Structure

Portland has the most thorough system of neighbourhood participation of cities included in this survey. Eighty nine neighborhood associations representing areas of Portland participate in local government decision making through 8 district Coalitions.

District Coalition Boards (DCB) are the official contractors with the City of Portland Office of Neighborhood Associations. DCBs are charged with facilitating citizen participation and neighborhood crime prevention services. DCBs are independent non-profit corporations composed of representatives from the member neighborhood associations. Representation formulae and reporting protocols vary from DCB to DCB in recognition of differences in communities. District Coalition Boards report directly to city administrators and council. (There are other opportunities for citizen participation in Portland but this survey focused on the neighbourhoods' roles. The "Rebirth of Urban Democracy" provides a thorough discussion of citizen participation in Portland.)

Each District Coalition Board maintains a district office in a city building-a firehall or community centre.

Neighborhood associations are the bodies who come together to "consider and act upon any of a broad range of issues affecting the livability and quality of their neighborhood." Neighborhood Associations generally represent at least 200 households. In order to be recognized by the Office of Neighborhood Associations, organizations must meet 8 criteria:

1. Membership must be open to any person who lives or owns real property within the recognized boundaries of the neighborhood.
2. The organization must have clearly stated geographic boundaries which do not overlap with those of any other neighborhood unless the organizations agree in writing.
3. Neighborhood organizations must not discriminate against individuals or groups on the basis of race, religion, colour, sex, sexual- orientation, age, disability, national origin, income, or political affiliation.
4. Membership contributions or dues may only be collected on a voluntary basis.
5. Organizations must file a copy of their by-laws with the Office of Neighborhood Associations and with the District Coalition Board.
6. Bylaws must include a provision for grievance resolution.
7. By-laws must include meeting requirements.
8. Organizations must comply with an Oregon state statute that requires that minutes of meetings be recorded and made public, votes must be recorded and dissenting views summarized in any recommendation made to the City.

Portland city councilors are elected on a city-wide, non-partisan basis.

Scope of Activities

Neighborhood associations are active in virtually every aspect of civic business. While neighborhood associations do not assume authority on behalf of the city, they are consulted by the city and provide a neighbourhood voice in a variety of areas ranging from input on proposed zoning and development changes, to priority setting on infrastructure improvements, to policing practices and crime prevention strategy development. The survey respondent spoke of a "culture of volunteerism" that exists in Portland which results in citizens contributing to a wide range of services and activities.

Neighborhood associations take on the responsibility of preparing neighborhood plans commissioned by the City. These plans establish the specific requirements .for all subsequent development in the neighborhood.

Public health, education and some social programs are the responsibility of senior governments so the degree of input from neighborhood associations in these areas varies from neighborhood to neighborhood but is usually very limited.

DCBs and some Neighborhood Associations get involved in economic development activities where these have been identified as a priority.

The Office of Neighborhood Associations (ONA) manages a number of programs which support the work of the DCB:

Neighborhood Mediation Program
Neighborhood Needs Program
Citizens' Bureau Advisory Program
Refugee Program
Metropolitan Human Relations Program Commission on Aging.

The ONA acts as an information clearing house and facilitates communication among and between neighbourhoods and districts. This function promotes "bigger picture" thinking and addresses dysfunctional inter-neighborhood competition for resources. The ONA hosts separate monthly meetings for DCB staff and board members.

Resources

The City of Portland provided $1.5 million to the 8 District Coalition Boards last year. This money was provided on a contract basis. The DCBs administer the money, some of which is passed on to neighborhood associations for their projects. By incorporating as non-profit societies DCBs can fundraise and employ, direct, evaluate and set wage rates for staff. Most DCBs employ 2 professional staff and an office manager.
The ONA provides in-kind support to neighborhood associations for printing and distribution of newsletters and fliers.

History and Comments

Portland has had some form of citizen participation in local government since 1974. This relatively long history has resulted in a mature set of policies, procedures and implementing mechanisms.

Contact: Portland's Office of Neighborhoods