City Of Portland Seeks Applicants For The Historic Landmarks Commission

The City of Portland is seeking applicants for a four-year term on the Historic Landmarks Commission, with applications due by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly people of color, are encouraged to apply for this volunteer role, which is crucial in preserving Portland’s historic and architectural legacy.

The Historic Landmarks Commission plays a key role in maintaining the city’s heritage. It provides guidance on preservation efforts, identifies and protects buildings and sites of cultural or architectural significance, and helps develop design guidelines for historic districts. The commission advises the City Council and other bodies on historic preservation issues and reviews development proposals, demolition requests, and landmark designations.

Members of the commission are responsible for establishing or removing Historic Landmark and Conservation Landmark designations and recommending changes to these designations to the City Council. They provide advice on the creation, modification, or removal of historic and conservation districts and review proposals for development, demolition, and relocation within these districts. The commission also provides input on preservation matters to various city commissions and helps coordinate public outreach programs related to historic preservation.

To be eligible for the commission, applicants must live, work, play, worship, or do business in the City of Portland. The commission consists of seven members, none of whom may hold elective office. At least two members must have professional experience in historic preservation or related fields such as architecture, local history, or architectural history. Three other members must have expertise in disciplines like landscape architecture, real estate, construction, urban planning, or community development. Up to two at-large members with a demonstrated interest in historic preservation may also serve. All appointments are made by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. This recruitment is for one position starting in June 2025, though the City will retain applications for consideration in future vacancies.

The City is seeking applicants who believe in public participation and value racial equity, particularly those who have a passion for protecting Portland’s unique history. Candidates should be able to collaborate effectively with others and engage in respectful dialogue while serving the public good. Commitment to attending all meetings and preparing for discussions is essential.

The Historic Landmarks Commission typically meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 1:30 p.m., with meetings lasting three to four hours. While meetings are currently held online, in-person or hybrid formats may be introduced later, with in-person meetings at 1900 SW 4th Avenue in downtown Portland. Members serve four-year terms and are expected to review meeting materials in advance to participate fully in discussions. Parking validation will be available for in-person meetings.

Those serving on the commission are considered public officials and must adhere to Oregon’s government ethics laws, including the disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. If a commission member or their relative stands to benefit financially from a recommendation, they are required to disclose this conflict. This does not disqualify them from serving, as many committees include members with potential conflicts of interest.

Applications for this position are due no later than 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. Interested individuals can apply through the City of Portland’s website. For assistance with the application or to discuss this opportunity, applicants can contact Staci Monroe, the staff liaison, at [email protected] or 503-865-6516. The City values diversity and encourages applicants to provide voluntary demographic information, which will be kept confidential and not used in the recruitment or selection process.

For general inquiries about the City of Portland’s Advisory Bodies program, recruitment process, or other upcoming advisory opportunities, individuals can email [email protected].