Volunteer (Non-Paid) Position - Planning Commission
The Position
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APPLY HERE: 2026 Planning Commission Application
The Planning Commission makes recommendations to City Council on the City’s long-range goals, policies, and programs for land use and planning. In making recommendations, it considers the economic, environmental, and social well-being of the city in an integrated fashion. The Commission has specific responsibility for guiding, developing, maintaining, and updating the development and maintenance of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and zoning code. The Commission deliberates using a climate and equity lens and is committed to effective public involvement and leadership in its work.
The Planning Commission consists of nine members, none of whom may hold public elective office. The members are appointed by the Mayor and are confirmed by the City Council. The membership of the Planning Commission aims to include a broad representation of Portland’s community and reflect the dynamic nature of this changing city.
Total number of Commission seats: 9
Number of seats available: 5 (4 in March 2027 and 1 in June 2027) including one 2-year youth position, aged 18-25 at the start of the appointment.
Who Can Join
To be eligible for the Planning Commission, members must live, play, worship, work or do business in the city of Portland.
Per City Code
- No more than two members of the Planning Commission may be engaged in the same occupation, business, trade, or profession.
- No more than two members of the Commission may be individuals, or members of any partnership, or officers or employees of any corporation that engages principally in the buying, selling, leasing, or developing of real estate for profit.
To Qualify
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The City seeks members who represent the diversity of the city and bring professional expertise or lived experience to inform their deliberations on a wide variety of long-range land use planning issues facing Portland. We encourage you to apply even if you have not previously held a position on a City board or commission and are interested in serving your community.
Youth Commissioner Position
Due to the long-range, future-oriented planning projects the Commission reviews, a youth perspective is especially important. One position is reserved for a community member aged 18-25 upon appointment. Current students, new graduates, young professionals, and members of community organizations are all encouraged to apply.
Terms and Time Commitment
Generally, members serve a term of 4 years and may apply to be appointed for a second 4-year term. The Youth Commissioner appointment is a 2-year term.
Full Commission meetings are held in a hybrid format. Members and staff are encouraged to attend in person, and the public may attend in person or via Zoom (or watch via YouTube). Generally, Commission meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month beginning at 12:30 p.m. and the 4th Tuesday of the month beginning at 5 p.m.
The typical time commitment for Commission members includes two 3-4-hour monthly meetings, preparation time prior to each meeting to read staff reports and public testimony, as well as occasional additional time on work groups. Commissioners are expected to prepare for meetings on their own time and arrive ready to discuss meeting materials and agenda items. The Recruitment Process
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APPLY HERE: 2026 Planning Commission Application
Applications are due by 11:59pm on Monday, September 13, 2026
Online submission is the preferred, fastest method to get the application into the hands of the selection committee. We suggest you pre-write and save your answers in a separate document to keep your own copy and to prevent loss of your work from internet disruptions. You may request to submit a Word version of the application. Email AdvisoryBodies@portlandoregon.gov to request a Word version.
To receive assistance completing the application, please email AdvisoryBodies@Portlandoregon.gov.
Voluntary & Confidential Demographic Information
We encourage you to provide voluntary demographic information on the application. The City uses this information to ensure that advisory body appointments represent a broad cross section of community. Your individual information will not be used during the recruitment nor the selection process. State and federal law prohibit the 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.
We Encourage You to Apply
We welcome you to browse our website to learn more about the work of the Planning Commission. Do you have more questions or need more information? Please email pc@portlandoregon.gov.
