Building a Safer, More Resilient Polk County

• Leadership & Advocacy:
  • Co-Chair of the Association of Oregon Counties Public Safety & Veterans Committee 
    • Bringing together sheriffs and police, county commissioners, , emergency management professionals, community corrections, district attorneys, and veterans organizations to set statewide priorities for Oregon counties.
  • Convened statewide conversations on Measure 110 reform
    •  Prioritizing access to behavioral health treatment and accountability for drug offenses and integrating public safety and behavioral health systems
  • Represented Oregon counties on the SB 1145/Parole and Probation Taskforce 
    • Helping determine the true cost and funding needs for community supervision (parole/probation).
    • Prevented cuts to county parole and probation programs in the short session
        
• Local Impact:
  • Helped secure the renewal of the Polk County Public Safety Levy
    •  Ensuring continued revenue for critical public safety services.
  • Approved a new Ambulance Service Area 
    • Improving emergency response across the county.
  • Championed partnerships between local law enforcement and homeless response teams for proactive support.

Expanding Access to Care Close to Home

• Polk CARES Center:
  • Advocated for the launch of the Polk CARES Center (opened 2025), providing walk-in and mobile crisis services, addiction support, peer recovery, and referrals—easing pressure on emergency rooms and emergency response resources.
      
• Strengthening the System:
  • Building partnerships with recovery housing and peer support providers.
  • Supported Polk County’s participation in the Behavioral Health Resource Network adding screening, substance use disorder support, case management, and treatment services.
      
• Polk Community Resource Center:
  • The Commissioners Invested federal Covid-era dollars and leveraged partnerships to stand up the Polk Community Resource Center, offering evidence-based support for veterans, working families, and seniors. 

Enhancing Quality of Life and Local Industry

• Recreation And Trail Access: Fighting for public access to federal lands
  • Partnered with the United States Bureau of Land Management, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, cities of Dallas, Monmouth, Independence, and Falls City and others to preserve public recreation access (hunting, foraging, fishing) and begin design and environmental review for adaptive mountain biking and hiking trails in the Gooseneck/Mill Creek area—16,000 acres of recreation opportunity.
    
  • Collaborated with the Bureau of Land Management and the Siletz Tribe to restore safe access to the Valley of the Giants (anticipated in Spring 2026).
      
• Promoting Local Destinations:
  • Supported a multi-year destination development project to boost visitors to local wineries, cideries, restaurants, and lodging.
• Awarded Grants to Area Businesses for Business and Job Expansion
• New Member of the Dallas Economic Development Commission

Investing in Infrastructure for Families, Students, and Businesses

• Broadband Expansion:
  • Invested over $2.5 million in federal funds to expand high-speed internet across rural Polk County, closing digital gaps for families, students, and employers.
  • Vice-Chair of the Oregon Broadband Advisory Council, over $600 million in statewide broadband investments, which include three additional projects in Polk County to close remaining gaps.
      
• Business & Workforce Support:
  • Allocated county lottery dollars to help local businesses expand and create jobs.
  • Used ARPA funds for small business relief, home-based childcare, and workforce expansion.
  • Supported regional business revolving loan program for jobs expansion.
      
• Regional Water  and Wastewater Projects:
  • Conducted regional water deficit analysis and feasibility study to utilize Polk County water rights. 
  • Supported multi-city partnerships to secure long-term water supply for homes and employers, ensuring future growth.
  • Convened and coordinated funding for critical infrastructure upgrade for the Falls City Wastewater Treatment Facility.

Making Homelessness Rare and Brief

• System-Building:
  • Formed “Partners Aligned Toward Housing Solutions” (PATHS) with the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, local cities, and the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency.
  • Launched a countywide Homeless Response Office to keep families and seniors in their homes and provide housing navigation services.
      
• Shelter & Stability:
  • Helped establish and expand transitional shelters:
    • David’s House for youth
    • Ediger Hall for families
    • Gales Lodge for veterans
  • Secured rapid-rehousing and stabilization resources for Polk County’s domestic violence service provider.
  • Built a network of engaged landlords to provide assistance to tenants in need and support property owners.
    

• Local and Regional
  • Co-Chair: Public Safety & Veterans Steering Committee, Association of Oregon Counties
  • Chair: Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance
  • Chair: Partners Aligned Toward Housing Solutions
  • Economic Development Commission: City of Dallas
  • Board Director, Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments
  • Polk County Budget Committee
  • Trustee, Grand Ronde Sanitary District
• State
  • Vice-Chair: Oregon Broadband Advisory Council (Governor Appointment)
  • 2nd Vice President: Association of Oregon Counties (Elected by commissioners across the state)
• National
  • Committee Member: National Association of Counties Human Services in & Education Policy Committee