July 2025 Newsletter

News from the Board

As part of our 2025 strategic planning initiatives, we’ve given our newsletter a fresh new look! The overhaul includes new sections—like opportunities for readers to submit local P2-related content—that we hope will make this space more collaborative and community-driven.

We’re also currently seeking new board members to help us grow our capacity and keep the momentum going on exciting initiatives ahead. Want to get involved with the IAP2 Cascade Chapter? Let us know!

And speaking of momentum—after the energy of June’s panel event, we’re keeping the conversation going with a casual “Meet & Mingle” networking event in August. Details to come! Join us for drinks, connection, and good conversation with fellow public involvement professionals. Small bites will be provided by IAP2 Cascade.

IAP2 Cascade Board Members

Ann Griffin

Board President

City of Oregon City

Jordan Imlah

Board Member

City of Milwaukie

MJ Jackson

Board Member

WSP

Natalie Warner

Board Member

David Evans and Associates, Inc.

Franziska Elliott

Board Member

JLA Public Involvement

Join a passionate group of engagement professionals dedicated to cultivating a strong community of practitioners in Oregon and SW Washington, supporting professional growth, and elevating best practices in public participation.

I'm interested!

Featured P2 Project

Beaverton's Transportation Ambassador Model Builds Capacity and Community

The City of Beaverton is experimenting with a new approach to community engagement as it updates its Transportation System Plan, a document guiding investments in sidewalks, bike facilities, and streets. To reach a broad and diverse array of people, the city recruited for and brought together a group of community volunteers, referred to as the project’s Transportation Ambassadors. Ambassadors are tasked with leading engagement activities and providing input into the plan. Ambassadors spent a year learning about transportation topics and building skills, with the help of city staff, Zan Associates, PlaceIt, and Movement Communications Academy. Currently they are leading or supporting each other with activities like distributing the project survey among social networks, convening a high school focus group, and tabling at local events like Pride Beaverton and the farmer’s market. A summary of what is heard will be published later this year and will inform future project phases.

Featured Events & Opportunities

It Takes a Village: Mental Health Services for Unhoused People

Wednesday, July 23, 6:30 to 8 pm

Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub, 112 SW 2nd Ave

Join City Club’s Health and Public Safety Issue Committee to learn more about mental health services available to people experiencing homelessness in Portland. The program includes an audience Q&A and “talk back” session for attendees to reflect on what they learned and explore ways to help.

Learn more and register to attend

Corvallis Downtown Facilities Funding Options

The City of Corvallis is seeking community input to explore funding options for critical improvements to the Police Station and the Civic Campus. This public engagement effort invites feedback on potential funding tools such as bonds, taxes, and other finance strategies. Input will be considered alongside financial feasibility and long-term service needs to develop a sustainable funding approach that reflects community values.

Take the questionnaire

2025 PBOT Plaza Survey

Have you visited a Public Street Plaza this year? Portland’s Bureau of Transportation wants to hear from you! Each year, PBOT conducts a summer survey to understand how people use the plazas and gather feedback to help them plan for the future. Your input will help them improve public street plazas to better serve your community.

Take the survey

Have a recent project, upcoming event, or professional development opportunity you'd like us to feature? Send us your requests at IAP2Cascade@gmail.com.

Featured IAP2 USA Trainings & Events

Working with Conflict and High Emotion

October 14, 15, 16, 17

The focus of this course is on de-escalating and shifting conflict and high emotion to constructive participation, where forward momentum and resolution are possible.

Understanding Conflict in Public Participation

November 6 & 7

The focus will be on developing the skills of participants to identify and mitigate situations of tension and conflict within their P2/engagement work.

Featured Jobs

Community Engagement Coordinator

City of Eugene

Compensation: $35.74 - $44.54 Hourly

The Community Engagement Program Coordinator plays a vital role in connecting the City of Eugene Parks and Open Space Division with the community it serves. This position is responsible for fostering positive relationships through strategic communication, outreach, and public engagement efforts. The coordinator collaborates with internal teams, leads engagement initiatives, and supports transparent, inclusive communication with a diverse public.

Examples of Duties Performed

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Lead public outreach efforts to inform community members, neighborhood groups, and park user groups about Parks initiatives.
Solicit community input and promote opportunities for involvement

Learn More

Public Affairs and Community Engagement Specialist

Urban Flood Safety & Water Quality District

Compensation: $62,900.00 - $94,400.00 Annually

Are you organized, proactive, a flexible communicator, and a strong project manager with a drive for public service? The Public Affairs and Community Engagement Specialist will support the District’s communications, education, outreach, and engagement strategies by coordinating work in community and government relations. This includes project management—establishing and managing timelines, budgets, communications, agreements, and relationships with interested and affected parties, and partner agencies; and education and outreach—developing and executing informational and educational plans to communicate district and multi-agency initiatives to the public, various affected and interested parties, the media, board members, and employees for our region’s lifesaving flood safety system.

Learn More

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

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