The Citizen Involvement Committee (CIC) will involve, educate, empower and integrate the people of Multnomah County into all aspects of policy - and decision-making within county governments. The CIC does not involve itself in the merits of issues, but rather with the merits of the processes which shape the issues.

Three members come from each of our four commission districts, nominated by citizens participation organizations, neighborhood association, neighborhood district coalitions, or community groups. Three additional members are chosen at-large, representing various civic boards and grassroots non-profit groups in the county. Membership is diverse in all respects.

Staff support is provided by the Office of Citizen Involvement whose purpose is to support the CIC's work. The OCI staff are county employees hired by the Committee. The OCI has two staff by county ordinance. In the past, the OCI has had up to three staff including the coordinator for the CBAC program.

In 2004, CIC is engaged in an assessment of citizen participation in the county. This has included interviewing citizens who are currently participating in county committees, staff that work with citizens and members of the community. The goal is to identify ways to improve two-way communication between the county and citizens. The committee may establish new citizen involvement programs, modify existing programs, identify areas for further research and make recommendations to the county's elected officials based on this assessment.

As a result of a preliminary report from this assessment, the Citizen Involvement Committee has begun two new programs. One is a citizen advocate program designed to assist citizens who are currently active on various county boards and commissions. The other is a regular ongoing review of citizen participation opportunities in each county agency.

In addition, the CIC:

• Coordinates the Citizen Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC) process;
• Gives the annual Gladys McCoy Award for outstanding community service;
• Organizes an annual volunteer appreciation and awards ceremony for all county departments;
• conducts public forums;
• nominates individuals to county boards and commission;
• produces and distributes both regular and special publications [ CONDUIT Newsletter, Facilities Siting Handbook ];
• participates in local and regional citizen involvement activities, such as, the Metro Committee for Citizen Involvement (MCCI);

The Citizens Involvement Committee (CIC) of Multnomah County, Oregon was created by a vote of the people in 1984. The County Charter establishes:

• the Office of Citizen Involvement to develop and maintain citizen involvement programs and procedures designed to facilitate direct communication between citizens and the board of county commissioners;
• a citizens' committee with sufficient funds for operation of the office and the committee and;
• the authority of the committee to hire and fire its own staff.

Citizen Involvement - Multnomah County Charter

Ordinance Enabling CIC - Chapter 3 Multnomah County Code

CIC Bylaws