Public Participation & Education

Urban Renewal Advisory Committees (URAC) and Policy

An Urban Renewal Advisory Committee (URAC) is one of a variety of public participation tools PDC uses to involve members of the public in its decision processes to implement an urban renewal plan

Currently, PDC has a URAC in six of its urban renewal areas (URA):

• Oregon Convention Center
• Lents Town Center
• Gateway Regional Center
• Interstate Corridor
• North Macadam
• Central Eastside

The URACs represent a diverse composition of URA and citywide stakeholders. Members are often drawn from neighborhood and business associations, non profit organizations, project partners, business owners and representatives, citywide civic groups, and citizens at large. URAC members are appointed by the PDC Board of Commissioners and can serve up to two consecutive three year terms. The Commission is always looking for new community members who may be interested in serving on PDC advisory committees, whether the focus be on a specific urban renewal area, project or program. PDC encourages interested Portland citizens to apply by completing our PDC Advisory Committee Application. If you have questions, please contact Joleen Jensen-Classen at 503-823-3352 or by email.

Download PDF version to submit application by mail or fax. You may also complete the application online.

URAC Policy

In July 2008, the PDC Board of Commissioners adopted an amended PDC Urban Renewal Advisory Committee Policy to guide the composition and function of a URAC to follow these guiding principles.

Guiding Principles

• PDC will convene and manage Urban Renewal Advisory Committees in a consistent manner.
• PDC will respectfully utilize and maximize the volunteer time and effort of individual URAC members.
• PDC recognizes and values the contribution that existing community groups and individuals provide in developing and implementing urban renewal plans.
• The role and responsibility of URACs in broadening public awareness and participation in urban renewal plan implementation should be expanded.
• URACs are one of a variety of public participation tools for providing public feedback to the PDC Board of Commissioners regarding proposed projects, plans, strategies and programs.

If you would like more information on an existing URAC, contact:

• Central Eastside URAC - Denyse McGriff
  503-823-3295 or email
  Central Eastside URAC membership roster
• Gateway Regional Center URAC - Juan Carlos Ocaña-Chíu
  503-823-3218 or email
  Gateway URAC membership roster
• Interstate Corridor URAC - Joleen Jensen-Classen
  503-823-3352 or email
  Interstate URAC membership roster
• Lents Town Center URAC -Juan Carlos Ocaña-Chíu
  503-823-3218 or email
  Lents URAC membership roster
• North Macadam URAC - Joleen Jensen-Classen
  503-823-3352 or email
  North Macadam URAC membership roster
• Oregon Convention Center (OCC) URAC - Joleen Jensen-Classen
  503-823-3352 or email
  OCC URAC membership roster

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