Applicants Sought for Planning Commission

Help shape the future of Milwaukie - apply to serve on the Planning Commission! 
The city currently has several vacancies on the Planning Commission, and is seeking applications for new members to fill these vacancies starting in February 2025.

What does a planning commissioner do? 
A planning commissioner has two roles. First, they make decisions about land use applications, such as variances, vacation rentals, community service uses and downtown design review. A planning commissioner is expected to be totally impartial, as the role of the Planning Commission is to sit as a judge when considering each application. A legal process is required for reviewing land use applications that is outlined in the city code - Milwaukie Municipal Code. Community members are encouraged to peruse the municipal code links provided above to get a better understanding of how the land use application process works.

The second role is to review plans and ordinances that deal with the entire community, or in other words, long range planning. Current work has included zoning code updates to encourage redevelopment in Neighborhood Hubs, reviewing the city’s natural resource code and weighing in on the update the city’s Transportation System Plan.

Check out a meeting!
The city recommends reviewing one or more Planning Commission meetings to see how legal proceedings work during public hearings. Click here to view a recent meeting.

Who is eligible to apply?
All applicants must live within the city limits of Milwaukie. Please click here to see if your address is in city limits.

Planning Commissioners should be interested in many of the topics they will review and discuss. This includes the deep dives into zoning code, natural resources, housing and transportation. The city aims to have a wide range of perspectives represented on Planning Commission. For this recruitment, the city is particularly interested in hearing from those with lived or professional experience related to architecture, real estate, technical and analytical research, and underrepresented identities.

The city is also committed to advancing accessibility. If there are accommodations that would help you participate in this opportunity, such as childcare, please contact staff to discuss options.

Want to learn more? Come chat with us!
If you would like to learn more about serving on the Planning Commission or have questions, Jacob Sherman, chair, and Laura Weigel, planning manager, are hosting an informal information session on Wednesday, Jan. 8 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at city hall, 10501 SE Main St. For those who can’t attend on Jan 8, but would like to ask questions, please contact Laura Weigel at weigell@milwaukieoregon.gov.

To apply online, please visit www.milwaukieoregon.gov/bc-pc.