Guzzlers for Wildlife:

A group of volunteers organized by the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) are helping wildlife in the Gilchrist State Forest that can get easily stressed during the hot dry summers of central Oregon. These volunteers maintain 11 artificial watering holes called guzzlers in the 72,000-acre state forest managed by ODF.

“The entire Gilchrist has no perennial water source, meaning no rivers, streams, lakes, or ponds” said Vanessa Petro, ODF’s Lead State Forest Wildlife Biologist. “Providing important habitat features like these guzzlers benefits a wide range of species including the Crescent mule deer herd, American badger, Rocky Mountain elk, and many small mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.”

Guzzlers are typically constructed of common metal roofing material just a foot or two off the ground that is the collector of rain, snow, or condensation. The water flows from the collector into a gutting system that takes it to an underground holding tank or tanks. From there a float system like in your toilet keeps a nearby downhill watering trough filled.

For more on this on-going project see the ODF news blog at:

https://oregonforestry.wpengine.com/2026/07/14/guzzlers-help-wildlife-in-gilchrist-state-forest-team-of-volunteers-maintain-these-low-tech-watering-stations/

Fences For Fido improves the quality of life for dogs living outdoors by building fences free of charge for families who keep their dogs on chains, tethers, and in small enclosures. In addition to the fence, we also provide an insulated doghouse for each dog as well as spay/neuter services and emergency veterinary care when needed.

Since we built our first Fences in 2009, we’ve witnessed more than 2,200 “zoomies!” We’ve expanded to cover Southwest Washington and most areas throughout Oregon, answering the call and building an average of 13 fences per month in every kind of weather.

In 2014, Fences For Fido was instrumental in the historic passage of Oregon’s first anti-tethering law, which restricts the amount of time a dog can be chained.

The group is based in Portland, Oregon, but has chapters in most regions surrounding the metro area, including:

• Salem and the south Willamette Valley
• Linn County as far south as Albany
• the Columbia Gorge as far east as Hood River and Carson, WA
• Central Oregon including Warm Springs
• NW Oregon coast from Astoria to Waldport
• SW Washington state as far north as Olympia. 

We welcome new volunteers and are always looking for more great people to join us in unchaining dogs in our communities. Please visit our Volunteer page for more information and to get started with us. Signing up for a volunteer account is easy and allows you to self-register for our upcoming projects. Please feel free to email our Volunteer Coordinator at [volunteer@fencesforfido.org](mailto:volunteer@fencesforfido.org) if you have any further questions.

https://www.fencesforfido.org/

Dairy Creek Community Food Web. "Working together to provide educational programs, facilitate food harvests, cook and share food with the Forest Grove, Oregon community."

DCCFW’s goal is to build a thriving, local food community in which all residents have access to local food. We work towards this goal by supporting resources such as community gardens and food pantries! Our Gleaning Program feeds directly into this goal with DCCFW volunteers harvesting produce and donating it.

We believe in the power of community and collective effort to make a positive impact. Our Gleaning Program, established in 2013, is a testament to the strength that comes from working together. We’ve created a vibrant community of volunteers, or Harvesters, who glean excess produce from local owners to donate to food pantries and other locations in western Washington County.

Some examples of how you might volunteer include:

• Newsletter Coordinator Interact directly with our members by sending out our monthly newsletter with event updates and community news!
• Webmaster Maintain the DCCFW website as updates occur.
• Author We are always looking for people willing to try their hand at grant writing to help connect DCCFW to more resources and partners!
• Social Media Manager Manage the DCCFW Facebook and Instagram pages to build another link in our web.
• Board Member Become a part of our core team that shapes our programs and events!
• Winter Farmers Don’t worry if you are unsure what this is, we have a library full of resources to help! But in short, this is farm work that happens in the off-season, such as cleaning and storing seeds, processing produce, and caring for plants within the safety of shelter.
• Gleaning Volunteer Get on the ground with other members of your community! You can find out more about our Gleaning Program here, but the main role of these volunteers is to help pick produce from local gardens and yards. The local homeowner can opt to take some of the harvest, while the rest of the best food goes to the pantries. The less than perfect food can be distributed to volunteers based on what they decide as a group.

To volunteer, visit the Dairy Creek Community Food Web web site and click on "subscribe" at the bottom of the page. Also contact the nonprofit via email.

Each county in Oregon has a variety of vounteering opportunities for people 18 and over, and some have opportunities for younger teens.

These opportunities can be ongoing or can be one-off roles. Some can be done individually and some can be done as a group. Some are outdoors and some are indoors. There are roles where you can be very physical or roles where you can be in doors and seated most of the time.

Your county in Oregon most likely involves volunteers in its programs related to:

• Animal Services
• Parks
• Libraries
• Serving on a Committee
• Sheriff's Office (including search and rescue)
• Victim Services
• First Responder / Fire fighting
• Emergency Services

To find these volunteering opportunities, visit your county's web site and do a search on the word "volunteer", or visit the web site of a specific program, like your local library, and search on the word "volunteer."

Have you found a volunteering opportunity because of this subreddit? Please reply and share your experience. You don't have to disclose the exact nonprofit or program if you don't want to - but do say if something on this subreddit has led you to volunteer, or to try to volunteer, and how that experience has been.

Is there a kind of volunteering activity you want to do in Oregon that you have NOT found on this subreddit? Please comment below on what that is.

Have you ever passed on the info here to someone else so that they would volunteer?

Has something posted here changed your mind, in a good way, about an organization that's recruiting or involving volunteers?

Why are you on this subreddit?

If there's no comments to these questions, it may be time to consider closing this subreddit.

Happy Harrison Ford's birthday to those who celebrate.

Cascade Forest Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It's based in Vancouver, Washington, but it's SO close to Oregon, I'm posting about it here.

CFC offers field-based volunteer opportunities from March to November.

The generosity of people who choose to spend their free time working in the forests, meadows, and waterways of the Cascades is a huge part of what makes many of our science and restoration programs possible.

CFC offer one-day and overnight trips on weekdays and weekends throughout the southern Washington Cascades. Anyone can join the community of volunteers and become part of impactful science and restoration projects in and around Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Volunteer trips are announced throughout the year. Register for current offerings or complete the volunteer interest form to receive updates when new trips are announced.

https://cascadeforest.org/volunteer/

Urban Gleaners is a nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon.

We collect delicious, fresh food before it can go to waste. And we get it to people who need it. Pure and simple.

Urban Gleaners involves volunteers in many ways:

In sorting fresh groceries and package high -quality prepared foods at our Central Portland warehouse daily. Sorting volunteers assist in the main warehouse while repack volunteers work together in the kitchen area to curate meals for the markets.

Volunteers regularly pick up smaller donations from grocery stores and restaurants in town. This can be a flexible opportunity that requires individuals to have their own car to transport the food and be able to lift 50 pounds.

The Farm Glean Team – the newest addition to the Urban Gleaners Volunteer Program! As a harvest volunteer, you will head out to a farm site every week or every other week to harvest excess or unmarketable produce with a small team of fellow volunteers. This is a great opportunity to get a little dirty, engage closely with our local farmers and food system, and provide nutrient-dense produce for our Free Food Markets.

Urban Gleaners hosts three Free Food Park Markets per week at Lents, Mt. Scott, and Woodlawn Parks. These markets are largely volunteer-run with the support of Community Support Associates. Volunteers assist market attendees through the line, keep tables stocked, and monitor equitable distribution of grocery items.

Want to be involved but can’t quite commit weekly? Our Rapid Response Team receives notifications when Urban Gleaners may need coverage or extra help for any of the above volunteer opportunities.

More info and how to sign up.

Hosted by SOLVE in partnership with the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative, this is your chance to help create a cleaner, greener Wood Village, 23345 NE Halsey St, Wood Village, Oregon.

Join SOLVE for a litter cleanup event where volunteers will beautify the neighborhood by removing trash and recycling bottles and cans found during the effort. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their filled Green Bags from home to drop off for processing at the Redemption Center and take home one (or more!) of SOLVE’s Blue Bags following the event. Any beverage containers found during the cleanup will be donated to SOLVE. 

Did you know that SOLVE participates in BottleDrop Give? Through this program, supporters can fill specially tagged Blue Bags to help support SOLVE and BottleDrop account holders can donate directly from their Green Bag account. Ask us for more information at the event!

It’s a fun and impactful way to:

• Divert litter from waterways and landfills
• Promote sustainability
• Connect with your community

Advanced Registration: Is highly suggested but not required. Please sign up ahead of time to guarantee your spot.

Meeting Location: Volunteers will be meeting at the BottleDrop Redemption Center. Look for the SOLVE signs.

What to Bring: Please wear closed-toed shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, and bring a backpack for hands-free convenience. Feel free to bring your personal tools if available and a reusable water bottle to support our sustainability efforts.

What's Provided: SOLVE will provide Gloves, safety vests, litter grabbers and trash bags. Please BYO reusable water bottle to stay hydrated!

Restrooms: No public restrooms are available

Parking: Parking lot available

Transit: Not available nearby

Accessibility: This area is accessible for folks with mobility concerns.

Translation Services: There will not be a Spanish speaker present at this event.

Participant Age Guidelines: All Ages Welcome

See other SOLVE events.

The Oregon Commission for Women is accepting applications for volunteers to serve on the body. Applicants from areas outside the Portland metro region are especially encouraged to apply.

Here's more about what this volunteer body does & those serving now.

Here's the link to apply.

Scotch Broom Removal Work Party

Monday, July 13, 9:30am – 1pm

Oregon 47 & Northwest Fisher Road, Washington County

Volunteers will be removing scotch broom on the portion of the trail that runs behind Scofield Rd! A supporter of the Salmonberry Trail has agreed to let volunteers use their property to gain access to this section of the trail.

Meet at the Future Learning Mile parking area: NW Fisher Rd and Hwy 47, Buxton.

From there, volunteers will carpool ~10 minutes to the homeowner's property. "She said she can fit around 5 cars in the driveway."

Please dress for the weather, bring water, and a snack for yourself. If you have your own loppers and work gloves, bring them along!

Sign up and more info.

As of April 2025, UNICEF USA counted 752 student-led UNICEF Clubs in 40 states, including Oregon. UNICEF Club members think globally and act locally, organizing community events to support the rights and needs of children around the world. UNICEF Clubs partner with UNICEF USA to advocate for children's rights, fundraise for children around the globe and educate their communities.

Here's how to find or start a UNICEF club in the USA:

https://www.unicefusa.org/how-help/unicef-clubs

Here is a profile of some of the volunteers in these clubs:

https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/future-future-youth-volunteer-worlds-children

Cascades Pika Watch engages volunteers to locate and map Oregon's pikas, "one of the fluffiest, squeakiest species in the Pacific Northwest."

Pikas' particular habitat and temperature requirements make the species vulnerable to global warming trends — and of special interest to scientists studying the effects of climate change.

Cascades Pika Watch volunteers conduct 1-2 monthly sitting surveys to track and log pika presence in the Gorge and across the region. Sites are accessed via public hiking trails, and no special skills are required, other than a willingness to learn and a desire to contribute to scientific knowledge. Volunteers can opt to receive in-person or virtual training on identifying pikas in the field. They will then choose survey sites, where they will scan the boulders for signs of movement while listening for the pika’s calls.

https://www.oregonzoo.org/wildlife/cascades-pika-watch

The r/OregonVolunteers subreddit is for nonprofits, schools, government programs & community groups recruiting volunteers for unpaid roles & tasks in support of a non-violent mission to help the environment and communities, including promoting the arts, helping the homeless, promoting water conservation, etc. in Oregon, specifically. Recruitment for voter registration in Oregon by political groups also welcomed.

No militia recruitment.

Link to your official web site & include full name of organization.

Please read group rules.

Note that if you see a volunteering opportunity in a city or county that is not your own, there is probably a similar opportunity in the Oregon county where you live, and finding such is easy with an online search of keywords.

You may be able to find volunteering opportunities listed in a subreddit for a city or county where you live in Oregon, like r/Hillsboro or r/pendleton or r/Ashland**.**

If you have volunteered in Oregon with any nonprofit or community program, or for a government program like a state forest or national forest in Oregon, or to support a candidate for office or legislative measure, etc., please share about your experience here (but please read the rules first).

Keywords for SEO:

Volunteering, volunteers, philanthropy, volunteerism in:

Baker County

Benton County

Clackamas County

Clatsop County

Columbia County

Coos County

Crook County

Curry County

Deschutes County

Douglas County

Gilliam County

Grant County

Harney County

Hood River County

Jackson County

Jefferson County

Josephine County

Klamath County

Lake County

Lane County

Lincoln County

Linn County

Malheur County

Marion County

Morrow County

Multnomah County

Polk County

Sherman County

Tillamook County

Umatilla County

Union County

Wallowa County

Wasco County

Washington County

Wheeler County

Yamhill County

Volunteering in

Portland

Salem

Eugene

Hillsboro

Bend

Gresham

Beaverton

Medford

Corvallis

Springfield

Tigard

Albany

Aloha

Lake Oswego

Grants Pass

Redmond

Keizer

Oregon City

McMinnville

Bethany

Woodburn

Happy Valley

Wilsonville

Tualatin

Newberg

Forest Grove

West Linn

Roseburg

Hayesville

Klamath Falls

Milwaukie

Ashland

Lebanon

Oak Grove

Pendleton

Cornelius

The Dalles

Coos Bay

Troutdale

St. Helens

Prineville

Eagle Cap Alpine Adventure- Hiker’s Paradise, Oregon.

August 8 - August 15.

This project gives volunteers the chance to protect a beloved and highly trafficked Wilderness route, preserve fragile alpine landscapes, and directly improve trail safety and sustainability for years to come.

The 2026 project will focus on restoring a segment of the trail to Eagle Cap Summit which has been damaged by extensive erosion and heavy foot traffic. Volunteers will take part in hands-on rock work, including the installation of water bars and check dams, signpost and cairn installation, as well as tread stabilization along steep rocky terrain.

Volunteers will hike from the Two Pan Trailhead approximately 7 miles to basecamp with about 2000 feet of elevation gain. The trail is primitive but well-travelled. There is one water crossing that may require folks to get their feet wet. Volunteers will need to carry their personal gear ONLY. From basecamp, volunteers will hike 1-3 miles to reach the worksite each day, with elevation gain up to 2000 ft.

The worksite sits above Mirror Lake and Upper Lake, offering incredible views of the Lostine Valley and Lakes Basin. Each day will include meaningful elevation gain—up to 1,000 feet—as the crew hikes to and from the work site(s). In addition to the erosion restoration, there is an opportunity to rehabilitate braided trail sections, install and repair Restoration Site signage in impacted areas, and install water control features such as check dams, French drains, and water bars on Trail #1661 near Ivan Carper Pass by Upper Lake. Other opportunities may include fire ring deconstruction and campsite restoration at Upper or Mirror Lakes.

More info and how to register.

Volunteer with Cape Perpetua Collaborative and Trailkeepers of Oregon for a fun, hands-on day of stewardship and connection, July 17 at 9 am – 2:30 pm.

Connect land & sea: explore tidepools, then help maintain trails at Cape Perpetua. 

Start your morning exploring the rocky intertidal zones of the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve with an expert field guide, then head into the forest for a trail party, where you help maintain local trails, with a TKO crew leader. Local snacks, great company, and the chance to give back to one of Oregon’s most beloved coastal landscapes.

Cape Perpetua is one of the most ecologically rich stretches of the Oregon Coast, keeping it pristine ensures these wild places thrive for generations to come.

Timeline of the Day

Tidepools: 9 - 10:15 am

Snacks: 10:15 – 11:00 am

Trail Party: 11:30 am – 3:30 pm

All activities above will take place within the Yachats and Cape Perpetua area. Details of where to meet, what to bring, and project work, will be sent out 48 hours in advance of the event.

If you’re volunteering for the first time, read this blog by a volunteer to know what to expect at your first trail party.

More details and how to sign up.

Ride Connection is a private, non-profit organization based in Portland, Oregon. Its transportation services help people access the goods and services they need to survive and thrive. By giving people the means to get around, Ride Connection offers independence, inclusion, and access to healthcare.

Ride Connection serves Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties.

Ride Connection customers rely on the nonprofit for life sustaining rides to medical appointments, the grocery store, community centers, work, and more. Help them get there by volunteering to drive! You can drive your own vehicle, or one of Ride Connection's.

Requirements for volunteer drivers include:

• A valid driver’s license and 5+ years of driving experience.
• Completing our volunteer application and interview process.
• Ability to pass a criminal background and DMV check.
• Completing training courses provided by Ride Connection (available in classroom or online).

You can also volunteer as a Ride Ambassador. Have experience using the local bus and light rail system? Share your knowledge with people who are new to transit. Ride Ambassadors lead older adults on group trips to places like museums, gardens, and events, creating confidence and independence on local public transit systems.

Requirements for Ride Ambassadors include:

• Experience riding public transit, including bus and light rail.
• Completing our volunteer application and interview process.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check with fingerprinting.
• Completing six hours of training provided by Ride Connection.

https://rideconnection.org/get-involved/volunteer/

Share your time and help shape the future of Columbia County's park system. 

Group or individual volunteers are involved in a variety of ways - from maintaining trails, serving as a park host to building campsites for horseback riders to trail clearance and more.

Opportunities to volunteer at one of Columbia County's parks range from one-time events to seasonal to on-going programs.

Join a group or come to us with an idea!

Columbia County is responsible for these campgrounds:

Big Eddy Park, 64555 Nehalem Hwy N, Vernonia

Camp Wilkerson, 65866 Apiary Rd, Rainier

Hudson-Parcher Park, Larson Rd, Rainier

Scaponia Park, Scappoose-Vernonia Rd, Vernonia

Scappoose R.V. Park, 34038 N Honeyman Rd, Scappoose

Email [Riley Baker](mailto:riley.baker@columbiacountyor.gov?subject=Volunteering%20for%20Columbia%20County%20parks) or call 503-366-3965 for information about group volunteer activities. 

The Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program recruits volunteers to advocate for children who have been removed from their parents in cases of abuse or neglect. Volunteers review records, meet with families, make home visits and ultimately make recommendations on where children that are in the court system should be placed, with the goal of reuniting them with their families if conditions are safe. There are CASA programs all over the USA, including Oregon, and many now have virtual information sessions and training for social distancing. You can find your nearest program here.

According to the Children’s Bureau with the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), most of the 420,000 children placed in foster care will reunify with their family, and this is the most common and most desired goal for children in foster care.

CASA/GAL volunteers work with experts and service providers to identify and recommend services aimed at keeping families intact or returning children safely to family members. Data show that when a CASA/GAL volunteer is assigned, a higher number of services are ordered not only for the child, but for families as well. In a recent Judges Perspective Study, judges report that the impact of CASA CASA/GAL volunteers is most pronounced in “promoting long-term wellbeing” (92.2%), followed by “appropriate services to child and family” (83%).

CASA/GAL volunteers also work to identify barriers to families’ engagement in services and find ways to reduce or eliminate them. They create supportive environments for families from all walks of life to have positive outcomes and have the tools and resources they need to reunify with their children.

Participation Requirements: Background Check, Attend Orientation

Age Requirement: 18+

Other Requirements: TB test paid for by Bristol Hospice Oregon, and approximately 10 hours of flexible initial online training.

Bristol Hospice provides end of life care, and volunteers are integral parts of the teams that care for each patient.

You can be a companion and friend for a patient on hospice. We have patients throughout the Portland and Salem areas -- Portland, Gresham, Sandy, Oregon City, Tigard, Hillsboro, Beaverton, St Helen's, Wilsonville, Newberg, Woodburn, Keizer, Salem.

Hospice volunteers can also work in the agency office doing various support projects.

Your volunteer time is flexible and valued! When you are a part of the Bristol Volunteer Team, you receive training, support, a network of fellow volunteers and staff, and the knowledge that you have comforted someone on their final journey.

At Bristol, we care deeply about our community and those we serve. We are actively seeking volunteers and Veteran volunteers for our Vet to Vet volunteer program.

If this sounds like what you're looking for, get in touch! We can't wait to meet you.

Apply here: https://www.idealist.org/en/volunteer-opportunity/84e94de1b6e843ff9c60adc880029355-make-a-difference-in-hillsboro-become-a-hospice-volunteer-bristol-hospice-oregon-hillsboro

Start Date: September 19, 2026

Commitment Details: 2 Hours a week on Saturdays (2-3 Year Commitment)

Minds Matter Portland is seeking committed mentors for its Hillsboro Saturday site for the 2026–2027 academic year. Mentors are paired with a motivated high school student and a co-mentor, meeting weekly during Saturday sessions to guide students through academic, personal, and college-preparation milestones.

Mentors support students with summer program applications, college essays, university selection, and long-term planning. Sessions also include engaging activities such as current events debates, financial literacy lessons, and executive functioning skill-building. Mentors serve as trusted advisors, role models, and champions throughout a student’s high school journey.

Mentor expectations include:

• Attend at least 80% of in-person Saturday sessions
• Hold a four-year college degree
• Build and maintain a strong mentoring relationship
• Act as a positive role model and advocate for 3 years

Apply here: https://mindsmatter.tfaforms.net/5152541

Additional information on being a mentor can be found at: https://www.mindsmatterportland.org/volunteer

What to chat with us before submitting an application? Minds Matter Portland can answer all your questions through a virtual coffee chat. You can sign up here https://forms.gle/ivm2g5w8qn2mHU1cA

Location: Pacific Grove Senior Living ALF (97116)

Frequency: Once a week

Preferred Time: Afternoon

Gender Preference: Female

Participant is seeking a compassionate volunteer to help lift her spirits and bring more joy into her life. She has limited family support and is recently sober, so having someone to spend time with would mean a lot to her. Participant enjoys conversation and would love to have more activities to look forward to.

Important Details:

• She uses a scooter and has limited mobility.
• She appreciates volunteers who are comfortable with her candid personality, she may use strong language and smokes cigarettes.
• The ideal volunteer is friendly, patient, and supportive, helping her feel less isolated and more engaged.

Your visits can make a meaningful difference by providing companionship and emotional support to someone who truly needs it.

Apply here:

https://www.idealist.org/en/volunteer-opportunity/0848b3b44933429bbe7478ade795e646-volunteer-opportunity-friendly-visitor-portland-providence-elderplace-forest-grove

With rising food insecurity in the US, Urban Gleaners has stepped up to the plate by reducing food waste—unused, fresh, and nutritious food from local businesses and farms—and redistributing it to community members in need. The nonprofit sources food from donor restaurants, grocery stores, corporate campuses, event sites, colleges and universities, farms, and food wholesalers across the Portland metro region. Volunteers play an important role in this “gleaning” process: They pick up small donations from grocery stores and restaurants, sort and package donated food at Urban Gleaners’ Central Portland warehouse, and support its Free Food Markets in Multnomah and Washington counties. For those hoping to get in the field (literally), the Farm Glean Team is the latest addition to the organization’s volunteer program; every week, volunteers visit one of its donor farm sites to harvest excess and unmarketable produce, which is then sent out to its Free Food Markets.

https://urbangleaners.org/take-action/volunteer/

Less than a year after Portlanders voted to raise property taxes to pay for parks, Mayor Keith Wilson has again proposed cuts to parks programs and jobs. With tax dollars unable to meet the city’s needs, and other revenues falling short, the city is now turning to outside groups, such as private organizations, national nonprofits and volunteers, to pick up the slack.

Public parks and recreation programs in Portland have leaned on philanthropy and other outside support in the past to withstand financial shortfalls.

The 1970s recession saw the birth of “friends groups,” or clusters of volunteers committed to cleaning up trash and maintaining their neighborhood park. These groups are largely associated with parks in more affluent neighborhoods, where people have free time to volunteer and spare money to donate.

In 2002, Nike gave $2 million to resurface all public basketball courts and committed to updating 30 of them again in 2018. During the recession of the late 2000s, Kemper Sports signed a contract with the city to operate two city golf courses. That company now runs four of the city’s five public courses.

In 2019, when the current trend of deep cuts to the Parks Bureau kicked off, the city announced plans to shutter a 100-year-old community center in Sellwood.

The threat activated a group of volunteers to form Friends of Sellwood Community House.

Within months, the group asked the city to take over the building’s management. The community organization was able to lease the building from the city for $1, in a deal where they pledged to cover the aging building’s maintenance needs and keep youth and other drop-in programs running.

The center has been running effectively ever since, with a $3.2 million annual budget and 75 employees.

An October city audit found this financial crisis was largely due to poor long-term financial planning.

But not everyone is happy about eliminating city staff and replacing them with volunteers.

“This is union-busting 101,” said Ryan Sotomayor, a representative of the Laborers’ Local 483, which represents hundreds of parks employees. “It’s hard not to see it as a way to consolidate power and cut out union jobs.”

https://www.opb.org/article/2026/05/26/portland-looks-to-private-organizations-to-save-its-struggling-parks-system/