Problem

In the wake of the murder of George Floyd, national protests, and calls for the justice-rooted reform of police departments and public safety, Portland city leaders identified the need for a long overdue modernized public safety system where all Portlanders are safe, and have access to services when they need them most. For the City to reimagine a system rooted in anti-racism, equity, transparency, communication, partnership, and fiscal responsibility, it would be critical to first understand the impact of the current system on vulnerable communities, and to root the process in authentic collaboration every step of the way.

Solution

Slalom and the City of Portland engaged Interplay to carry out an integrated community engagement process with Portland’s frontline partners and subject matter experts who engage with and serve priority populations, and possess a unique, in-depth perspective on the issue. Their close-up view was essential in providing recommendations for crafting a strategic plan that genuinely addresses the needs of those most impacted by Portland’s public safety system. Using an integrated approach, we built our engagement over three phases, with a quantitative survey, in-depth interviews, and social innovation design workshops. Grounded in Interplay’s core principles of justice-oriented engagement, we facilitated meaningful, community-centered conversations rooted in reciprocity and accountability that invited robust participation. 

Results

The engagement process yielded deeply thoughtful and rich insights that we compiled into a comprehensive findings report for the City. The findings in the report have the power to change Portland’s public safety system for good. As the City, together with our communities, moves forward to actualize a system that truly works for every Portlander, the key insights and recommendations learned through this process offer our leaders a blueprint for the future that fosters a sense of belonging and safety for all people who call the city of Portland their home.