Multnomah County, Oregon

08/28/2026

Help shape Multnomah County’s future! Our County Charter is our local constitution — and every six years, community members have an opportunity to help make sure it reflects the people, values and needs of Multnomah County.

We’re looking for a diverse group of residents to serve on the 2027–28 Charter Review Committee. Bring your voice, perspective and lived experience to the table and help shape how your local government works.

Want to learn more before applying? Join the Office Of Community Involvement - Multnomah County at an upcoming information session:

💻 Virtual: Fridays, Aug. 28–Sept. 25
📍 In person: Tuesdays and Thursdays, Aug. 25–Sept. 24, at libraries across Multnomah County

Learn more and apply: link.multco.us/ApplyCRC

08/19/2026

We recently came together to celebrate this year’s interns and wrap up another summer of learning, growth and impact as part of Multnomah County's College to County internship program. A few fun facts about the 2026 cohort:

🎉 51 interns took part in this year’s program
🤝 130+ mentors, supervisors and coaches supported them along the way
📚 Their majors ranged from sociology and public health to electrical and computer engineering
🎓 They represented schools including Portland State University, University of Oregon and Oregon State University
🏛️ Their work reached across the County — from Environmental Health and Rockwood Library to Corrections Programs and Emergency Management
🚲 And outside of work? You might find them camping, making ceramics, biking, scrapbooking or spending time with family and friends

For 15 years, College to County has provided paid summer internships for college students from underrepresented communities, helping participants discover career pathways, grow their professional networks and see firsthand what a career in public service can look like. Congratulations again to this year’s cohort and the next generation of public servants!

08/13/2026

🎉 Huge congratulations to our 51 College to County interns!

Over the past several months, our talented interns gained hands-on experience across our organization, from behind-the-scenes visits to our local bridges to diving into critical work in our Elections Office.

Yesterday we wrapped up the summer with a wonderful celebration at Multnomah County Library's beautiful, newly-renovated Albina location. Seeing the growth, enthusiasm, and real-world impact our interns made over these past few months has been truly inspiring.

Thank you, also, to the nearly 130 dedicated county employees who stepped up as mentors, supervisors, and coaches!

Here’s to our future leaders! 🚀

08/08/2026

Free tools for your next home or community project? Yes, really. 🛠️

Last week, Commissioner Vince Jones-Dixon visited the Rockwood Common Tool Library for an inside look at how the tool-sharing program supports local residents.

Whether you need a power drill, lawnmower, or specialty gear, the Rockwood Tool Library has you covered. All at zero cost!

👇 Watch the video below to see what he discovered during his tour, and visit the website to set up your account and reserve tools for your next project: rockwoodtools.org

08/07/2026

☀ Pacific Northwest summers are getting hotter, alongside an increased risk of wildfires and smoke that can blow into the Portland metro area, like we've seen this summer.

Portland Fire & Rescue and Multnomah County Health Department experts recommend taking these steps to protect your home and health during fire season, which stretches from June through October:

✔Check your risk: See if you live in a wildfire hazard zone by checking Portland wildfire hazard zones at bit.ly/4waJRK3

🏡 Check your house: Consider signing up for a free Portland Fire & Rescue assessment of your home at: portland.gov/fire/your-safety/reducing-risk-wildfire

🪟 Keep smoke out: Stay indoors, close windows/doors and set AC to recirculate.

💨 Clean your air: Use portable air cleaners and an HVAC/furnace filter with a MERV 13+ rating. **Create a "clean room" free from cooking and smoking, and use a portable air cleaner if you can to make the air in that room cleaner than the rest of the home: bit.ly/45fDs5v

Learn more about how you can prepare for wildfire and smoke at: multco.us/smoke

08/05/2026

With smoke in the air, it's a good time to check in on your home's air quality. Swipe through for practical ways to protect your space and the people in it. Go here to learn more 🏡 ➡ https://multco.us/info/improve-your-indoor-air-when-its-smoky

08/05/2026

08/05/2026

Looking for information and resources on evacuation updates, wildfire and clean air shelter info, livestock, reentry and preparedness? The 211info contact center remains open 24/7 extended hours to help Oregonians find wildfire and clean air information and available resources. Get more info below 👇

UPDATE: 211info hours are changing

ODHS and 211info are continuing to work together to monitor wildfire-related needs as they change.

Starting today, August 7, 2026, 211info will be available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Pacific Time for help with wildfire and clean air-related information and support. These updated hours will be in effect through this weekend. We will provide another update on Monday, August 10.

The Wildfire Assistance Hotline (1-833-669-0554) will remain open 24/7.

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If you need wildfire information or support, we want to make sure you get help as quickly as possible. Part of that is knowing which phone numbers to call and when.

- Call 211: For evacuation updates, wildfire and clean air shelter information, livestock resources, reentry and preparedness. ODHS is currently working with 211info to extend their hours while there are many active wildfires. You can now call 211 for wildfire and clean air info and resources 24/7. We will update this post when normal hours resume.

- Call 1-833-669-0554: For help with ongoing and long-term needs caused by wildfire and smoke impacts.

- Call 911: If you are in immediate danger, have a medical emergency or need emergency help evacuating.

One more thing - If you want to find human services and general community resources not related to wildfires and clean air, please call 211 during standard operating hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.). This will help make sure people who need wildfire and clean air support during evenings and weekends will be able to connect with help quickly.

08/04/2026

Clean indoor air makes a big difference during wildfire smoke events. If it is safe and cool enough to keep your windows closed, here are recommended strategies to create a cleaner indoor space:

🔹 Use air cleaners: Run air purifiers in rooms where you spend the most time.
🔹 Minimize indoor air pollution: Avoid burning candles or incense, frying or boiling food, and vacuuming, all of which add harmful fine particles to your indoor air.
🔹 Keep your AC recirculating: If you have AC, set it to recirculate indoor air rather than pulling in outdoor air.

For information and resources on air quality, visit:

We provide information about how to protect yourself when air quality is poor due to smoke and wildfires.

08/04/2026

Looking for relief from the heat and smoke today?

Consider spending some time in indoor air-conditioned spaces where you can breathe clean air.

📍Visit our interactive map, which includes open cool space locations and library branches across the county at: multco.us/hot

📘Multnomah County Libraries are open regular hours. Always confirm hours and locations before you go: https://multcolib.org/hours-and-locations

Information about cool spaces, cooling centers and other resources during the hot weather.