Volunteer; Non- Position - Portland Utility Board

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The Portland Utility Board’s purpose is to provide oversight to Portland Public Utilities including Bureau of Environmental Services and Portland Water Bureau and advise City Council on behalf of the people of Portland on matters related to water, sewer, stormwater, and watershed services. Some of the important work we’ve done recently includes providing feedback on the bureaus’ financial assistance programs, sewer and stormwater rate recommendations, and City organizational structure related to utilities, natural resources, and One Water.

The Board is composed of 11 voting members who typically serve three-year terms and 3 ex‑officio non‑voting members from the Bureau of Environmental Services and Portland Water Bureau who serve 1-year terms and provide additional technical knowledge. One voting member is reserved for a current employee of the Bureau of Environmental Services or Portland Water Bureau who is in a represented bargaining unit (union).

The Mayor and Council strive to have the Portland Utility Board reflect the diversity of Portland. Visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). to learn more about the Portland Utility Board.

To be eligible for the advisory committee, members must live, play, worship, go to school, work or do business in the City of Portland. Serving on the Portland Utility Board (PUB) is a unique opportunity to give community voice, perspective, and influence on the budget and policy decisions of the Portland Water Bureau, Bureau of Environmental Services, and City Council.

The Portland Utility Board is looking to build a board that reflects a broad range of perspectives, lived experiences, community connections, and volunteer and work experience, allowing the Board to provide balanced oversight to help the Utilities meet the needs of the community they serve. The Board looks for members who will advocate for communities they represent and are connected to as well as give voice to those who are not in the room.

Portland Utility Board Members have the opportunity to gain knowledge about the inner workings of the Portland Water Bureau and Bureau of Environmental Services; the policy and budget issues related to water, sewer and stormwater; as well as how City government works. As a member you would have the chance to use and develop your skills and experience working on a collaborative board and presenting recommendations to Bureau leadership and elected officials.

Please apply if any of these describe you:

• You are an advocate for anti‑racism, equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice.
• You believe in the value of contributing to the community and to good governance.
• You have an interest in water, sewer, storm water, affordability, public and watershed health, building resilience, or environmental justice in this time of climate crisis.
• You are committed to collaboration, transparency, and accountability.

No prior experience serving on boards or working with utilities is necessary, just an interest in and commitment to these topics. You might have just the experience, skill, or interest to complement the team!

Term length:
Three‑year term to begin summer 2026 and end in 2029.

Board members estimate the monthly time commitment to be 7‑15 hours, depending on optional participation in projects. Some additional details are available online.

• Monthly meetings:
  Board work is primarily conducted in two monthly board meetings during standard business hours. Currently, the Board meets virtually on the first Tuesdays, 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm, and third Thursdays, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. Time and location subject to change by a Board decision and support provided to allow participation, whether virtual or in‑person.
• Outside of Meetings:
  Members generally commit approximately 4 hours per month reviewing materials to prepare for meetings, participating in Administrative Review Committees, and/or working on special projects or subcommittees.
• Onboarding:
  New members may need approximately 4‑10 hours for initial onboarding and training, available virtually and can take…