Resources
Start learning more about your local government, so you can get involved!
The City of Portland’s Responsibilities Include:
- Water Bureau and Sewage
- Streets, Street Lights, and Sidewalks
- City Parks
- Building Permits & Land Use
- Emergency Services
- Police, Fire & Emergency Services
- 911 & Non-Emergency (BOEC)
- Street lights
Think of the city as infrastructure. Some elected officials in the city include the mayor, city councilors, the city auditor. If you have a question for the city, 311 is a great resource 7 days a week. You can also visit the city’s website at www.portland.gov.
The City of Portland Resources
Report illegal camping and/or campsite trash.
- Campsite Report on PDX Reporter: www.pdxreporter.org
- Call 3-1-1 or (503) 823-4000
Look up campsite reports by location, “Impact Reduction Program”
Testify at city council Wednesday mornings starting at 9:30am or regarding an agenda item.
City Council general testimony must be scheduled in advance.
Multnomah County’s Responsibilities Include:
- Human services & Disability
- Shelters
- Mental Health
- Detox
- Courthouse
- Corrections (Jail)
- Prosecution
- Joint office of Homeless Services (JOHS)
- Elections
- Animal Services
- Veteran Services
Think of the county as people (and pet) services. Some of elected positions in the county include the county chair, the county commissioners, the county auditor, the sheriff and the district attorney. You can visit Multnomah counties website at www.multco.gov.
Multnomah County’s Resources
County Councilors and County Chair
Testify at County Thursday mornings starting at 9:00am or regarding an agenda item.
You can walk in and testify at the county at 9am on Thursdays without a reservation.
County public records requests
Criminal Justice
Look up inmates in custody in the last 7 days
Look up criminal records by name
The legislature voted to limit the release of mugshots starting in January of 2021
Oregon State Resources
Oregon Legislature
We encourage you to know who represents you in the Oregon Legislature and in Congress. Find your legislators here.
Ask for a meeting, write them often and tell them what is important to you!
Secretary of State
Campaign Finance and Political Action Committees (PAC)
Did you know every single donation and expenditure by name and PAC for elected officials campaigns with the secretary of state. Look up by name here.
Report Misuse of State Government Resources here
Send us a copy so we can help with accountability.
Did you know Oregon has a Whistleblower Law and also complaints are bound to confidentiality? Public employees are protected from discrimination, dismissal, demotion, transfer, or disciplinary action under ORS ORS 659A.199