The Office of Neighborhood Involvement provides coordination of Portland’s “neighborhood network.” This nationally recognized neighborhood system is made up of 95 recognized neighborhood associations and seven neighborhood district coalition offices located throughout the city. These district coalitions and offices provide support and technical assistance to the volunteer-based neighborhood associations, community groups and individual citizen-activists.

A neighborhood association is the officially designated, recognized organization for a specific geographic location. Neighborhood associations are the heart of neighborhood activities. Each association is self-governed by citizen-written bylaws that determine boundaries, the election and function of officers, and the frequency of meetings. Neighborhood associations work to reflect the issues and needs of its members.

District coalition and area neighborhood offices provide direct support and services to the neighborhood associations within their boundaries. A neighborhood coalition board supervises each office and contracts with ONI for funding. Each coalition board is comprised of representatives from local neighborhood associations and other interested groups. Like the independent neighborhood associations, each board and local office determines its own procedures and standards for operation.

ONI’s Civic Involvement Center staff - neighborhood involvement outreach specialists- work with the district coalitions, offices, and neighborhood associations to coordinate organizing efforts, train community members in leadership and community organizing skills, create community-building partnerships, and provide technical assistance to other City bureaus’ outreach and involvement efforts.