Do you love libraries? Do you have a passion for civic infrastructure and the common good? Lend your expertise to Multnomah County Library’s Bond Oversight Committee and help the library fulfill its promise to the people of Multnomah County!
Background
On November 3, 2020, Multnomah County voters overwhelmingly said yes to libraries, approving Measure 26-211, which will allow Multnomah County Library to:
- Enlarge and update seven branch libraries, including Albina Library, Belmont Library, Holgate Library, Midland Library, North Portland Library, Northwest Library and St. Johns Library
- Build a library in East Multnomah County, similar in size to Central Library in downtown Portland
- Make broadband improvements
- Create a central materials handling and distribution center to increase efficiency and cost effectiveness
Purpose of the Bond Oversight Committee
The Bond Oversight Committee is a new oversight committee that will meet quarterly to review progress on Measure 26-211. The committee will keep the library accountable and transparent in its use of bond funds to expand and modernize library spaces.
Committee members will:
- Monitor the progress of bond projects related to voter-approved work scope, schedule, and expenditures
- Consider and provide advice on proposed changes or project modifications to achieve goals and to align with project principles, and/or if inflationary increases in construction costs exceed current budget estimates
- Make recommendations to the Library District Board for approval, including discussion of possible impacts on historically underserved populations and neighborhoods
- Ensure transparency and accountability in activities and outcomes
- Hear directly from members of the public who may attend meetings or offer input through other means
- Issue a public report at least annually to the Library District Board that assesses performance, challenges, and outcomes; and that includes the committee’s recommendations, if any
The committee will report its findings and recommendations annually with a public written report to the Board of County Commissioners (who also serve as the Library District Board).
The Oversight Committee’s charge does not include contractor or other firm selection; review and approval of construction contracts, plans, or schedules; design review and approval; or policymaking responsibilities.
What we’re looking for
The library is looking for 8-12 Bond Oversight committee members who live or work in Multnomah County and who have experience, skills, and knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
- Building design, architecture, engineering
- Construction and/or construction financing
- Public contracting, finance, and/or auditing
- Business equity, Minority-Owned, Women-Owned, or Emerging Small Business (MWESB) opportunities in public works
- Sustainability
- Civic infrastructure or public works
- General business
Applicants’ backgrounds in the areas above will guide the selection process, and the library’s goal is that committee membership will reflect a diversity of backgrounds, viewpoints, and professional and lived experience. Members will not represent any specific organization, jurisdiction, or other entity.
Members will be appointed by the Library District Board.
Committee member commitments
- Attend two- to three-hour meetings at least three times a year online or in person when it’s safe to gather
- Spend an additional one to two hours preparing for meetings
- Contribute to development of a public report presented annually to the Library District Board
- Serve a two- or three-year term (which may be renewed for a total of two terms or six years)
- Comply with applicable County personnel rules and State of Oregon ethics laws
How to apply
Applications are due July 15 and will be reviewed immediately after the due date. Conversations with applicants will take place over the summer, and we anticipate the committee will hold its first meeting in September 2021.
Complete our online application.
To talk with someone about this opportunity or to receive assistance completing the application, please contact the library at libraryspaces@multco.us or 503-988-5403.
A PDF application is available. If you prefer to submit a PDF, please email your PDF application form to libraryspaces@multcolib.org or mail a printed copy to Library Director’s Office, 919 NE 19th Avenue, Suite 250, Portland, OR 97232.