The Position
The Urban Forestry Commission is comprised of 11 community members who volunteer their time to advise the City Forester, Parks Director, Commissioner in Charge of Parks and City Council on matters pertaining to trees in the City including regulations, budget, policies and plans. It also acts as an appeals board for certain tree permits, nominates new and approves removal of Heritage Trees, and plays a significant role in updates to the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan.
- Advise the City Forester, PP&R Director, Commissioner-in-Charge of PP&R, and City Council
- Providing assistance in the development, periodic reviews, and updates to the Urban Forest Management Plan, and submitting said plan updates to the City Council for approval.
- Reviewing and providing input on plans, policies, and projects developed pursuant to other City Code provisions which contain elements or which affect matters related to urban forestry and other matters to ensure that the policies of the Urban Forest Management Plan are fully considered.
- Advising the City Forester, the Director and Commissioner-in-Charge of the Bureau of Parks and Recreation, and Budget Advisory Committee on the preparation and contents of the annual Forestry Division budget request.
- Considering and making recommendations to the City Council pertaining to:
- Proposed amendments to Title 11;
- Heritage Tree nominations; and
- Other City bureau budget proposals that may substantially affect programs relating to trees and the urban forest.
Total number of advisory seats: 11 Number of seats available: 1 To Qualify
To be eligible for the advisory committee, members must
live, play, worship, go to school, work or do business in the City of Portland. What We Look For:We want people from every part of Portland 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. - You have an interest in preserving and growing Portland’s tree canopy for current and future community members.
- You believe government is better when community is involved.
- You are an advocate for equity: you want positive and long-lasting outcomes for racial, ethnic, and other communities who have been left out before. You can bring experience about racial, ethnic, and other historically marginalized residents.
- You are available to attend meetings and participate in the discussions.
Time Commitment - Monthly meetings currently take place on the third Thursday of each month from 9:30am to 11:30am. Meetings are currently held virtually but may be in-person in the future.
- Members serve a four-year term with the option to renew for a second term.
- Members are expected to prepare for meetings on their own time. Meeting materials are typically sent for review one week prior to the monthly meeting.
- Members are expected to serve on a sub-committee which may also meet monthly
We Remove BarriersLet us know if there are barriers to your participation. Public transportation or parking passes for potential in-person meetings will be available if you need those to fully participate.
Volunteer Ethics People who join this committee will become what we call “Public Officials,” which means that while you serve you must behave fair and ethically. We will provide training on this once you are accepted. Part of following Public Officials Ethics laws means you must tell the group when you or a relative may financially benefit (or avoid fees) by your recommendations. This is called a “Conflict of Interest.” If you tell us about potential Conflicts of Interest that does not mean you cannot serve, in fact, many committees have potential members with Conflicts of Interest. We appreciate your ethical inclusion of possible Conflicts of Interest on the form included in the application.
The Recruitment Process
Applications are due by 11:59pm on Sunday August 4, 2024 . To talk with someone about this opportunity or to receive assistance completing the application, please contact the advisory body staff liaison at brian.landoe@portlandoregon.gov or 503-504-0836.
Voluntary & Confidential Demographic Information:The City is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Completing the demographic information on the application is voluntary, but we encourage you to provide that information. The City uses this information to help ensure that advisory body appointments represent a broad cross-section of community. Your information will not be used during the recruitment nor the selection process. State and federal law prohibit use of this information to discriminate against you. Questions about this may be sent to AdvisoryBodies@Portlandoregon.gov
General Questions: For general questions about the Advisory Bodies program, the volunteer recruitment process, or other upcoming advisory body opportunities please email AdvisoryBodies@Portlandoregon.gov .
Additional Information
Meeting Location The Urban Forestry Commission currently is holding hybrid meetings with in-person and virtual attendance options.
City of Portland volunteers are unpaid; therefore, employment benefits are not available.
Closing Date/Time: 8/4/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
