Regional Joint Information System (R-JIS)
The R-JIS is comprised of Public Information Officers (PIOs) and other communication experts who communicate with the public, the media, and other critical response partners before, during, and in the aftermath of an emergency. This communication is a critical emergency management capability that can save lives, property, and the environment.
Co-Chair: Jaymee Cuti, City of Portland
Co-Chair: Sarah Dean, Multnomah County
The R-JIS is a collaboration of public and private agencies that work together to share knowledge, information, and resources and coordinate public information and warning during a regional emergency, disaster, or large-scale planned event in the Portland Metro Region.
The R-JIS consists of several hundred members who are experts in public information and warning. They represent Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, and Washington counties in Oregon and Clark County in Washington. They also represent the region’s cities, special districts, hospitals, utility providers, schools, businesses, non-profits, and community-based organizations, as well as key state agencies.
FUNCTIONS
Photo: Multnomah County
R-JIS members support each other during non-emergency and emergency times.
During non-emergency times, R-JIS members attend quarterly meetings, train and exercise together, learn about community needs, debrief after emergency activations, and develop strong, collaborative relationships. Before 2026, non-emergency R-JIS functions were carried out by the Public Information Officers Work Group (PIOWG).
During emergencies and large-scale planned events, R-JIS members launch a Regional Joint Information Center (R-JIC) and work together to ensure the public and public agencies are informed. They provide situational awareness, respond to community needs, control rumors, counter false claims, work to create consistent public messaging, monitor media, coordinate on media relations, and provide mutual aid. Their coordination helps avoid duplication of efforts, create efficiencies, and save lives, property, and the environment.
DOCUMENTS
MEETINGS
Meetings are held the 1st Thursdays of March, June, September, and December from 10:30-11:10am. Each December, they also convene for an in-person networking event. Contact the co-chairs to be added to the roster.
LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE
The Leadership Committee oversees maintenance and implementation of the R-JIS. They are representatives from Clackamas, Clark, Columbia, Multnomah, and Washington counties, the City of Portland, Metro, the Port of Portland, TriMet, and Public Health. They are appointed to the Leadership Committee by their respective agencies. They meet on the fourth Monday of each month to plan the quarterly R-JIS meetings.