While there is often agreement about what a problem is, there is often uncertainty about how to solve it. Just like any state, Oregon’s economy and way of life remain dynamic and evolving, creating new, multifaceted challenges that affect the state’s health. Whether addressing food security, flooding, or high unemployment, each Oregon community faces unique issues that require creativity and collaboration to overcome. Oregon Solutions provides a system and process for problem solving, using what is called community governance.
Community governance is a process whereby community leaders join forces to define a problem, agree on a solution, and collaborate towards a resolution. We bring the business, nonprofit, and civic sector to the table to make commitments, take on specific roles and responsibilities, leverage and pool resources, and ultimately, solve the problem. To learn more about this process, click here.
History and Structure
Oregon Solutions began with the passage of the state of Oregon’s Sustainability Act in 2001. First located in the Governor’s office, Oregon Solutions migrated to the National Policy Consensus Center at Portland State University in 2002. True to its mission of collaboration, Oregon Solutions operates through partnerships with other organizations.
By partnering with the National Policy Consensus Center, Oregon Solutions accesses cutting-edge dispute resolution programs and practices to assist civic leaders in resolving difficult public policy issues. Oregon Solutions also partners with the Governor’s Regional Solutions Centers to assist with priority projects where state agency assistance and funding is available and needed. When an issue seems intractable, Oregon Solutions calls on Oregon Consensus to mediate and resolve conflict.
“I look forward to designating new Oregon Solutions projects throughout the state as a means of bringing Oregonians together from all sectors to help us meet our goals for a more prosperous and livable communities.”
John Kitzhaber
Governor, State of Oregon
Chair, Oregon Solutions Steering Committee
Over 60 Projects Statewide
In just over a decade, Oregon Solutions has designated over 60 projects around the state. With many projects underway, Oregon Solutions continually strives to meet the state’s Sustainable Community Objectives and bring solutions to bear on vexing topics from watershed degradation to a shortage of safe classroom space.
Oregon Solutions continually assesses new projects. Check out our current and completed projects, click here.
Have a project idea? Review our project criteria and contact us.
