City Club research is a highly respected source of credible and balanced information on issues affecting Portland, the region and the state of Oregon. Since 1920, City Club members have prepared over 900 reports on a wide variety of topics including land use planning, health care, education, environment, government, transportation, taxation and more. City Club's vast selection of studies is an incredible resource for community leaders and active citizens developing or evaluating policy initiatives or searching for historical data. The Club’s expanding body of knowledge of public issues is a staple for journalists and is frequently cited in local media.

City Club members, only after being carefully screened to avoid conflicts of interest, conduct the research and write the reports that become part of Oregon history. Following a public debate, City Club members determine by vote whether the study committee’s conclusions and recommendations should become official policy positions of the Club. Regardless of the outcome of the vote, the work of City Club remains in the public realm as a stimulus for thoughtful discussion based on the research, City Club members also participate in follow-up advocacy activities that can serve as a powerful force for civic change. Click here to learn more about advocacy opportunities.

Report Archive
City Club reports are available to members and non-members for a modest fee. Reports published since 2001 are also available in PDF format. City Club reports can be found in libraries throughout Oregon, including the Multnomah County Central Library, the Oregon Historical Society and numerous university, college and high school libraries. Click here for a searchable archive of City Club reports or to request a report.

Types of City Club Reports

Comprehensive Study Reports
Comprehensive study reports present background information, findings, discussion and analysis, the committee’s conclusions, and recommendations targeted to relevant decision-makers and organizations. Reports are distributed to relevant parties, including elected officials and other community leaders, and are often the foundation for public advocacy efforts.

Ballot Measure Reports
Oregon has one of the most prolific initiative systems in the United States. Generations of voters have relied on City Club ballot measure studies to guide them toward sound voting decisions. Ballot measure reports include objective background information, a summary of pro and con arguments, analysis, conclusions and a voting recommendation.

Methodology
Volunteer study committees are comprosed of City Club members carefully screened to avoid conflicts of interest. Committee members are solicited on a project-by-project basis through the City Club Bulletin, and other announcements, and personal recruitment.

Committees gather extensive expert testimony through personal interviews and review published research as their primary means of data collection. Committees are chartered by City Club’s Research Board and guided by a study charge that provides a framework and timeline for the study. Click here to view current study charges.

Oversight for City Club research is provided primarily by an appointed Research Board. One or more board members advise each study committee and act as liaisons between the study committee and the Research Board. The Club’s Board of Governors also reviews and approves study charges and final reports. Study committees are supported by a research director who also provides staff support to the Research Board. The review process at all levels is intended to safeguard City Club’s time-honored reputation for high quality research. Neither board has the power to add to, subtract from or materially alter the study committee’s final conclusions or recommendations.

Propose a Study Topic
Ideas for City Club study topics come from Club members and the general public and are vetted by the Club’s governing bodies. To submit a study proposal, contact City Club Policy Director Wade Fickler at for more information.