passed ordinance 2026-126

*Add Code to establish the Portland Committee on Community-Engaged Policing (add Code Chapter 3.23)

public safety
code amendment

Department: DOJ Settlement Police
Service area: Public Safety
Introduced by: Mayor Keith Wilson Councilor Sameer Kanal Councilor Steve Novick
Status: Passed

Impact statement

Purpose & background

The purpose of this legislation is to codify the Portland Committee on Community-Engaged Policing (PCCEP) into Portland City Code, formally establishing it as a community advisory body to the Mayor and Chief of Police and ensuring the continuation of its work. PCCEP previously recommended codification in July 2024, and the code language was drafted but not formally adopted. Considering the termination of the PCCEP subsection of the U.S. Department of Justice Settlement Agreement, codification is necessary to preserve PCCEP's role, maintain its direct advisory relationship with City leadership, and reaffirm the City's commitment to community-engaged policing.

Financial impacts

This legislation codifies the Portland Committee on Community-Engaged Policing (PCCEP) into Portland City Code and does not, in itself, create new long-term financial obligations for the City. The proposed legislation does not amend the City's current adopted budget and does not require new appropriations at this time. PCCEP is an existing body currently supported through existing bureau resources. Any administrative, legal, or staff support necessary to implement codification is expected to be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.

Economic impacts

Not applicable.

Community impacts

This legislation codifies the Portland Committee on Community-Engaged Policing (PCCEP) into City Code, preserving a structured, citywide forum for community input and dialogue with the Portland Police Bureau, particularly for communities disproportionately impacted by policing practices, including Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color, people with disabilities, individuals experiencing mental health challenges, immigrants and refugees, low-income residents, and others historically under-served. The action maintains PCCEP's advisory role to the Mayor and Chief of Police and ensures continuity and stability amid changes to the federal Settlement Agreement, with no anticipated negative community or business impacts. Codification directly reflects PCCEP's July 2024 recommendation and draft language, demonstrating that public engagement and Committee input shaped the proposed legislation. Support has centered on sustaining community voice and honoring prior commitments, while questions regarding scope and future governance updates will be addressed through modernization of the PCCEP Plan in collaboration with stakeholders. Testimony is anticipated from PCCEP members and community-based organizations engaged in police bureau policies and civil rights advocacy.

▸ Full text (the legislation as adopted)

The City of Portland ordains. Section 1. The Council finds: In 2014, the United States District Court for the District of Oregon ("Court") entered the Order Entering Settlement Agreement between the City and the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ") in the matter of The United States of America v. The City of Portland, Case No. 12-cv-02265-SI ("Settlement Agreement"). In 2018, the Settlement Agreement was amended to create the Portland Committee on Community-Engaged Policing (PCCEP). After PCCEP was created, the City Council adopted the PCCEP Plan on September 5, 2018, by Council Resolution 37384, and the Settlement Agreement was amended to include the PCCEP Plan as Exhibit 1. The City values PCCEP's unique and vital role over more than seven years in engaging Portland's varied and diverse communities and the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) to further the shared goal of equitable policing that exceeds constitutional standards and to foster meaningful community engagement with, and trust in, PPB. Due to the City's sustained substantial compliance with the Settlement Agreement provisions requiring PCCEP's formation and governing its operations, the discrete subsection of the Agreement addressing those requirements was subject to termination. The City and DOJ, on March 3, 2026, filed a joint stipulated motion with the Court to terminate the PCCEP compliance provisions. The Court granted the motion to terminate this discrete section on March 13, 2026. PCCEP retains a role under the Settlement Agreement, including reporting directly to the Court at status conferences. The City will benefit from establishing PCCEP in City Code as this will ensure that the duties of PCCEP extend beyond the partial termination of the PCCEP provisions within the Settlement Agreement. Proposed Code Chapter 3.23, attached as Exhibit A, codifies PCCEP. PCCEP has long urged the Mayor and Council to codify PCCEP. The Proposed Chapter 3.23 is based on the Committee's 2024 codification recommendation, reflects Portland's new form of government, and incorporates further requirements from terminated Settlement Agreement provisions, while preserving PCCEP's autonomy in developing, recommending and executing its workplan. NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs: Add Code Chapter 3.23 as shown in Exhibit A. Section 2. The Council declares an emergency exists to continue the valuable contributions of the Portland Committee on Community-Engaged Policing, unclouded by uncertainty about PCCEP's status given the Court's termination of the PCCEP discrete section of the Settlement Agreement; therefore, this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage by the Council.

Tally

9 yea 2 nay 1 other