Participatory Democracy in Portland: 1974 – 2024
A Half Century of Neighborhood Empowerment

February 7th marks 50 years since the City of Portland adopted its nationally-recognized system of community engagement. It’s time to celebrate this important milestone!
Emerging from an era of political turmoil and a surge in grassroots activism, a novel program of publicly funded citizen participation was enacted by the Portland City Council in 1974. It has proven to be an enduring model for encouraging effective, informed participation at the community level.
As Portland’s governmental structure changes and new voices emerge on the political landscape, what have we learned and what should we fight to maintain of the vaunted program that has become a textbook case of participatory democracy?

Paul Leistner, one of Portland’s foremost authorities on Section 3.96 of City Code, which outlines the purposes, objectives and mechanisms of the program now administered by the Office of Community and Civic Life, guides us through the history, visions and value of the City’s system – and what we should continue to strive for in ensuring full-throated community participation in public policy and governmental programs and services.

See PDF for full article. SW News February 2024 PDF