Have a passion for architecture, development and public spaces? Consider joining the Portland Design Commission.

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Source: Have a passion for architecture, development and public spaces? Consider joining the Portland Design Commission. ↗ Last modified: Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:08:04 GMT

Purpose and roles of the Portland Design Commission

The Design Commission provides leadership and expertise on urban design and architecture in design overlay zones throughout the City of Portland. 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:

1. Reviewing major developments within Design overlay zones;
2. Recommending the establishment, amendment, or removal of the Design overlay zone and design districts to the Planning and Sustainability Commission;
3. Recommending design guidelines for adoption by City Council except for guidelines for Historic Districts and Conservation Districts;
4. Reviewing other land use requests assigned to the Design Commission; and
5. Providing advice on design matters to the Hearings Officer, Planning Commission, Historic Landmarks Commission, Prosper Portland Commission, City Council, and other City bureaus or public agencies when necessary or requested.

Eligibility

To be eligible to serve on the Design Commission, members must live, play, worship, work or do business in the City of Portland.

The Design Commission consists of seven members, none of whom may hold elective office. The Commission must include: a representative of the Regional Arts and Culture Council, one person representing the public at-large, and five members experienced in either urban planning, design, architecture, landscape architecture, natural resource management, sustainable building practices or land development. No more than two members may be appointed from any one of these areas of expertise.

The Regional Arts and Culture Council member is nominated by the Regional Arts and Culture Council chair and approved by the Mayor. The other members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The term shall be four years, limited to a maximum of two consecutive full terms.

This is an open recruitment, and the City is seeking applications from interested urban planning, design, architecture, landscape architecture, natural resource management, sustainable building practices or land development professionals. One position will be open as of March 15, 2024. The other position will be open as of Nov. 2, 2024.

Desired attributes

We want people from every part of Portland here to share their voices 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 to be specific in your answers. We do not expect you to be or have everything listed.  

• You believe in the value of public participation in government processes.
• You are an advocate for racial equity: you want positive and long-lasting outcomes for racial and ethnic communities who have been left out before.
• You can work collaboratively and effectively with people representing diverse interests.
• You are available to attend all meetings and participate in the discussions.
• You want to work collaboratively with applicants and agencies to serve the public good.
• You can share opinions respectfully.