Regional Joint Information System (R-JIS)

The R-JIS is also known as the PIO Work Group. Public Information Officers (PIOs) communicate with the public, the media, and other stakeholders 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

Photo credit: Multnomah County

Photo credit: Multnomah County

The PIO Work Group is in the process of changing its name to the Regional Joint Information System (R-JIS). This change reflects the fact that regional PIOs activate as the R-JIS during regional emergencies and disasters. The change is expected to be formalized in July 2026.

The R-JIS is a collaboration of public and private agencies that work together to 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.

MEETINGS

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. Meetings are held the 1st Thursdays of March, June, and September from 10:30-11:10am. Each December, they convene for an in-person networking event. Contact the Chair or Vice Chair to be added to the roster.

ACTIVATIONS

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

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.