What We Do

The RDPO is a partnership of government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and private-sector stakeholders in the Portland Metropolitan Region collaborating to increase the region’s resilience to disasters. The region spans Clackamas, Columbia, Multnomah, and Washington counties in Oregon and Clark County in Washington.

EFFECTIVE REGIONAL COORDINATION

RDPO partners recognize that they can more effectively respond to disasters and facilitate recovery if they prepare together. Regional collaboration is more cost-effective for taxpayers, develops roles and relationships needed for efficient disaster response and recovery, creates more consistent public messaging, and increases the ability to involve the whole community in preparedness.

Mission

Build and maintain regional disaster preparedness capabilities in the Portland Metropolitan Region through strategic and coordinated planning, training and exercising, and investment in technology and specialized equipment.

Vision

A secure and disaster-resilient region in which local agencies, organizations, and communities are coordinated and prepared to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from threats and hazards of great risk to the Portland Metropolitan Region.

Guiding Principles

  • Provide opportunities for all jurisdictions and disaster preparedness organizations in the five‑county region to participate.

  • Strive for a holistic regional perspective while honoring and respecting each partner’s autonomy.

  • Demonstrate organizational value to all members.

  • Practice transparency, accountability, and financial stewardship.

  • Ensure equity and fairness in adopting regional policies.

  • Make decisions by consensus whenever possible.

  • Use a whole community approach in which all stakeholder groups are integrated and considered.

  • Build upon existing strengths and ensure capability investments are maintained.

  • Use the National Preparedness Goal as a guide for enhancing regional preparedness across all mission areas.

ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY

The RDPO formed in 2012 out of a desire to build upon and unify various regional preparedness efforts in the Portland Metropolitan Region, including the Regional Emergency Management Group (established in 1993), the Urban Areas Security Initiative Program (originally funded in 2003), and several discipline-specific coordination groups. 

Annual Reports

Our annual reports list achievements and snapshots of key projects and activities planned for the upcoming year. We will resume report writing in 2023. View our 2019 Mid-Year Report and 2018 Annual Report for an idea of what we were doing pre-pandemic.