What's Next
The 180-day signature window closed on July 20, 2026 without the signatures needed to convene a charter commission. The question it raised is now part of the November election, and the work continues.
Where We Are
Paths Forward
City and county resolution
The City-County Act allows the city council and county commission to initiate consolidation proceedings themselves, by resolution, with no petition at all. With leadership changes coming to both bodies this November, that path is realistic.
Restart the petition
The petition route stays open. We can restart the 180-day clock whenever the moment is right.
Modernize the Act
The City-County Act is 55 years old, and implementing it exactly as written would create real problems. One example: the statute treats all unincorporated county land alike, whether inside or outside the urban growth boundary. Work with state legislators in the 2027 session aims to fix those gaps before voters take the question up.
County charter review
Every six years, Multnomah County convenes a committee of residents to study the charter and propose amendments. Applications are due October 1st. Apply here.
How Consolidation Works
Oregon's City-County Act of 1971 (ORS § 199.715–199.780) provides a legal path for consolidating city and county governments. Initiation, whether by petition or by resolution, starts a process. It does not approve consolidation itself.
Start the process
Enough petition signatures, or a city and county resolution, forms a charter commission to study consolidation.
Vote on the charter
After the commission designs the new government structure, voters decide whether to approve it.
What Is a Charter Commission?
A 13-member charter commission forms within 30 days of initiation. Its job is to design the structure of a unified government:
- How would the new government be organized?
- What would happen to existing city and county services?
- How would representation work?
- What protections would exist for different areas?
The commission has up to 2 years to draft a charter, with public input throughout. The final charter must be approved by voters before anything changes.
What About Other Cities in the County?
Oregon's law is flexible. Other Multnomah County cities like Gresham, Troutdale, Fairview, Wood Village, and Maywood Park can choose whether to join or stay separate. Rural unincorporated areas get special protections if they opt out, including guaranteed service levels and voting rights on any tax increases that affect them.
Looking Ahead
Petition Filed
True Copy submitted to the Multnomah County Election Division. The 180-day signature gathering window began.
Petition Window Closed
The signature threshold was not met. The effort continues through other paths under the City-County Act.
November Election & Charter Review
New leadership on the city council and county commission. Residents apply to the Multnomah County Charter Review Committee (applications due October 1).
Legislative Session
Work with state legislators to modernize the City-County Act so the process serves voters well when the question comes back.
Charter Commission & Vote
When proceedings begin, by resolution or a future petition, a charter commission designs the unified government and voters decide.
The Legal Framework
This process follows Oregon's City-County Act of 1971 (ORS § 199.715–199.780). Under ORS § 199.720, consolidation can be initiated by petition or by resolution of the city and county governing bodies.
Help shape what comes next
Apply to the charter review committee, invite a conversation, or connect us with candidates.
Questions? See our FAQ or email unite@multnomo.org.