About the Charter Review
The Multnomah County Home Rule Charter is the local version of a constitution. It establishes the governance framework for the County and describes the structure, organization, and powers of the county government.
As a governance document, the charter provides the foundation for how Multnomah County operates. More specific rules are in the County Code, which acts to operationalize the charter. The Code is the law of the County, whereas policies are generally set forth in resolutions or internal documents. The charter can only be amended through voter approval. The last time the charter was updated was in 2022.
Multnomah County’s Charter requires that a Charter Review Committee (CRC) made up of community members be convened every six years to perform a comprehensive study of the charter. Regular reviews of the charter are intended to ensure that the document remains consistent with the community’s values and needs. The CRC’s goal is to assess whether there are changes to the charter it thinks would better align it with those values and needs. If the CRC believes changes are needed, it can propose Charter amendments that the Board will submit to the voters of Multnomah County to decide via ballot.
Timeline
The next charter review process begins in 2027, and will run through 2028. The CRC will spend 12-14 months conducting research, which may include facilitating community engagement, and generating public input to inform an evaluation of the county charter. The CRC will present its findings and proposed amendments to the Board of County Commissioners in the spring or fall of 2028. Proposed changes will appear on the 2028 primary or general election ballot.