Jeremy's Accomplishments as Polk County Commissioner

Building a Safer, More Resilient Polk County

• Leadership & Advocacy:
  • Served three years as Co-Chair of the Association of Oregon Counties Public Safety & Veterans Committee, bringing together sheriffs, commissioners, mental health professionals, and DAs to set statewide priorities.
  • Led statewide conversations on Measure 110 reform, prioritizing access to behavioral health treatment and accountability for low-level drug offenses.
  • Represented Oregon counties on the SB 1145 Taskforce, helping determine the true cost and funding needs for community supervision (parole/probation).
• Local Impact:
  • Helped secure the renewal of the Polk County Public Safety Levy, ensuring continued support 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 and helped launch the Polk CARES Center (opened 2025), providing walk-in and mobile crisis services, addiction support, peer recovery, and referrals—easing pressure on ERs and law enforcement.
• Strengthening the System:
  • Built partnerships with recovery housing and peer support providers.
  • Supported Polk County’s participation in the Behavioral Health Resource Network via Measure 110 funding.
• Resource Hubs:
  • Supported trauma-informed, co-located service centers in Monmouth and Falls City, offering wrap-around social, health, and veterans’ services for all ages.

Enhancing Quality of Life and Local Economies

• Trail & Recreation Access:
  • Partnered with the Polk County Tourism Alliance, BLM, and others to design and promote adaptive mountain biking and hiking trails in the Gooseneck/Mill Creek area—16,000 acres of recreation opportunity.
  • Collaborated with the Siletz Tribe, Federal BLM, and Senator Merkley’s office 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 local wineries, cideries, restaurants, and lodging.

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, guiding $680–800 million in statewide broadband investments.
• 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.
• Regional Water Projects:
  • Supported multi-city partnerships to secure long-term water supply for homes and employers, ensuring future growth.
  • Convened and coordinated funding for critical infrastructure upgrades, such as 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, solving homelessness for 450+ rural residents in two years—including over 200 children—with a 91% housing retention rate (best in Oregon).
• Shelter & Stability:
  • Helped establish and expand transitional shelters:
    • David’s House for youth
    • Ediger Hall for families
    • Family and adult shelters in Dallas and Monmouth
    • Gales Lodge for veterans (now serving women)
  • Secured rapid-rehousing and stabilization resources for survivors of domestic violence and those at risk of eviction.
  • Built a network of engaged landlords supporting stable housing for vulnerable residents.
• Leadership:
  • Chair/President, Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance
  • Co-Chair, Association of Oregon Counties Public Safety & Veterans Committee

• Chair & President: Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance
• Chair: Partners Aligned Toward Housing Solutions
• Co-Chair: Public Safety & Veterans Steering Committee, Association of Oregon Counties
• Vice-Chair: Oregon Broadband Advisory Council (Governor Appointment)
• Member: National Association of Counties Human Services & Education Policy Committee
• Member: Justice Reinvestment Grant Review Committee (Governor Appointment)