As with any group, there will be inefficiencies.  Representative government can be corrupted, even in a neighborhood association.  But at least the interests of the neighborhood will be more closely followed than what the City might want.  Planners?  Maybe the purpose of residents and neighborhoods isn't to give them something to do.  Let Portland develop as the market dictates, as agreed to by those affected, and not at the whim of planners or some other tribunal.