Community Budget Advisory Committee

Community Budget Advisory Committees (CBACs) are groups of community members that review and make recommendations on county departmental budgets and operations.

The Joint Office of Homeless Services Community Budget Advisory Committees (CBAC) is one of ten CBACs in Multnomah County, one for each Multnomah County department. The Central Community Budget Advisory Committee (CCBAC) is made up of one member from each CBAC, and is charged with making county-wide recommendations to the Chair, the Board and the public that may cross departmental lines and affect one or more departments.

Text reading 'Community Budget Advisory Committee'

What does the Community Budget Advisory Committee Do?

CBACs are one of the key ways that the county receives community input on its budget priorities. CBAC volunteers hear directly from department directors and other staff about the county’s programs and services. Together, they make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners about how Multnomah County can best use its resources to serve the community.

In recent years, CBAC recommendations have prioritized services for mental health, racial equity, housing & houselessness and public safety. Although not all CBAC recommendations are adopted, input from committee members improves how the county uses revenue and delivers services to residents.

Membership

Appointments to the CBACs are for three years, and members may serve for six consecutive years.

CBACs typically meet once a month, with additional meetings sometimes needed during the most active time of the budgeting process from January to March.

Requirements for Membership

The requirements for CBAC membership are:

that you have an interest in the programs and budget process of the County;
that you are available to attend meetings and participate in deliberations (most CBACs meet monthly, with more meetings during budget season).
that you are not a current employee of Multnomah County

No budgeting or financial expertise is necessary! CBAC members do not go line by line through the County budget. Meetings are focused on the bigger picture – understanding the County’s programs and services, discussing challenges and opportunities that departments are considering in their budget process, and providing input on key budget decisions for the next year.

Preference will be provided to individuals who live or work in the county or have a demonstrated connection to Multnomah County.