Multnomah County, Health Department, Behavioral Health Division

Multnomah County’s Mission, Vision and Values statements are the guiding principles that inform the decisions County leadership, departments and offices make to foster a thriving community and workforce.

This set of statements was renewed in 2024 through an multi-month organization-wide engagement and co-creation process that included surveys, focus groups and feedback rounds. Thousands of employees contributed their thoughts and aspirations around what Multnomah County does, the kind of community we seek to create, and why and how our organization works toward those goals.

A set of recommended statements was presented to the Board of County Commissioners in July 2024. The Mission, Vision and Values were adjusted to account for the Board’s final feedback and finalized in August 2024.

Mission

To improve the well-being of those in Multnomah County by providing accessible, high-quality, and innovative public services that create stability, enhance opportunities, and reduce disparities.

Vision

Multnomah County is a diverse, thriving community with a sustainable future where all are safe, connected, and empowered to contribute.

Values

Accountability – Taking responsibility for delivering the services we say we will, and being transparent and communicative in what we do and how we do it.

Social and Environmental Justice – Remedying inequitable and unsustainable systems that harm and oppress communities.

Inclusively Leading with Race – Centering race, a leading indicator of inequalities and disparities, in our intersectional approach to breaking down systemic barriers created by all forms of oppression within our workplace and in our community.

Equity and Inclusion – Developing and using policies and practices that promote access, equity, fairness, and belonging for all.

Safety and Well-being – Creating an environment of psychological, physical, and emotional safety that improves quality of life.

Population: More than 800,000 residents (the most populous of Oregon's 36 counties)

Geography: 465 square miles (the smallest of Oregon's counties)

Cities: Fairview, Gresham, Maywood Park, Portland, Troutdale, Wood Village

County Employees: About 5,600 people.

Functions: Services for seniors and disabled people, animal services, assessment and taxation, bridges, community justice, courts, elections, health, jails, libraries, marriage licenses and passports, school and community partnerships.

Elected officials: Four commissioners elected to the board by district. Elected countywide are a board chair, sheriff, district attorney and auditor.

Weekly board meetings: At 9:30 a.m. Thursdays, first-floor board room, 501 S.E. Hawthorne Blvd.

County History: Created on Dec. 22, 1854 and named after native people in the region.