series with members of the Portland Charter Commission. Join us to learn more about the Charter Review and some of the issues being explored through the process. Our next episode will feature Melanie Billings-Yun and Vadim Mozyrsky.
