Organizer announces planned petition to form charter commission to study Portland–Multnomah consolidation

Matt Samuda told the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners he will file a petition with the county clerk next week to begin gathering signatures under Oregon's City–County Act of 1971. Samuda said a successful petition would trigger formation of a 13‑member charter commission to study whether consolidation between Portland and Multnomah County is warranted and, if so, to draft a proposed charter for voter consideration.

Samuda, who introduced himself as the founder of an organization he named during testimony, said the process is deliberately structured: the charter commission would include representatives from city and county governments and the state legislature, and would have up to two years to analyze options, gather public input and produce recommendations. He emphasized that a petition does not itself enact consolidation; any change would require approval by a majority of voters in both Portland and the county.

Samuda cited historical context for the statutory process, noting a 1968 constitutional amendment and the 1971 act that created the current pathway for counties with large cities. He framed the effort as offering voters a choice after study and public engagement rather than a preordained outcome. "Next week, we plan to file a petition with the county clerk to begin gathering signatures," he said during public testimony.

The chair thanked Samuda and invited questions; none were asked during the public‑comment period. The board did not take formal action on Samuda's announcement; his notice was entered into the public record as advance notice of intent to begin the petition process.

What happens next: Samuda said he intends to file the petition next week with the county clerk to begin signature gathering. If the petition meets statutory thresholds, the county clerk would process it under the City–County Act and the statutory timetable would follow.