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Get involved

PDC strives to involve and inform citizens in decisions that affect our community's quality of life.

Public Participation  

As a public agency, PDC understands that involving the public in its projects, programs and decision making is essential in creating:

  • Better projects that enhance community livability, sustainability and pride
  • Citizen ownership of urban renewal projects, programs and decisions
  • Public trust in the city’s urban renewal and economic development efforts
  • Stronger collaborative partnerships with residents, local businesses and community leaders

PDC is committed to the following guiding principles for public participation:

  • The foundation of successful public participation is opening channels of communication early with partners and stakeholders and developing collaborative working relationships with them.
  • Careful consideration will be given to input and feedback from partners and stakeholders.
  • The degree, timing, manner and outcomes of public participation activities will vary to suit the circumstances and magnitude of a particular project or decision, and facilitate maximum public participation.

PDC is committed to broadening and strengthening its public participation efforts in the Portland community in the following ways:

  • Public Participation Policy
    PDC’s citizen-volunteer Board of Commissioners employs a Public Participation Policy and Urban Renewal Advisory Committee (URAC) Policy in PDC’s planning and decision making.
  • Public Participation Manual
    PDC has developed a Public Participation Manual to guide PDC staff in planning and carrying out effective participation. A variety of public engagement tools and strategies are included in the manual.
  • Urban Renewal Advisory Committees (URACs)/Policy
    PDC staff most often engage the public through the creation of URAC Committees that advise PDC on the implementation of specific URA Plans. PDC created a URAC Policy to guide the operation of these committees.
  • Project Advisory Committees
    Committees are also created to advise on specific projects. The Public Participation Manual provides direction for the function and operations of these project advisory committees. In addition, each advisory group convened by PDC, whether it is ad-hoc or permanent, has a charter that clearly identifies its mission and function.

Contact us

We welcome your feedback and ideas on how we can continue to improve and expand our public participation efforts.

  • Keith Witcosky, 503-823-3243 or email
  • Juanita Swartwood, 503-823-3209 or email
  • Julie Rawls, 503-823-3294 or email