Commissioners approve first reading to move Office of Diversity and Equity under County Management

The Multnomah County Board of Commissioners voted to advance a first reading of an ordinance moving the Office of Diversity and Equity (ODE) from the county’s non‑departmental code section into the Department of County Management (DCM), changing its reporting structure so the ODE director will report to the chief operating officer.

Sponsor Commissioner Moyer said the change is intended to “institutionalize” equity work across county operations, giving the chief operating officer direct responsibility to integrate and hold departments accountable for equity implementation. “This is a commitment from the Board of County Commissioners that diversity, equity, and inclusion is a core operating principle of Multnomah County,” Moyer said.

The proposal prompted extended discussion among commissioners about governance, staff access and process. Commissioner Singleton said she would not support final adoption until staff who would be affected had an opportunity to raise concerns and get answers about how the change will work in practice. Commissioner Singleton asked how the position would relate to the board and whether staff would retain access to commissioners; COO Christopher Veil told the board he expects no change in commissioners’ ability to meet with staff and said, “If anybody has any concerns or questions on how this transition will work, they can reach out to me directly, and I’ll continue to engage.”

County attorney staff and county counsel described the charter and code interplay. Counsel explained that chapter 25 is a non‑departmental unit and that moving the office from chapter 25 into DCM is an ordinance action; there was discussion about whether the move required a four‑vote threshold. The attorney’s office advised the board that changes to code language can be made by ordinance and that the charter grants the chair authority to delegate administrative duties; several commissioners requested additional time to consult with affected staff and to consider technical edits to the ordinance language.

Public testimony included one speaker who urged clearer progress reporting and stronger, measurable accountability for equity outcomes. Several commissioners said they supported the overall goal of stronger integration: Commissioner Singleton, Moyer and others said embedding equity work in the COO’s portfolio would make implementation more consistent across departments.

At roll call the first reading passed: Commissioners Moyer, Singleton, Grama Edwards and Jones Dixon voted yes; Chair Megan Peterson recorded a no vote. The board scheduled the ordinance for a second reading and possible adoption on Oct. 23, 2025 and commissioners said they would use the interval to consult with ODE staff and other stakeholders about implementation details and possible code language edits.