Purpose of the Records Retention Schedule

• To describe the records of an agency, organization, or administrative unit
• To establish a timetable (retention period) for a record’s life cycle, and provide authorization for a record’s ultimate disposition.  A record’s ultimate disposition is either destruction or permanent preservation

The retention period is established based upon a record’s administrative, fiscal, legal, historical and research value. 

All City employees have the responsibility to preserve and maintain the records related to their work activities according to the applicable record retention schedule.

 **Retention Schedules updated as of 2021 - Regular Information Sessions TBD.  If you would like to schedule an Information Session about the new Retention Schedules, please contact Max Johnson: max.johnson@portlandoregon.gov***

The Introduction to the Retention Schedules provides terms, definitions, and guidance in using the retention schedules:

Introduction to the Retention Schedules

Download or view the current retention schedules:

Records Retention Schedules

The Crosswalk provides a detailed list of the previous schedules and their replacement schedules:

Crosswalk of previous Schedules to new ones