During early 2016, Oregon Solutions interviewed stakeholders from a wide spectrum of interests to explore aspirations, concerns, and opportunities to address air quality issues. A need to raise awareness around environmental health disparities stemming from exposure to air toxins, lack of walkability and accessibility in the community of the Jade District in outer southeast Portland was conveyed by many who were interviewed. This project gained significant interest from a diverse group of local governments, communities of color, nonprofit organizations, and community groups. Therefore, Governor Brown designated it as an Oregon Solutions project.
Informed by the results of a community-led visioning process, a project team was convened from stakeholders to identify community-centered strategies to ensure a breathable, accessible, livable, and prosperous Jade District, and to delineate stakeholders’ commitments in a Declaration of Cooperation.