North Star creates collaborative spaces where civic leaders develop visionary solutions to complex public interest problems.
Our Mission
North Star creates collaborative spaces where civic leaders develop visionary solutions to complex public interest problems. We take an entrepreneurial approach and invest our time and financial resources to accelerate change. We focus on democracy and shared prosperity — because we believe that these are the building blocks for a hopeful future.
Learn more about us.
Latest Updates
North Star Civic Foundation and Oregon Values and Beliefs Center have once again partnered to ask Portlanders how effective they feel local government is, whether they feel represented by local leaders, and which policies and services are priorities. Your City, Your Choice 2026 is here.
Bull Run Center’s first Kitchen Cabinet of the fall is September 15th. Members: check your email for details about YES.
Collaborations for Impact
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Bull Run Center
Portland's wellspring for civic leadership, where more than 200 executives in government, business, philanthropy, arts, and culture hold space for collaboration and vision.
We established the Bull Run Center to foster trust among civic leaders, embolden our shared vision for Portland’s future, and open pathways for aligned action.
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Your City, Your Choice 2026
A Skunkworks Project of Bull Run Center, in partnership with Oregon Values and Beliefs Center
Our annual survey of Portland civic attitudes is back.
1,252 participants // Three years of data // All four Portland Districts // Your City, Your Choice.
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Stumptown Stats
Driven by our volunteer civic research team
Explore civic data to chart Portland’s progress. We’re starting with historic data about Portland elections and Portlander's’ views on belonging and public services. We’ll track how civic life and government in Portland change over the coming decade.
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PDX Charter Facts
With research from the Compass Fellows
In November 2022 Portlanders voted to pass a historic reforms to the city government. We developed a Fact Book as a resource for journalists in their coverage of the proposal.
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State Budget Stabilization
A project of the Mt. Goats team
Without raising taxes, Oregon policymakers could stabilize the general fund and dedicate one-time money to prioritized one-time projects like building housing, transportation, or protecting communities from wildfire.
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Our Next 20
A project of the Mt. Goats team
From Pendleton to Ashland, local governments in Oregon face persistent budget imbalances. Our 2019 report calls for new civic leadership, and outlines options to find balance and serve communities now and for the future.
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