Department function is directly tied to the background, expertise and experience of directors. Currently, too many directors do not have a background in the departments they’re supposed to be leading, leading to departmental and institutional dysfunction. 

In my first post, I explained what Multnomah County does and why it’s the most important government you’ve never heard of when it comes to the biggest issues affecting our region: Homelessness, mental health, addictions, public health, ambulance response, aging, disability.

Today I will begin to describe how governance of the County is structured, and why that very structure is largely responsible for the County’s dysfunction. 

Over the years I’ve observed many different reactions when I’ve told people I was a Multnomah County Commissioner. Most often, they’ve smiled and nodded and tried to look interested as their eyes glazed over. I could sense that they had no idea what the County was or did, nor did they care. But they also appeared slightly uncomfortable – like maybe they should know and should care.