Meet Jeremy

Growing up in a big family, I learned that family and community come with both joy and responsibility. My father was a middle school art teacher, small business owner, and painter, and my mom raised me and my five siblings while keeping our household running on one income. Together, we created a rowdy, joyful home filled with music, art, sports, and books. 

When my grandmother was no longer able to live on her own, she moved in with us. Our multigenerational home showed me what it meant to truly love and care for family. And when my sister’s health deteriorated and she was in need of a kidney transplant, I had the honor of stepping up to donate a kidney to her. These experiences (and so many more) reminded me of the strength of familial bonds, the precariousness of life, and to keep my focus on what is truly important. 

Growing up the way I did taught me the value of hard work, sacrifice, creativity, and how much families and neighbors can accomplish when they support one another. It also gave me a lasting appreciation for teachers, small business owners, healthcare professionals, and community volunteers. These are the people who quietly make a big difference every day.

I earned my degree in philosophy from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, where I became interested in public service, ethics, and social policy. After college, I worked at the University of Minnesota’s Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs in public and nonprofit leadership and social policy programs.

Later, I joined the University of Wisconsin System and worked on workforce solutions in nursing, health sciences, information technology, and business. I helped grow the flexible option degree program and expand streamlined learning programs to grow the workforce in every state and territory. That work showed me how innovation in education can open doors for working adults and strengthen communities.

Ten years ago, my wife Dana and I moved to Falls City, where we’ve built our life with our son Harvey, our two rescue dogs, and our cat. We were drawn to Polk County’s natural beauty, close knit communities, and small town values that remind me of where I grew up.

I served as Mayor of Falls City, where I worked to strengthen infrastructure, improve communication between residents and City Hall, and plan for future growth while keeping the town’s character intact. With other community members, I helped found a local nonprofit to build on the community’s vision of a beautiful downtown, volunteer opportunity, housing solutions, and access to services. Those years taught me what it takes to make local government work through collaboration, transparency, advocacy for one’s community, and a willingness to listen.

Since being appointed then elected as your Polk County Commissioner, I’ve focused on practical and collaborative solutions that strengthen our communities and protect what makes Polk County unique. My work has centered on housing and homelessness prevention, rural broadband expansion, mental health services, public safety, and infrastructure planning, always with a focus on fiscal responsibility and results.

I’ve also met with hundreds of constituents from every corner of the county. I believe that direct access to local government is one of the great strengths of a mid-sized county. Whether it’s helping someone navigate housing or mental health services, connecting a small business with a partner agency, or simply listening to concerns over coffee, those personal connections matter. Access, transparency, and trust are the foundation of how I approach public service.

I’m honored to represent Polk County at the local, regional, state, and national levels, serving as Chair of the Mid-Willamette Valley Homeless Alliance, Vice Chair of the Oregon Broadband Advisory Council, National Association of Counties Human Services and Education Steering Committee member, and Co-Chair of the Association of Oregon Counties Public Safety and Veterans Committee. I’ve learned that when people listen to each other and work together, even the toughest challenges can be addressed.

With the most senior commissioner retiring, experience and steady leadership will be critical. My years of public service, local partnerships, and work across agencies have given me the perspective and relationships needed to help Polk County move forward confidently.

I love serving in this position alongside the people of Polk County and the incredible employees in Polk County government. My leadership has focused on bringing value, presence, and experience to what matters most to people, whether through securing funding for vital infrastructure, navigating challenges and finding solutions, passing balanced budgets, leading statewide discussions on key issues, or actively supporting local nonprofits and civic organizations. For me, leadership is about building a broad platform for collaboration and progress.

Counties are tasked with maintaining a supported and integrated public safety system, public and community mental health services, community development and planning, public works, veterans services, and family and community services. Doing the job well requires a thorough understanding of these systems and their funding and statutory contexts. I’m committed to continuing the hard work. As Oregon’s third fastest-growing county, Polk County needs a measured strategy to ensure that service levels can adapt to the increasing size of our communities, especially in light of funding reductions at the state and federal levels. 

I’m not someone driven by ambition. I’m driven by what I hear from constituents and serving  everyone in Polk County with transparency and respect. I hope you see this too and see the results of hard and focused work. 

My objective is to guarantee that our government services treat residents with the respect and familiarity of neighbors while delivering high levels of service. I’m committed to maintaining my responsiveness to all constituents, whether they are facing challenges or simply wish to engage in conversation and share ideas on upcoming decisions.

What keeps me motivated is seeing what people can accomplish when they’re given a fair chance and a voice in the process. And what I offer is experience, knowledge of county government and systems, relationships, and an openness to listen. When a local business owner invests in downtown, a young family finds stable housing, a student begins a new career, or a farmer, forester, or vineyard owner grows the foundation of our local economy, progress happens when government helps clear the way for opportunity and connection.

I believe in practical, people centered leadership that respects taxpayers, considers compassion and evidence in decision-making, and plans ahead for the next generation. Polk County is full of good people doing hard work, and it has been the honor of my life to serve alongside them and help our communities thrive.