Clackamas County Community Planning Organizations (CPOs) are run by and made up of citizen volunteers — your neighbors and friends who care about livability and growth issues in their communities.
CPOs are advisory to the Planning Division, Planning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners on land use matters affecting their communities.
The County notifies CPOs of proposed land use actions and legislative changes within or near their boundaries. CPOs may review these applications and recommend approval or denial or provide input and ask questions.
Open government
The Oregon Public Meetings Law (ORS 192) requires that meetings of advisory bodies be open to the public. A CPO is a public body which makes decisions and recommendations, and therefore is subject to the Public Meetings Law. The Public Meetings Law requires that written minutes be taken at all meetings, and forwarded to Community Involvement as part of the county CPO recognition requirements.
Committee for Communtiy Involvement
The Committee for Community Involvement (CCI) is a volunteer citizen advisory board appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. The CCI does not involve itself with the merits of specific land use issues, but promotes and enhances citizen involvement in the land use process. Though separate from CPOs, CCI members are generally active within their own CPOs. CCI provides CPO support, training, mentoring and education.
Role of Community Affairs
The Community Affairs Specialist is the liaison to the Clackamas County CPOs, providing information, referral and support, which includes:
- Assisting in the official recognition of CPOs by keeping current bylaws, minutes, names and contact information of officers on file for the public;
- Providing up to $150 annual reimbursement for eligible CPO activities;
- Acting as a resource and referral for information about the county;
- Assisting with formation or reactivation of CPOs;
- Facilitating citizen involvement training sessions and may be reached by calling 503-655-8552; or by visiting the Public Services Building, 2051 Kaen Road, Public and Government Affairs, Oregon City.