Today, Governor Tina Kotek issued a proclamation celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Regional Solutions Program being established and recommitting to Oregon’s long tradition of collaborative governance, local coordination, and creative problem-solving.

“Regional Solutions is a uniquely Oregon approach to community and economic development that brings together the public, private, and civic sectors to advance projects, solve problems, and respond to emerging local needs,” Governor Kotek said. “As we visited each county last year on my One Oregon Listening Tour, the value of partnership with local communities was abundantly clear.

“Over the past decade, communities across the state have benefited from Regional Solutions bringing people together to collaborate on durable solutions. The challenges facing our state require thoughtful collaboration, and I look forward to partnership with the advisory committees as we make progress on our shared priorities.”

Adopted in statute in 2014, the Regional Solutions Program is organized around Oregon’s 11 federally designated Economic Development Districts. Each region has a Governor-appointed advisory committee that sets regional priorities and a cross-functional team of state agency staff who work together to move projects forward. Regional coordinators, who are embedded in their communities, represent the Governor in the field, work with advisory committees and teams to ensure effective state government support to local partners, and serve as a conduit between the Governor and local communities.

The full text of the proclamation can be found here.

Advisory committees are appointed by the Governor in each region and are composed of community leaders, including a convener and representatives for counties, cities, businesses, sovereign tribal nations, and philanthropic and community-based organizations. Committees will determine regional priorities for community and economic development, identify resources and funding, and utilize their local connections to advance regional efforts. Committee members will also be asked to provide a strategic link between the Governor’s Office and local communities throughout Oregon.

Oregonians interested in serving on an advisory committee can find more information on the application process here.

More information about the Regional Solutions Program can be found here.