The Portland model of neighbourhood associations

Portland is home to 95 formally recognised, independent neighbourhood associations, covering the entire city. These neighbourhoods are divided into seven coalition areas with a district office in each providing technical and community assistance to their member neighbourhood associations.

The district coalitions receive funding from the City of Portland with the city’s Office of Neighbourhood Involvement providing support services. Traditionally, about $1.2 million is budgeted to support the seven district coalition offices. The system also includes 40 neighbourhood business district associations and, since 2006, it has expanded to engage city-wide community organisations that work with people of colour, immigrants and refugees. The City has funded leadership training and community organising by these groups and encourages partnerships between these groups and the traditional neighbourhood associations.

The neighbourhood associations play a critical role in providing information to decision-makers about the needs and priorities of the city’s many neighbourhoods. They play a mediating role and attempt to connect community groups to the governing body and its processes for policy formation, budgeting, and service delivery. The associations have led to increased participation in local democracy and better advice for councils.