January 2026 Newsletter

News from the Board

IAP2 Strategic Planning Session 2026

2026 Strategic Planning Recap


This month, the IAP2 Cascade Chapter Board of Directors came together for an in-person strategic planning retreat to connect, reflect, and look ahead to what we want to accomplish in 2026. Our mission will always be grounded in advancing best practices in the field of public participation. We do this through facilitating professional learning opportunities to tackle the tough issues of our times; cultivating our P2 community through free and fun networking events; and supporting engagement communications and notifications throughout our Cascade region with our bimonthly newsletter. As we look ahead with energy and excitement for how we're planning to grow over the coming year and beyond, we invite you to join us! We always welcome volunteers for our committees (Events, Communications) and are currently considering applications for our Board of Directors.

IAP2 Cascade Board Members


Franziska Elliott

Board President

JLA Public Involvement


Natalie Hall (Warner)

Board Vice President

David Evans and Associates, Inc.


Ann Griffin

Board Treasurer

City of Oregon City


Jordan Imlah

Board Member

City of Milwaukie


MJ Jackson

Board Member

WSP


Fabián Hidalgo Guerrero

Board Member

Espousal Strategies

Learn more about who we are, what we do, and the benefits of getting involved with our chapter.


Are you on LinkedIn? Follow the new public IAP2 Cascade Chapter page

Save the Date: 
February Meet & Mingle - Winter Light Festival


Join us for our next Meet & Mingle event next month and enjoy the acclaimed Portland Winter Light Festival! Tuesday, February 10 at 5 p.m. Attendees will meet at 40 LBS Coffee + Bar at the corner of SW 2nd and Salmon in downtown Portland (101 SW Main St #140, Portland, OR 97204) for hot drinks and/or cocktails before venturing out to enjoy a tour of the local light displays at 6 p.m. Small bites provided by the Cascade Chapter.

December Panel Resources


In case you missed the panel discussion in December and/or our follow-up email with resources, we wanted to include them again, as the need to know your rights and support targeted communities becomes more urgent with each passing day.


Featured P2 Professional Development

IAP2 YP Networking Events

IAP2 USA Young Professionals (YP) Network & Events


Are you a young professional (35 or younger) or new to your career in public participation? IAP2 YP is open to anyone who self-identifies as a young professional in the field of public participation. They aim to empower young professionals through networking and sharing experiences and resources.


Join the IAP2 Young Professionals for quarterly networking events! These virtual gatherings are a fantastic opportunity for early- and mid-career professionals in public participation to expand their network, exchange ideas, and discover new tools and resources.


  • Q1: March 18 // 10-11am, Guest Speaker- Wendy Lowe & the IAP2 Certification
  • Q2: June 17 // 10-11am, Cup of Tea style
  • Q3: September 16 // 10-11am, Guest Speaker (TBD)
  • Q4: December 16 // 10-11am, End of the Year Event - Tools that got me through the year (Cup of Tea style)


Information and registration details can be found on their webpage within the IAP2 USA site: https://iap2usa.org/Young_Professionals


Interested in joining the IAP2 USA YP group?

IAP2 Training Header

Submit a Proposal to Lead an IAP2 USA Virtual Training Opportunity


IAP2 USA is inviting experienced trainers and facilitators to help build their 2026 Virtual Training Calendar. This is a great opportunity to share your expertise, connect with practitioners across the country, and contribute to advancing the practice of public participation.


Currently Available Dates:

June 11 | August 20 | December 3


They are accepting submissions on a rolling basis. Proposals may be considered for these dates or for additional sessions added to the calendar based on interest and availability. Selected trainers will be contacted to confirm details and finalize contracts.


Questions, submissions, or exciting webinar concepts? Contact Shyla Gavin, Training Manager

Featured Events & Opportunities

Civic Life logo

Weigh in on Planned TriMet Bus and MAX Service Changes and Cuts


There's still time to make your voice heard and get more information on TriMet's 2026 Service Cuts. Take the survey by January 31.


There are still a few remaining open houses to get information on how the service cuts may impact you.


  • Tuesday, January 27, 4 - 6pm at Clackamas Community College
  • Wednesday, January 28, 4 - 6pm at the Rosewood Initiative
  • Thursday, January 29, 4 - 6pm at the University of Oregon's Library Learning Center in Portland, OR
FY 2027 MultCo budget process

Weigh in on Multnomah County’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget


Multnomah County is developing its Fiscal Year 2027 budget and wants to hear from you. With a projected $10.5 million General Fund shortfall, the County is inviting community members to share their priorities through an online survey (available in multiple languages) that will help shape the proposed budget. Take the survey by February 22.


In addition to the survey, there are several upcoming opportunities to learn more and share input, including Budget 101 workshops (dates below), a virtual town hall on February 7, and public budget hearings.


  • Saturday, January 24, 10am - 12pm at the Midland Library
  • Wednesday, February 4, 6 - 7pm at the Gresham Library
Vancouver Corridors Projects

Share Your Experience Traveling these Vancouver Corridors


The City of Vancouver is looking to improve safety and comfort for all travelers on: ⁠

  • Northeast 72nd Avenue from Northeast 40th Street to Northeast 78th Street ⁠
  • Northeast 86th/87th Avenue from Mill Plain Boulevard to Fourth Plain Boulevard ⁠
  • 97th/98th Avenue from Southeast 10th Street to Northeast 39th Street ⁠

They want to hear about your experience on these streets. Use the interactive map to share your feedback by February 28.

For more details, visit the project webpage.

Have a upcoming event or engagement opportunity you'd like us to feature? Send us your requests at IAP2Cascade@gmail.com.

Featured IAP2 USA Trainings & Events

Webinar: Building Resilience for Working in High Stakes, High Heat Situations

January 29


Join fellow practitioners for a reflective and supportive conversation focused on staying grounded and whole in high stakes, high heat environments. Together, we will share stories, practices, and approaches that help sustain openness, balance, and heart centered leadership so you can continue doing this work with strength and purpose while living a vibrant life.


Register

Stakeholder "Mapping" Identifying and Analyzing Underrepresented Stakeholders

February 17


Who should be involved and who might be missing? This practical course introduces a clear and transparent approach to identifying and analyzing key stakeholders, a critical step in designing ethical and equity centered engagement. Participants will refine and finalize stakeholder maps and discuss common implementation challenges along with strategies to overcome them.


Register

Featured Jobs

City of Corvallis logo

Community Engagement Coordinator

City of Corvallis, Parks & Recreation


Salary Range: $32.88 - $41.81 Hourly


Position is open until filled.


The Community Engagement Coordinator leads efforts to connect the community with Parks & Recreation programs, facilities, and services. This role develops and implements engagement strategies through events, outreach social media, marketing campaigns, and partnerships. The position works closely with internal teams and community partners to advance the department’s mission and ensure inclusive, meaningful engagement opportunities.

Communications Manager

City of Gresham


Salary Range: $100,179 - $144,229


The City of Gresham is seeking a dedicated and inventive Communications Manager to shape and lead our public outreach and engagement strategies. This is a critical role where you will manage the City's communications projects and strategies, ensuring transparency and connection between the municipal government and the public. If you thrive on challenging, fast-paced, and rewarding work, we invite you to join a team that goes 'one step beyond' in service to our residents.


Send your P2-related job announcements to IAP2Cascade@gmail.com

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