A note from the Executive Director |
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Over the past few months, we here at WEA have been busy.
From a standing room only legislative reception to forums that provided updates on the regional real estate market and the Interstate Bridge replacement project. We were the first business organization to host Congresswoman Andrea Salinas from Oregon's new 6th district. We've also hosted our first quarterly member reception, convened several critical conversations with state and regional decision makers, and made clear our support for Oregon's Chips Act.
But that's not all, behind the scenes we have been working hard to get our new website ready to launch. Today is our first time sharing the new site broadly. We will continue to add content in the days and weeks to come but wanted to share our 'soft launch' with you. We hope you take a few minutes to visit the new website and send comments, edits or recommendations directly to me.
Additionally, we've added new ways for you to connect with us. If you have a notice or business update you'd like to share submit it to "Newsletter@WestsideAlliance.org". And now, if you are a member of a committee (or want to join one), you will see a new "Meetings@WestsideAlliance.org". This will allow us members to 'opt-in' for calendar invites so you never forget a committee meeting.
It is important to us that your decision to be a member of WEA is based on BOTH the work we do to support and advance investment in the Westside AND a positive experience as a member.
Please drop me a note anytime with thoughts about how we can continue to improve your member experience. Email me directly at: Elizabeth@WestsideAlliance.org.
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UPDATE: "Oregon Chips Act"
On Monday, March 27, the Joint Government Relations and Land Use & Housing Committees convened with Representative Bynum and Senator Sollman to get an update on Senate Bill 4 and had conversation around the bill and the larger picture of expanding the UGB on the Westside.
Under the direction of the committees, Elizabeth Mazzara Myers, Executive Director, the Chair of the Government Relations Committee, Ed Trompke, along with Jeff Kapp, authored a letter of support for the bill while pointing out some areas that need to be addressed in order for it to have the desired effect: to ensure Oregon meets the deadline for federal CHIPS Act investments.
The bill passed out of the Senate late on Thursday and is currently on the House side, waiting for action. WEA will continue to track the bill along with the current workgroups.
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Metro Technical Advisory Committee seeks Community Reps
Metro’s Metro Technical Advisory Committee is seeking community representatives who are interested in issues affecting land use, urban growth, housing, development and transportation in greater Portland. Please apply now through April 17, 2023.
Five community positions are open on the Metro Technical Advisory Committee. Metro is seeking two community representatives from Clackamas County (one to serve as a member and one as an alternate member), two community representatives from Washington County (one to serve as a member and one as an alternate member) and one community representative to serve as an alternate from Multnomah County to fill these positions.
The Role of MTAC:
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Provides detailed technical support to the Metro Policy Advisory Committee (MPAC) on land use and transportation related issues. MPAC makes recommendations to Metro Council
- Provides input to Metro staff on development of policies, programs and projects
- Identifies needs and opportunities for involving the public in land use and transportation decisions
Policy areas addressed by MTAC (and MPAC) include:
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Community development in keeping with the 2040 Growth Concept and local plans
- Regional transportation
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Management of the urban growth boundary
- Protection of lands outside the urban growth boundary for natural resources, future urban zoning, or other uses
- Planning responsibilities required by state law
- Other growth management and land use planning matters deemed by Metro Council to be of the region’s concern.
About MTAC community representatives: Community representatives play a critical role in elevating the conversation beyond technical analysis by contributing expertise that crosses city and county lines and is grounded in the experiences of people living and working across the region.
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2024-2027 ODOT Projects: Open House dates announced |
Every three years, the Oregon Transportation Commission puts together the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program, also known as the STIP, that lays out where we will invest federal and state money in the transportation system - everything from roads and bridges to public transportation to bike paths and sidewalks. Along with the commission, ODOT develops the STIP with a wide variety of participants, including cities, counties, many other partners and the public.
This STIP looks all the way out to funding projects in 2024 through 2027. The commission started developing the STIP in 2020 by deciding how to allocate state and federal funding among different areas, like bridge and pavement preservation, expanding roads and interchanges, public and active transportation, and local government programs. We’ve spent the last two years selecting the most critical projects and now have a draft list of proposed investments to present for public comment.
Learn more and share comments before April 28 through ODOT’s website, online open house, or an in-person open house near you:
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Oregon City: April 3, 2023, 4:30 - 6:00pm. Clackamas County's Development Services Building – Auditorium, 150 Beavercreek Rd, Oregon City, OR 97045
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Beaverton: April 8, 2023, 11:00am - 1:00pm. Beaverton Library - Meeting Room A, 12375 SW 5th Street, Beaverton, OR 97005
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Worksystems, Inc. hosts annual Youth Job Fair, April 13 |
Worksystems, Inc, our areas regional workforce board, is excited to announce their annual Youth Job Fair, April 13th, at the Oregon Convention Center. All employers are welcome, just have open positions and be ready to hire. For those who haven't attended this event in the past, you will be surprised to see such a comprehensive Youth Fair. They expect approximately 60 employers and over 30 resources for young adults.
Be sure to enter the raffle as there will be a DJ announcing winners throughout the day, while Salt & Straw passes out free samples of their delicious ice cream to attendees. There is also a designated area for on-the-spot interviews. It’s an exciting day, full of enthusiasm and positivity.
WSI is also looking for volunteers.
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HERE is the link to our Job Fair website
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HERE is a link to the EventBrite registration for employers
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HERE is the link to the EventBrite registration for volunteers
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Save the Date: Upcoming Forums |
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Investing in Infrastructure for Successful Regional Growth
Thursday April 27 | 7:30 - 9am | Tigard Embassy Suites
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The Westside has grown our economy by attracting investment and jobs from key industries. Given the push at the legislature to attract even more big industry into the region, do we have the infrastructure to support what could very well be coming?
Join Genentech, Portland General Electric and NW Natural for a conversation about infrastructure development and what it looks like to partner with local and regional jurisdictions.
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WEA's Annual Mayors Forum
Thursday May 25 | 7:30 - 9am | Tigard Embassy Suites
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Don't miss out on one of our most popular forums of the year as Mayors from across the Westside come together for a spirited conversation with WEA Executive Director Elizabeth Mazzara Myers.
Find out more about what's happening across the Westside, what the cities have in store for 2023 and beyond, as well as some insight into policy priorities of the Mayors.
Sponsorships available.
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Thanks to Legacy Health for Presenting the Annual Forum Series |
Legacy Health is a nonprofit health system with one mission: to bring good health to our communities. At Legacy Health, our integrated network of clinics and hospitals covers the Willamette Valley from Silverton to Southwest Washington and everything in between. Our services include, dozens of primary care clinics and urgent care centers, six hospitals, including a dedicated children’s hospital. Legacy also works in partnership with non-profit community organizations to address the most pressing public health needs in our communities including access to care and addressing social determinants of health, such housing and food stability.
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Welcome to our New Members |
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ComForCare - Portland West |
ComforCare provides home care services and compassionate caregivers help older adults live independently in their own home and continue to do all the things they love. They work to match caregivers based on the needs, interests, and personalities of our clients. |
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The Hillsboro Hops are a Minor League Baseball team in the northwest United States, located in Hillsboro, Oregon, a city in the Portland metropolitan area. The Hops are members of the Northwest League as an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. They play their home games at Ron Tonkin Field, which opened in 2013. |
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Want to find out more about what's happening on the Westside? Find out what cities and counties are planning? Meet your elected officials?
What better way than to attend your local 'State of..." event. Click here or on the graphic to get more details on these events.
Just announced: Washington County Chair Harrington will be presenting an online only State of the County. Available on Washington County's YouTube Channel, 4:30pm on Wednesday April 19.
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Thursday, July 27, 2023
12:30 pm start | North Course
The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club
4805 SW 229th Avenue, Aloha, OR 97007
The scramble format tournament (par is your friend) is a fun afternoon with 144 players and sponsors with some of the greatest games, competitions and prizes. Enjoy lots of food, drinks and camaraderie throughout the day.
For those of you who want to have a little more fun on tournament day….
We are heading back to the future! Dress like it is 1986 to celebrate 37 years of the Westside Scramble. Decorate your cart, design your outfits, create a unique promotion for your sponsorship and win prizes for your creativity.
We have a new logo!
Thanks to one of our amazing committee members, the Westside Scramble has a new look. Same fun, same people and a cool new logo.
Sponsorships
Returning sponsors, you will be hearing from us soon, but feel free to reach out to Dani to get your sponsorship set up.
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Looking to get more involved with WEA?
There are lots of opportunities to engage. In addition to our regular Forums, members can join a committee. Come to every meeting, or just pop in for the topics of interest. Reach out to Dani to get connected with Transportation, Government Relations or Land Use & Housing committees.
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Want to get your organization out front?
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