Our Mission:

Promoting a culture of civic engagement by connecting and supporting all Portlanders working together and with the government to build inclusive, safe and livable neighborhoods and communities.

The bureau was originally created in 1974, as a way for neighborhood associations to participate in the local government’s decision-making process. Since then our office’s programs and relationship with the public have evolved. In 2018, we changed our name to Office of Community & Civic Life (Civic Life) to better represent the work we do, the ways we support, and how we engage with all Portlanders through our distinct, yet connected programs. We partner with communities and other local government agencies to address local concerns and improve the quality of life in Portland. 

Civic Life serves as a vital communication link between community members, neighborhoods, and the City of Portland bureaus. We work in partnership with many organizations including Neighborhood Associations, District Coalitions, Business District Associations, City agencies, and a wide range of community organizations to involve and inform the public in the civic life of the City. Additionally, Civic Life provides a wide range of neighborhood livability direct services as well as information and referral services. Civic Life programs are funded through a combination of City general funds and inter-governmental agreements with other City, County, State, and Federal agencies. These Centers include: 

• Community Neighborhood Involvement Center:  CNIC can help you get involved in your neighborhood, access information, build community, support diversity and accessibility, organize a block party, clean up your neighborhood, sharpen your leadership skills, plant a tree, impact city policy, and more... Programs of CNIC include the Neighborhood Program, Diversity and Civic Leadership Program, Disability Program and the Public Involvement Best Practices Program.

• Information and Referral Center:  Providing phone and email referral to City of Portland and Multnomah County programs, services and employees through our 503-823-4000 line.

• Community Safety Program: Providing trainings and community connections for collaborative and creative safety solutions including Neighbors Together organizing, Enhanced Safety Properties, emergency communication systems navigation, personal safety, community advocacy, and National Night Out for Safety and Liberation.

• Neighborhood Livability Services Center:  Services and programs that provide a range of problem-solving tools, resources, and technical assistance to achieve a positive impact on livability and nuisance issues in the community, including Graffiti Abatement, Liquor License Notification, and Neighborhood Mediation.