Volunteer; Non- Position - Historic Landmarks ; Architect Seat

Position: Volunteer (Non-Paid) Position - Historic Landmarks Commission (Architect Seat)
The Position

APPLY HERE: 2026 Historic Landmarks Commission (Architect Seat) Application

The City of Portland is seeking applications for an architect to serve a four-year term on the Historic Landmarks Commission. Applications are due by Wednesday, June 24th.

The Historic Landmarks Commission provides leadership and expertise on maintaining and enhancing Portland's historic and architectural heritage. The Commission identifies and protects buildings and other properties with historic or cultural significance or special architectural merit. It provides advice on historic preservation matters and coordinates historic preservation programs in the City. It also helps develop design guidelines for historic districts.

Commission activities include:

* Establishing or removing Historic Landmark and Conservation Landmark designations for specific buildings or sites;

* Recommending the establishment, amendment, or removal of Historic Landmark and Conservation Landmark designations to the City Council;

* Providing advice on the establishment, amendment, or removal of Historic Districts and Conservation Districts to the Planning and Sustainability Commission and the City Council;

* Recommending design guidelines for Historic Districts and Conservation Districts to the City Council;

* Reviewing development proposals for Historic Landmarks and Conservation Landmarks and in Historic Districts and Conservation Districts;

* Reviewing demolition and relocation requests for certain landmarks and buildings in Historic and Conservation Districts;

* Providing advice on historic preservation matters to the Hearings Officer, Design Commission, Planning and Sustainability Commission, Prosper Portland Board of Commissioners, other City commissions and committees, and City Council; and

* Initiating and coordinating historic preservation and public outreach programs in the City, including reviewing recommendations for placement on the National Register of Historic Places and making recommendations to other governmental agencies regarding historic preservation programs and issues.

To Qualify

To be eligible for the Historic Landmarks Commission, members must live, play, worship, work or do business in the City of Portland.

The Historic Landmarks Commission consists of seven members, none of whom may hold elective office. The Commission must include at least two members who have professional experience in historic preservation, local history, architectural history, or architecture. At least three of the additional members must have professional experience or working knowledge of historic preservation, local history, architectural history, architecture, landscape architecture, real estate, economics, construction, community development, urban planning, archeology, law, finance, cultural geography, cultural anthropology, cultural resources management, or related disciplines.

Up to two at-large members are included on Commission. All members must have demonstrated interest, competence, or knowledge of historic preservation. Members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.

This is an open recruitment for one position and the Citywill accept applications from individuals with experience in architecture, especially related to historic preservation.

The Citywillretainallapplications for consideration in future vacancies.

Desired attributes

We want people from every part of Portland here to share their voice on this committee, especially people who have not been involved before. If you want to serve your community and to help government make better choices, then we want to see your application. The attributes listed below are what will guide our selection process. It is helpful to be specific in your answers.

We do not expect you to be or have everything listed.

* You believe in the value of public participation in government processes.

* You are an advocate for those who have been left out of City policy making efforts.

* You have a passion for protecting Portland's unique history.

* You can work collaboratively and effectively with people representing diverse interests in serving the public good.

* You are available to attend all meetings and participate in the discussions.

* You can share opinions respectfully.

Terms and time commitment

* The Historic Landmarks Commission traditionally meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month, beginning at 1:30 p.m. Most meetings last between three and four hours. All meetings are held online.

* Members serve a term of four years.

* Members are expected to prepare for meetings on their own time and arrive ready to discuss agenda items. Meeting materials for review are typically sent one week in advance.

We remove barriers

Please let us know if there are barriers to your participation. When we return to in-person meetings, dinner will be provided if the meeting is expected to exceed four hours.

Volunteer ethics

Those who serve on this advisory body are considered to be public officials, which means that you…