I just heard back and they are actually shelving those changes to the code which is honestly kind of shocking but in the best way possible. I feel like we really pulled off something wild here because keeping those neighborhood associations intact matters so much for how we keep this …
October 9, 2019
Final supporters
City Code Chapter 3.96 Proposed Changes
Please sign this petition to stop Portland City Council from changing Code 3.96 and eliminating the influence of your neighborhood association.
In the 1970s, City Council created a system of neighborhood associations as the officially recognized channel for community involvement in City decision-making. Council granted neighborhood associations a formal role determining neighborhood needs, advising the City on budget decisions, and representing neighborhoods’ interests in land use and development decisions.
The City bureau is proposing to dispense with all such requirements for transparent governance. The rationale given is that since neighborhood associations are composed of volunteers, they cannot be held to standards of public officials for transparency, accountability, and conflicts of interest – this is simply not true.
Neighborhood associations are by definition geographically inclusive of all their residents, and can more easily be held – as they should be – to that higher standard of open, transparent and democratic governance.
At present, neighborhood associations for the most part do adhere to standards for public meetings and records, open elections, and disclosures of potential conflicts of interest, and in our view these requirements should be formalized, not relaxed.
Our view is that neighborhood associations can and should be valuable (even essential) partners in promoting greater equity and inclusiveness in our city.
Updates
July 26, 2019
I just looked at the screen and saw 1000 names staring back at me which is actually wild considering I started this on my couch while feeling completely fed up with the city. I honestly did not think this would catch on this fast but here we are and it just goes to show how much people care about having a seat at the table.
Reached 1,000 supporters
July 24, 2019
Reached 100 supporters
July 18, 2019
July 17, 2019
I checked the screen and we are just hovering right under that hundred mark which is funny because I keep thinking about how much work it took to get this far but we really need a few more people to jump on before I head over to talk to the council office people. It honestly feels like the energy is building up and if we just push a little harder right now it might actually get them to pay attention to what we are saying.
503 Comments
Keep the neighborhood associations. City of Portland making a big mistake to even suggest doing them away. There are better ways of inclusion of disadvantaged groups, but it should not be at the expense of disempowering neighborhood associations.
The proposed changes will allow the NA's to operate without following open meeting rules. In other words, there will be less transparency and accountability than there is now. Don't dismantle Portland's unique and effective grassroots neighborhood system!
The new code would strip all power from organizations (including neighborhood associations) and give recognition only to those on a list created by Suk Rhee. This is about taking power from the people and giving it to an unelected autocrat.
NAs aren't perfect, but they provide a mechanism for communication between the city and neighbors who may be personally affected by city actions. City Council may not like what neighbors say, but it's up to Council to convince people about their point of view.
Neighborhood Associations are most times the only way residents hear about what the city is doing or proposing to do. Do not take this important form of communication away from us all. You claim communication is essential, but do you really feel that way.
I am ardent supporter of neighborhood associations. I am concerned with the dictatorial strong arming that Chloe Eudaly has wielded during her term. Ignoring citizens and bullying everyone who disagrees with her. She is like Trump and must be stopped.
Please leave our neighborhood associations alone. They are working well.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Copy link or share directly
I just heard back and they are actually shelving those changes to the code which is honestly kind of shocking but in the best way possible. I feel like we really pulled off something wild here because keeping those neighborhood associations intact matters so much for how we keep this …
October 9, 2019
Final supporters
City Code Chapter 3.96 Proposed Changes
Please sign this petition to stop Portland City Council from changing Code 3.96 and eliminating the influence of your neighborhood association.
In the 1970s, City Council created a system of neighborhood associations as the officially recognized channel for community involvement in City decision-making. Council granted neighborhood associations a formal role determining neighborhood needs, advising the City on budget decisions, and representing neighborhoods’ interests in land use and development decisions.
The City bureau is proposing to dispense with all such requirements for transparent governance. The rationale given is that since neighborhood associations are composed of volunteers, they cannot be held to standards of public officials for transparency, accountability, and conflicts of interest – this is simply not true.
Neighborhood associations are by definition geographically inclusive of all their residents, and can more easily be held – as they should be – to that higher standard of open, transparent and democratic governance.
At present, neighborhood associations for the most part do adhere to standards for public meetings and records, open elections, and disclosures of potential conflicts of interest, and in our view these requirements should be formalized, not relaxed.
Our view is that neighborhood associations can and should be valuable (even essential) partners in promoting greater equity and inclusiveness in our city.
Updates
July 26, 2019
I just looked at the screen and saw 1000 names staring back at me which is actually wild considering I started this on my couch while feeling completely fed up with the city. I honestly did not think this would catch on this fast but here we are and it just goes to show how much people care about having a seat at the table.
Reached 1,000 supporters
July 24, 2019
Reached 100 supporters
July 18, 2019
July 17, 2019
I checked the screen and we are just hovering right under that hundred mark which is funny because I keep thinking about how much work it took to get this far but we really need a few more people to jump on before I head over to talk to the council office people. It honestly feels like the energy is building up and if we just push a little harder right now it might actually get them to pay attention to what we are saying.
503 Comments
Neighborhood Associations play an important role in communicating specific needs/issues/problems/opinions of the neighborhood, including my association in Overlook. It is arrogant of city council to think about not having them part of the civic process.
Keep the neighborhood associations. City of Portland making a big mistake to even suggest doing them away. There are better ways of inclusion of disadvantaged groups, but it should not be at the expense of disempowering neighborhood associations.
The proposed changes will allow the NA's to operate without following open meeting rules. In other words, there will be less transparency and accountability than there is now. Don't dismantle Portland's unique and effective grassroots neighborhood system!
The new code would strip all power from organizations (including neighborhood associations) and give recognition only to those on a list created by Suk Rhee. This is about taking power from the people and giving it to an unelected autocrat.
NAs aren't perfect, but they provide a mechanism for communication between the city and neighbors who may be personally affected by city actions. City Council may not like what neighbors say, but it's up to Council to convince people about their point of view.
Neighborhood Associations are most times the only way residents hear about what the city is doing or proposing to do. Do not take this important form of communication away from us all. You claim communication is essential, but do you really feel that way.
I am ardent supporter of neighborhood associations. I am concerned with the dictatorial strong arming that Chloe Eudaly has wielded during her term. Ignoring citizens and bullying everyone who disagrees with her. She is like Trump and must be stopped.
Please leave our neighborhood associations alone. They are working well.
Share Petition
Don't stop at signing, share the petition link with friends to multiply our impact
Petitions like this
Other petitions you might want to support
Scan to share
Anyone who scans this can sign the petition.
Neighborhood Associations play an important role in communicating specific needs/issues/problems/opinions of the neighborhood, including my association in Overlook. It is arrogant of city council to think about not having them part of the civic process.