The Office of Equity and Human Rights was created by City Ordinance in 2011 and charged to:

1. Promote equity and reduce disparities within City government; 

2. Provide guidance, education and technical assistance to all bureaus as they develop sustainable methods to build capacity in achieving equitable outcomes and service; 

3. Work with community partners to promote equity and inclusion within Portland and throughout the region, producing measurable improvements and disparity reductions; 

4. Support human rights and opportunities for everyone to achieve their full potential; 

5. Work to resolve issues rooted in bias and discrimination, through research, education, and interventions.

Vision

Government that works for all Portlanders.

Mission

The Office of Equity and Human Rights provides education and technical support to City staff and elected officials, leading to recognition and removal of systemic barriers to fair and just distribution of resources, access and opportunity, starting with issues of race and disability.

What is Equity?

Equity is achieved when one's identity cannot predict the outcome.  - OEHR's working definition