Introduction
Portland has a unique system of civic engagement via neighborhood associations, business associations, community organizations, and coalitions. This lesson will focus on neighborhood associations and district coalitions.
Neighborhood Associations (NAs)
Neighborhoods began to organize during the depression era in response to lack of social services. Their activities tended to be in geographic areas using schools or neighborhoods as boundaries (Don MacGillivray, Southeast Examiner)
In the early 70s, Portland’s city commissioners represented the entire city and were not specific to districts. In 1974, the City of Portland created the Office of Neighborhood Associations. In part, the City prioritized creating this bureau to support Portland’s unique commissioner form of government. (portland.gov)
Currently, Portland’s government is divided into 4 city districts with 3 counselors elected per district. The Office of Neighborhood Associations has been renamed to be called the Office of Community & Civic Life.
District Coalition Offices (DCOs)
There are 4 District Coalition Offices , each serving the Neighborhoods in their respective districts. Each of these DCOs receives funding from the city to help support these efforts. DCOs offer communications from the city, capacity building support, and much more. D4C’s current scope of work can be found HERE.
To see the 4 city districts and find neighborhood boundaries, use the map linked below.
Portland City Code 3.96 Office of Community and Civic Life
Chapter 3.96 gives guidance and rules for District Coalitions, Neighborhood Associations, and Business Districts. The full code can be read HERE.
ONI Standards
The Office of Neighborhood Involvement (ONI) standards were developed by the Guidelines Review, Empowerment and Assessment Team (GREAT) and were adopted by Portland City Council on July 13, 2005.
“These standards create a framework by which the people of the City of Portland may effectively participate in civic affairs and work to improve the livability and character of their Neighborhoods and the City.” (ONI Standards page 7)
The full ONI Standards can be found HERE.
Important Note
Currently, the ONI Standards are slated for an update and this lesson will be updated with the new information as it becomes available.