Portland City Council Proposes Changes to Improve Committee Structure and Public Engagement

Portland City Council is taking significant steps to enhance public engagement and streamline its committee structure following a special meeting held on August 13, 2025. The council is considering a proposal aimed at increasing the frequency of council meetings and improving the public's ability to communicate with elected officials.

During the meeting, council members discussed the need for a more effective committee system. Testifiers, including Terry Harris and Donna Cohen, emphasized that the current structure is inadequate for addressing the city's governance challenges. Harris pointed out that simply increasing the number of meetings will not resolve the workload issues; instead, a commitment to utilizing committees effectively is essential. He advocated for a "Committee of the Whole" approach, which would allow for broader discussions and more efficient handling of public input.

Cohen echoed these sentiments, highlighting the difficulties residents face in accessing council meetings and providing testimony. She noted that the wait time to speak at council meetings has increased significantly, limiting opportunities for public participation. Cohen urged the council to ensure that all districts are represented in policy committees and to allow for open public communication during meetings.

The council is now tasked with reviewing these proposals and considering amendments that could reshape how it operates. The discussions reflect a growing recognition of the importance of public input in governance and the need for a more responsive city council. As the council moves forward, the implications of these changes could lead to a more engaged community and a more effective governance structure in Portland.