Washington County reapportionment ordinance public hearing

Washington County’s reapportionment of commissioner districts is in its final phase where district boundary lines will be redrawn to adjust for population growth in District 2 based on the 2020 census and as mandated by county Charter. The Board selected proposal 5 with an added change for the area north of West Union Road, from Jackson School Road to Jackson Quarry Road, which would shift out of District 2 and into District 4. Proposal 5 seeks to maintain consistency with city and urban planning area agreements (UPAAs). This proposal would minimize city splits and take planned growth of cities into account.

On Tuesday, November 29, 2022, the Washington County Board of Commissioners will hear from staff for a second reading of Ordinance 893 followed by a public hearing. The board will then consider adopting the ordinance.

Washington County is realigning the boundaries of its four commissioner districts based on the results of the population changes identified in the 2020 census. As a result of population shifts, boundary lines are redrawn so that districts are of roughly equal populations.

Washington County worked with Portland State University's Population Research Center to provide recommended options for changing the commissioner district boundary lines. Read PSU’s report here.

Working with Patinkin Research Strategies, an online survey was conducted from August through early September that allowed community members to review each plan and share their preferences and feedback. With help from Espousal Strategies, several community events were also held both in person and online with the help of trusted community-based organizations and partners. Read the community engagement report here.

Stay up to date on the Commissioner District Reapportionment process at http://wcor.us/reapportionmenthttp://wcor.us/reapportionment. Visit the Board of County Commissioner agenda webpage for all upcoming public meetings or watch the livestream on our Washington County YouTube channel.