About Neighborhood Associations and District Offices

Neighborhood Associations

There are 94 City-recognized neighborhood associations within the City of Portland. Each neighborhood association serves a geographic neighborhood boundary. City Code chapter 3.96 creates a framework by which the people of the City of Portland may effectively participate in civic affairs and work to improve the livability and character of their neighborhoods and the City.  Chapter 3.96 sets out the basis for City recognition of neighborhood associations and district coalitions, and the responsibilities and benefits accruing thereto. This code directs City staff to adopt and revise Standards that govern neighborhood associations, district coalitions and the Office of Community & Civic Life (Civic Life).

Read Code 3.96

Read Standards

Portland neighborhoods are grouped into four neighborhood districts. Each district is supported by a nonprofit district coalition office (DCO); DCOs receive funding support through Civic Life. Support for neighborhood associations includes:

• Placement in the City's public directory of neighborhoods 
• Recognition on PortlandMaps
• Notifications by agencies of the City as required in the City Code on matters that fall within the neighborhood association boundaries in regard to planning efforts, policy matters, and decisions affecting the livability, safety, and/or economic vitality of a neighborhood
• Operational support services such as a mailing address, assistance with communications, training and other technical assistance
• Promotion of neighborhood association work through Civic Life's social media and monthly newsletter

Neighborhood Association Structure and Standards

Neighborhood associations are incorporated in the state of Oregon as nonprofit organizations. Through Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, neighborhood associations construct models of governance that fit their unique needs. Each association agrees to abide by the city's Standards to receive recognition and benefits. 

Find Your Neighborhood Association

Find out which neighborhood association serves your neighborhood by visiting Portland Maps. Enter your address and the result screen will show a map on the left and property information on the right. Click on the neighborhood name listed on the right to view neighborhood association information. 

Find Your Neighborhood Association

History of Neighborhood Associations

In 1974, the City of Portland created the Office of Neighborhood Associations. In part, the City prioritized creating this bureau to support Portland’s unique commissioner form of government.

At the time, city commissioners represented the entire city, unlike other cities that elected politicians to advocate for the needs of their district. By creating the Office of Neighborhood Associations, the City established a framework for residents to engage in City decision-making, to identify needs of each neighborhood, and allow neighbors' interests to be represented in land use and development decisions.

50 years later, the bureau remains committed to support the work of neighborhood associations and has expanded support to include more community groups. The current bureau name Office of Community & Civic Life reflects that there are many ways residents organize.

Sign Up to Receive Updates

Sign-up for the Civic Life monthly newsletter for funding opportunities, updates on resources and services offered by the City of Portland, opportunities for civic engagement, volunteerism and public input opportunities for City-led projects.

Sign Up for Civic Life Updates

Neighborhood Association Contact Lists

If you are a city employee and need a comprehensive list of neighborhood association contacts, please visit this page.

For members of the public, each neighborhood page lists neighborhood association contact information. If you need a list that includes contacts for several different neighborhood associations, please email your request to CivicLife@PortlandOregon.gov.