Neighborhood Association Accuses Portland City Planners of Breaking State Law

A letter says five commission members work "principally" in real estate—two more than state law allows.

By Rachel Monahan
Cranes above the South Waterfront and Tilikum Crossing. (Carleigh Oeth)

A neighborhood association has accused Portland City Hall of breaking state law and city code by appointing too many real estate professionals to the Planning and Sustainability Commission.

The letter, sent Nov. 17 on behalf of the Multnomah Neighborhood Association in Southwest Portland, says five commission members work "principally" in real estate—two more than state law allows.

"We are requesting that the City act immediately to correct the membership violations by replacing at least three of the five members […] with citizens who can broadly represent the interests of the general public," writes land-use consultant Eben Fodor.

The complaint hinges on whether three of the members—two lawyers and an architect—work in real estate as their main job.

City officials say that those three of the members don't count as real estate professionals for purposes of the commission.

Explore more on:

City HallCity planningMultnomah Neighborhood Associationneighborhood associationsPlanning and Sustainability Commission

Rachel Monahan

Rachel Monahan

Rachel Monahan joined Willamette Week in 2016. She covers housing and City Hall.

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office.

Help us dig deeper.

Support