Portland Seeks Seven New Design Commissioners for Urban Development Oversight
Two seats on the city's Design Commission will open in 2027, prompting a search for experts in architecture, planning, and public art to shape the city's built environment.
By Simon Bennett ·
The City of Portland is recruiting new members for its Design Commission to fill two vacancies scheduled to open in 2027. The commission serves as a key advisory body for urban design, specifically within designated overlay zones where neighborhood character and public space quality are prioritized.
The board currently has seven seats. Two positions will become available on May 14, 2027, and July 1, 2027. The city is seeking candidates who bring diverse backgrounds to the table, with a specific goal of including residents who have not previously participated in local government processes.
The commission's primary role is to review major development projects in design overlay zones. These zones are areas where the city has identified a need to preserve specific aesthetic or structural qualities. The body recommends design guidelines to the City Council and advises other agencies, including the Planning Commission and Historic Landmarks Commission, on land use requests.
Eligibility requires that members live, work, play, or worship in Portland. No member may hold elective office. The composition of the group is fixed by rule: one member must have public art experience, one must represent the general public, and five must have professional experience in fields such as architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning, or sustainable building practices. A maximum of two members can be appointed from any single area of expertise.
Applicants must be prepared for a substantial time commitment. The commission traditionally meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month. Sessions begin at 1:30 p.m. and are held virtually via Zoom. While most meetings last between two and four hours, the duration can extend to six hours depending on the agenda. A third meeting may be added in months with high volume. Members are expected to review agenda materials, typically sent one week in advance, on their own time.
Terms of service are four years, with a limit of two consecutive full terms. Appointments are made by the mayor and require confirmation by the City Council. The city emphasizes that commissioners are public officials and must adhere to Oregon state ethics laws. This includes disclosing any potential conflicts of interest where a member or relative might financially benefit from a recommendation.
The recruitment process encourages specificity in applications. The city looks for candidates who value public participation, work collaboratively with diverse interests, and can share opinions respectfully. The selection process aims to ensure the commission reflects a broad cross-section of the community.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 13, 2026. Prospective candidates can contact Tim Heron, the staff liaison, for assistance. He can be reached at tim.heron@portlandoregon.gov or by phone at 503-823-7726. General questions about the advisory body program can be sent to AdvisoryBodies@Portlandoregon.gov.
The city states that demographic information collected is voluntary and confidential. It is not used during the selection process, a practice protected by state and federal law. The commission’s current members and its 2025 Guide to Design Review are available on the city’s website for those interested in the body's recent work.
When hybrid meetings resume, parking validation will be provided for commissioners attending in person at the garage on 1900 SW 4th Avenue. The city will provide ethics training to newly appointed members to ensure they understand their responsibilities as public officials.
