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Get to know and shape your community
If you live in unincorporated Clackamas County, a community planning organization (CPO) is a great way to have a voice in the livability of your community! These organizations are run by volunteers — your neighbors and friends — who care about community challenges and growth issues where you live. They welcome participation by everyone in the organization’s area.
Some reasons you might want to get involved in your CPO
- Meet other people in your community. In addition to working on growth and development matters, some organizations plan fun holiday events, festivals and other gatherings.
- Know about land use projects that are being proposed in your area. If you heard a rumor about something going on in your community, your CPO is a great place to go to learn more.
- Participating in a community organization is an easy, no-pressure way to have a voice and connection with your county government.
“Your CPO is a route to bringing your thoughts, ideas and concerns to the people who run Clackamas County. Of course they are busy, and it may seem difficult to find the right person. By involving yourself in your CPO, you can get a fast-track method of communicating with the folks who can assist you in your concerns." — Gordon Slatford, Firwood CPO
How to find your CPO
The county has an Interactive Map that makes finding your CPO easy.
- Click on the magnifying glass icon in the upper right-hand corner of the map.
- Type your address into the box.
- Click your address below the box.
The map will zoom in to your community planning organization's area. If you need help, check out the instructions on the ‘how to’ page.
If your address doesn't come up, it likely means you live within a city boundary. You can confirm this by checking Clackamas Maps (CMAP), our interactive tool for looking up property information. Your city will appear under jurisdiction.
Learn about individual community planning organizations
Community planning organizations are advisory to the Board of County Commissioners, the Planning Department, and the Planning Commission on matters affecting their areas. They may develop neighborhood plans and proposals with respect to land use, zoning, parks, open space and recreation, annexation, housing, community facilities, transportation and traffic, community services, and other factors affecting the livability of their areas.
Active CPOs meet at least two times a year, although some meet more often. They also keep minutes, have bylaws and elected board officers. CPOs are always seeking more people to get involved. Learn more about them by reviewing their information below or contacting their board officers.
CPO Administration Resources
Land-Use Resources
Community Planning Organizations work to influence matters related to land use in their communities. Land-use can include zoning, parks, housing, farming, safety and transportation. The county notifies CPOs of proposed land use actions and legislative changes that will impact their areas. The organization may review these applications and make recommendations about the proposed actions or changes and appeals. For more information about the role Community Planning Organizations play in land use, check out section 1307 of the county’s Zoning Development Ordinance.
As an advocate for your community, the resources below will come in handy when you want to learn more about how the county operates, and how you can have the greatest impact navigating through it all. Have questions? Email communityinvolvement@clackamas.us.
CPO Marketing Resources
Download the below materials to promote your planning group around the community. Created with input from CPO members, the materials were designed to help you get the word out and grow your membership. You can print as many copies as you need and use them to motivate people to come to meetings. You can print, post and hand them out throughout the year.
- 8.5x11 inch paper (letter/printer paper)
- Needs to be folded into thirds.
- Room for customization where you can add your meeting time and location. Use Adobe Acrobat or Canva to write your information into Blue box on back page. Preferably font Arial, size 12. You can even make a label or handwrite if necessary.
- A great option for: In-person events where you can have a conversation.
- Size 7 x 5 (two per page). You will need to cut them.
- If you’re going to mail them, they need to be printed on heavier stock paper. (80-110 cover stock is preferred.) Example
- You can also print them on regular paper and hand them out at events.
- A great option for: Handing out at events when you don’t have table space, like a parade, egg hunt or picnic.
- 8.5 x 11 inch (letter)
- No folding or special printing necessary.
- A great option for: Posting on a wall at a coffee shop, community center or local gathering spot where there is foot traffic.
Disclaimer
We publish meeting materials on behalf of Community Involvement organizations. Community Involvement materials and statements do not necessarily represent the views of county elected officials or staff.
We cannot publish materials, statements, and other content that fail to meet accessibility standards or that advocate for a political candidate, campaign or issue.
