Portland's local government has appointed its first Engagement Officer, Amanda Garcia-Snell, who officially began in the role on January 31. Garcia-Snell previously worked at Washington County as the Community Engagement Manager and Temporary Deputy Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer. According to a Portland government announcement, in her new position, Garcia-Snell will focus on updating and organizing the city's community engagement strategies across its service areas.

Garcia-Snell's role will involve leading the design of citywide engagement practices and procedures, as well as coordinating and directing a citywide engagement team. She will also be tasked with developing and implementing an equitable engagement strategy for Portland, with a focus on improving relationships with community engagement leaders. In addition to her leadership at the Office of Community & Civic Life, Garcia-Snell brings experience from managing programs at Washington County aimed at enhancing engagement, equity-centered collaboration, and outcomes.

The Office of Community & Civic Life, now led by Garcia-Snell, is focused on advancing Portland's community engagement efforts. Her background in public involvement, policy development, and promoting equity in local government systems is seen as relevant to the city's engagement goals.

In her previous roles, Garcia-Snell has worked to prioritize community voices in local government decisions. With Portland's civic landscape as her platform, she is positioned to apply her experience in developing collaborative relationships and programs that engage diverse communities. "The engagement officer will lead efforts to design citywide engagement practices and procedures, convene and lead a Citywide engagement team, develop and implement the City's equitable engagement strategy, build relationships with community engagement leaders, and more," as the city's announcement described her expansive new role.