[Extended] Volunteer (Non-Paid) Position -- Design Commission

City of Portland, OR•Portland, OR

36d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Design Commission provides leadership and expertise on urban design and architecture and advances the purpose of the Design overlay zone. It supports development that builds on context, contributes to the public realm, and provides high quality and resilient buildings and public spaces. It also helps develop design guidelines for design districts and provides advice to other City Bureaus and Regional Government Partners. Commission activities include: Reviewing major developments within Design overlay zones; Recommending the establishment, amendment, or removal of the Design overlay zone and design districts to the Planning Commission; Recommending design guidelines for adoption by City Council; Reviewing other land use requests assigned to the Design Commission; and Providing advice on design matters to the Hearings Officer, Planning Commission, Historic Landmarks Commission, Portland Development Commission, City Council, and other City Bureaus or public agencies when necessary or requested. Total number of advisory seats: 7 Number of seats available: 2 To be eligible for the advisory committee, members must live, play, worship, go to school, work or do business in the City of Portland. We want people from every part of Portland here to share their voice on this committee, especially people who have not been involved before. If you want to serve your community and to help government make better choices, then we want to see your application. The attributes listed below are what will guide our selection process. It is helpful if you are specific in your answers. We do not expect you to be or have everything listed. The Portland Design Commission consists of seven members, none of whom may hold elective office. The Commission must include: One person with public art experience; One person representing the public at-large. The public-at-large member must not be employed in one of the areas of expertise listed in 3; and Five members experienced in either urban planning, design, architecture, landscape architecture, natural resource management, sustainable building practices, engineering, financing, construction or management of buildings, or land development. No more than two members may be appointed from any one of these areas of expertise. The person with the public art experience is nominated by the City Arts Program. All members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. This recruitment closes November 20, 2025and the City is seeking applications from thosewith public art experience or interest in urban planning, design, architecture, landscape architecture, natural resource management, sustainable building practices or land development professionals. One position will be open as of May 1, 2026. The other position will be open as of December 1, 2026. You are available to attend regularly scheduled meetings and participate in the discussions. You want to work collaboratively with applicants and agencies to serve the public good. You are able to share opinions in a respectful manner.

Requirements

To be eligible for the advisory committee, members must live, play, worship, go to school, work or do business in the City of Portland.
One person with public art experience
One person representing the public at-large. The public-at-large member must not be employed in one of the areas of expertise listed in 3
Five members experienced in either urban planning, design, architecture, landscape architecture, natural resource management, sustainable building practices, engineering, financing, construction or management of buildings, or land development. No more than two members may be appointed from any one of these areas of expertise.
You are available to attend regularly scheduled meetings and participate in the discussions.
You want to work collaboratively with applicants and agencies to serve the public good.
You are able to share opinions in a respectful manner.

Responsibilities

Reviewing major developments within Design overlay zones
Recommending the establishment, amendment, or removal of the Design overlay zone and design districts to the Planning Commission
Recommending design guidelines for adoption by City Council
Reviewing other land use requests assigned to the Design Commission
Providing advice on design matters to the Hearings Officer, Planning Commission, Historic Landmarks Commission, Portland Development Commission, City Council, and other City Bureaus or public agencies when necessary or requested

Benefits

When we return to in-person meetings, dinner will be provided if the meeting is expected to exceed 4 hours.
Parking validation will be available if you park in the City's parking garage.

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