9.29.26 Board Briefing

The Multnomah County Board held a briefing and work session on September 30, 2026, covering the Community Involvement Committee (CIC) and the county’s Hybrid Work Initiative (HWI). The CIC presented recommendations to strengthen countywide community-engagement infrastructure, reduce participation barriers, and improve continuity in future charter reviews. Recommendations included earlier planning, cross-department coordination, preserving lessons learned, and considering additional permanent staffing and resources for the Office of Community Involvement. Commissioners discussed the recommendations and requested more detailed supporting materials; no vote or funding decision was taken.

The HWI discussion focused on implementation, employee impacts, facilities readiness, and costs. County staff reported that departments assessed 61 buildings: 37 were identified as needing no changes, about nine may need minor adjustments, and about 15 require further analysis. The county has not yet produced a full cost forecast; officials said one-time setup costs will be assessed and tracked, with funding decisions involving departments, the COO’s office, and the budget office. Existing-space operating costs were included in the FY2027 budget, while future costs and possible offsets remain under review. An ASME representative estimated that building out 1,600 cubicles at roughly $17,000 each could exceed $27 million, but county officials said the actual need and cost are not yet established. Individual technology purchases would use existing IT channels. Commissioners requested further information on costs, employee impacts, and accommodations. No contract awards, procurement approvals, or votes were reported.