Who May File a Complaint:
- Any County services customer (Example: person who has received services from: the Health Department, Library, and County Human Services (Aging, Disability and Veteran services), Community Justice, County Management, Homeless Services) who wishes to file a complaint alleging discrimination on the basis of disability in the provision of services, activities, programs, or benefits by Multnomah County.
NOTE for outside County services customer:
- If you have a grievance with an outside agency (employer, landlord, Portland Police, City of Portland, Multnomah County Sheriff, Multnomah County Court, local stores and businesses) please reach out to the Multnomah County Ombudsperson or the City of Portland Ombudsperson Office.
NOTE for County Staff: For employment-related complaints of disability discrimination, please refer to Multnomah County's Personnel Policies and contact Central Human Resources/503-988-5015.
How to File a Complaint:
- Written if possible, though alternative means may be used as necessary upon request, such as an oral interview or tape recording with written or oral affirmation.
- Contact Information: Include the name, address and contact information of the complainant and specific information related to the alleged discrimination, including the location, date, nature and description of the action(s) and identity of any individuals involved.
- Filed as soon as possible, but no later than sixty (60) calendar days after the alleged discriminatory conduct.
- To file a complaint with Multnomah County, please fill out our online complaint webform
What Happens After a Complaint is Filed
Step One: Interview and Inquiry
The Civil Rights Administrator or designee will refer the case to the appropriate program staff within fifteen (15) days of receipt to discuss the details of the complaint and explore options for resolution.
Step Two: Determination
Within fifteen (15) calendar days of meeting with the complainant, the Civil Rights Administrator or the responding program staff will respond in writing, and where appropriate, in a format accessible to the complainant, to explain the County’s position and offer options for substantive resolution of the complaint, if any.
Step Two: Resolution and Right to Appeal
If the complainant is not satisfied with the proposed resolution, they may appeal this determination by notifying the Civil Rights Administrator within fifteen (15) calendar days of receiving this response. Any appeal will be heard directly by Multnomah County’s Chief Diversity and Equity Officer. The appeals process will be similar to the original complaint process, concluding with a final resolution of the complaint.
Last reviewed January 2026