Welcome
Interested citizens, elected officials and business leaders from throughout Clackamas County crowded into Gregory Forum at Clackamas Community College May 16 for the Complete Community Congress IV. Attendees shared their diverse opinions on the meaning of Healthy Communities and discussed various paths toward achieving that goal.
At several intervals throughout the discussion, attendees noted their opinions through a keypad polling technique that compiled their answers within minutes.
Participants heard supportive comments from Commissioners Bob Austin, Jim Bernard and Ann Lininger. State Senator, Martha Schrader and State Representative, Bill Kennemer, who championed the Complete Communities programs during their tenures as county commissioners, also attended.
Clackamas County has received national recognition for the unique Community Congresses and has brought together people to discuss issues of concern that have led to program initiatives by the board.
A summary report is being compiled and will be posted on the web.
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The Complete Communities program began in 1999 as a response by the Board of County Commissioners (BCC) to citizen requests for increased participation in decisions that affect their lives. Its mission, developed by a 65-member design committee, is to “Engage the greatest number of County residents in defining our common and unique community values; identifying the diverse attributes of complete communities; and guiding future policy decisions and actions.”
Since its inception, the BCC has hosted five Community Congresses, providing an opportunity for hundreds of local officials, citizen, education and business leaders to work together on a range of issues. Through these collaborative efforts, it is generally agreed that a Complete Community in Clackamas County has the following attributes:
- Engaged citizenry
- Cultural diversity
- Variety of cultural opportunities
- Excellent and well-funded educational system
- Range of employment options
- Environmental health
- Strong growth management and land use planning
- Network of health and social services
- Variety of housing choices for all residents
- Sufficient parks and recreation
- Assurance of public safety
- Transportation system with a range of travel options
The 2007 Congress focused on defining a sustainable physical, economic and social environment.
A noteworthy outgrowth of Complete Communities is the County’s nationally recognized Hamlets and Villages program, a grassroots, citizen-driven effort. To date, six unincorporated communities in Clackamas County have considered forming either a Hamlet or Village. Currently, three hamlets and one village have been formed.
The next Community Congress will take place Saturday, May 16, 2009. Please mark this important date on your calendar! A task force of citizens, business, education, and local governmental leaders is advising the Board of County Commissioners on this significant effort. Members include:
- Robert Baker
- Dan Bradley
- Paul Bunn
- Tim Dahl
- Bruce Goldson
- Susan Nielsen
- Shelly Parini
- Ernie Platt
- Robin Ribiroff
- Cheryl Snow
- Trent Tidwell
- Daphne Wuest
- Jill Younce
For more information, please contact Barbara Smolak, 503-655-8552, barbarasmo@co.clackamas.or.us.
