We are pleased to share the results of the Oak Lodge Governance Project’s (OLGP) first phase of public engagement efforts. Since July 2020, OLGP has been working to develop and share the results of an economic research and governance report for the future of the unincorporated community of Oak Lodge. The Foundational Research report was funded thanks to a 2040 Planning and Development Grant from Metro Regional Government.

Below is a final overview of the first phase of OLGP’s work detailing the ECONorthwest Foundational Report. Moreover, it outlines the various ways in which the members of OLGP Steering Committee–an entirely volunteer team of local residents–forged connections and relationships with residents of our area during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the Oak Lodge Governance Project Phase One Research and Engagement Report, you will find:

-A summary of the Foundational Report and additional research reports, including the modeled governance scenarios, and local bodies OLGP and our consultant team worked with to develop it.

-An outline of the 13 formal presentations OLGP steering committee members conducted with community members and elected bodies to share the results of the Foundational Report.

-A synopsis of the 12 community information sessions OLGP Steering Committee members held to help residents of Oak Lodge understand the history, local utilities and current governance structures in the Oak Lodge community.

-An overview of the communications infrastructure OLGP developed to network our community and share the results of the report, including a website, social media accounts, regular articles in the Clackamas Review and a Mailchimp list with nearly 500 local subscribers.

We’ve always known that this effort would be a long term conversation. In fact, determining the local governance of Oak Lodge is the continuation of an area wide conversation that began in at least 1908. Moving forward, this current economic study elevates this on-going conversation on representation, community and equity to new heights while being grounded in factual data.

Historically marginalized residents—including communities of color, people who are not property owners, people with lower incomes and those who are new to the community–have not been actively included in discussions about local governance in Oak Lodge. We believe this has a great deal to do with the lack of consolidated communication infrastructure and inadequate opportunities for residents to easily engage with their local, elected representation.

Moving forward, the process of determining the future of our unincorporated community must include all of us, especially those whose voices have been long silent for lack of opportunity to participate.

We look forward to working with our neighbors and elected leaders to continue the conversation on local governance for the Oak Lodge area. This is a responsibility we all share moving forward.

Sincerely,
OLGP Steering Committee

Mitra Anoushiravani
Nathan Breitenfeldt
Valerie Chapman
Jane Civiletti
Tom Civiletti
Joseph Edge
Nathan Ember
Eleanore Hunter
Chips Janger
Cole Merkel