Friday, Sept. 2, 2022
News & Notes
Note from new Executive Director Elizabeth Mazzara Myers
Let me start by saying thank you to everyone who has reached out to me with congratulations and offers of partnership as I start this new position with Westside Economic Alliance. We have a lot of exciting work ahead of us and I look forward to collaborating across the private and public sectors in service to WEA's mission.

As you may know, our longtime Communications Director Teresa Dunham served her last day a week ago. We thank her for her years of dedicated service and wish her well. As we work to fill her very big shoes, we will be making an adjustment to the newsletter, moving it to twice monthly starting next week, September 9. More details on that below.

Since starting a few weeks back, I've been busy coordinating a Governor's Forum. Today I am pleased to announce that we will be hosting all three candidates at a Regional Growth Governor's Forum with our partners from Columbia Corridor Association, Clackamas County Business Alliance, Homebuilders Association Metro Portland, NAIOP, Oregon Smart Growth, and Working Waterfront Coalition. Details will follow in next week's full newsletter. For now, please hold Monday October 10, 6:00 p.m. on your calendar for this virtual forum on Business, Workforce, Housing and Transportation.

Finally, we are thrilled to announce that Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici will be our featured speaker at the October 27 WEA Breakfast Forum. Registration details to follow.

Stay tuned for an updated schedule of events including member-only happy hours, winter social events and more. I look forward to serving you as your Executive Director. Please reach out to me if you would like to grab coffee or schedule a virtual meet and greet: Elizabeth@WestsideAlliance.org.
New Newsletter Schedule
While recruiting for a new marketing and communications manager, we will move to bi-monthly publishing through the end of the year. We've also made it easier for members to share content, milestones and other topics. Please send text and photos or graphics to: Newsletter@WestsideAlliance.org.
Wildfires and ways to mitigate risk -- weigh in!
Oregon's land use agency -- the Department of Land Conversations and Development -- just released draft recommendations to mitigate the threat of wildfires and propose ways to create more wildfire adaptive communities that also includes new development. Earlier this week, DLCD Director Brenda Ortigoza Bateman discussed this on OPB's "Think Out Loud," and also highlighted other priorities as the department approaches its 50th anniversary. You can also submit your comments to DLCD by Sept. 16.
Events coming up
Wed. 9/14 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. WEA Transportation Committee will meet at 3J Consulting, 9600 SW Nimbus Ave, Suite 100 in Beaverton. Virtual attendance is also available. All members are welcome.

Wed. 9/21 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Land Use & Housing Committee will meet. Location TBD. Virtual attendance is also available. All members are welcome.

Cancelled: 9/8 Government Relations Committee and 9/28 Board of Directors meeting.