Your Guide to Clackamas County Programs & Services 2024
Timberline, a tourist destination on Mt. Hood, is the only yearround ski resort in the United States. Summer skiing is available on the resort’s 4,540 vertical feet located near the top of the 11,245-foot volcano. 4,540 vertical feet 17 miles The county is 1,883 square miles or 1.2 million acres. For comparison, Rhode Island is only 1,214 square miles. 1,883 sq. miles • Clackamas County Chair and four Commissioners • County Assessor/Tax Collector • County Clerk • District Attorney • Justice of the Peace • Sheriff • Treasurer With more than 80 parks covering over 8,000 acres, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. 80+ parks The Clackamas River offers more than 17 miles of whitewater rapids, attracting adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. 11 elected officials 2 ClackCo
Clackamas County is the third largest county in Oregon by population. There are 36 counties in Oregon. Clackamas County is 70% covered in private and public forestland. 70% forest 1,800 farms 3rd largest county Agriculture plays a significant role in the county’s economy with more than 1,800 farms producing a variety of crops and products, including Christmas trees, grass seed, peppermint, blackberries and filberts. We’re also known for our vineyards and lavender farms. 130 feet The Oregon City Municipal Elevator, with a height of 130 feet, provides panoramic views of Willamette Falls and the surrounding area, and has been in service since 1915. It was built as an alternative to walking the 722 stairs that connect the upper and lower parts of downtown Oregon City and serves as the only “vertical street” in North America. Multnomah - 808,098 Washington - 599,541 Clackamas - 423,173 Lane - 382,218 Marion - 345,815 More than 20 movies and TV shows have been filmed in Clackamas County, including scenes from: • Twilight • Grimm • Leverage • The Librarians 20 movies SERVICE GUIDE| 2024 3
Substance use and recovery options Clackamas County has many providers who receive funding to provide substance use treatment and recovery services for free as part of Measure 110. The providers work together as a network to connect people to the right support for their needs. Learn more at www.clackamas.us/behavioralhealth/ substance-use-treatment-and-recovery There are several ways you can get access to mental health services, connection and support. The Clackamas Crisis and Support Line is a free and confidential telephone resource available anytime, day or night, at 503-655-8585. Interpretation services are available for non-English speakers. Clackamas Mental Health Center is a walk-in center for people in urgent need of mental health care. Our services include brief counseling, safety screenings and referral to other resources. The center is located at 11211 SE 82nd Ave., Suite O in Happy Valley. For non-emergencies, contact Clackamas County’s Behavioral Health Team at 503-742-5335. They can connect you with coordination, assessment, outreach and recovery services. Learn more at www.clackamas.us/ behavioralhealth/urgentmentalhealth New Lake Road Health Center in Milwaukie We look forward to welcoming you to our new Lake Road Health Center designed to best meet the growing demand for enhanced behavioral health services, and equipped to offer you a flexible range of compassionate and responsive in-person and telehealth appointment options. For assistance, call 503-655-8401. The Mobile Crisis Response Team can help The trained staff of our Mobile Crisis Response Team responds to people experiencing mental health crises whether they are at home, school, work or on the street. The team can help the person avoid unnecessary hospitalization, involuntary commitment, arrest or incarceration. These services are available anytime, day or night, by calling the Crisis and Support Line at 503-655-8585. Options for mental health, connection and support HEALTH & WELLNESS Find a path to recovery 4 ClackCo
Be a friend to a senior in need The Senior Companion Program offers support to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities in Clackamas County. This free service helps individuals live independently and safely for as long as possible by connecting trained volunteers with individuals who need assistance. Our volunteers help clients get to critical appointments, support them with household needs and encourage social activities. The program is always seeking volunteers, who may receive a small, non-taxable stipend, plus mileage reimbursement for their service. Volunteers must be: • 55 years of age or older • no longer in the regular workforce • capable of serving adults with unique needs • available at least five hours per week Learn more by calling 503-655-8640 visit www.clackamas.us/socialservices/senior WIC supports a healthy start The Women, Infants and Children program (WIC) has four locations and remote services for families to access healthy foods, nutrition education, lactation support, referrals and more. WIC is for pregnant people, moms with infants under 1 year old and children under age 5. You may automatically qualify for WIC with Oregon Health Plan, SNAP, TANF or from your household income. Text or call 503-655-8476 or visit www.clackamas.us/ publichealth/wic for more information. Health centers provide high-quality, low-cost medical care 47,302 primary care visits 19,730 dental health visits 68,033 behavioral health visits There were 135,065 visits to Clackamas County Health Centers in 2023. Clackamas Health Centers offer high quality, low-cost medical services for families and individuals in Clackamas County — from physical exams and vaccines to reproductive health and dental care. We are committed to using the latest health care practices that focus on the patient as an individual, and we work to take care of the health and wellness of the whole person. Some locations provide dental care and mental health services, as well. We have clinics in Clackamas, Gladstone, Oregon City and Sandy. To learn more about our clinics, register as a patient or schedule an appointment, call 503-655-8471 or visit www.clackamas.us/healthcenters Become a volunteer Learn more about WIC Check out our Health Centers Veterans Services is here to help If you were in the military — or are currently serving — getting access to all the resources you are eligible to receive can be daunting. Veterans Services is here to help you find the benefits you’ve earned and connect you to helpful partner organizations. Make an appointment by calling 503-650-5631 or emailing veterans@clackamas.us SERVICE GUIDE| 2024 5
Sign-up for Public Alerts The county has a mass notification service that allows us to alert you about potential safety hazards. Through this opt-in service, you will receive a message via phone call, email or text message as soon as information is available. In times of disaster, we can quickly let you know if you should evacuate, shelter-inplace or be aware of other important information. Sign up at www.clackamas.us/dm/publicalerts When to call non-emergency You know to call 9-1-1 for emergencies, but do you know when to call the non-emergency number? Do you have it saved in your phone? The number is 503-655-8211 and you can use it to file a police report or call the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office for other issues like: • noise, including loud parties • parking on roadways, including RVs • loose animals • suspected animal abuse • traffic enforcement issues, including speeding and drivers running red lights Find more contact numbers for the Sheriff’s Office at www.clackamas.us/sheriff/contact.html Keeping our community safe COMMUNITY SAFETY Sign up for Public Alerts Contact the Sheriff’s Office 6 ClackCo
What does Code Enforcement do for you? The county’s Code Enforcement division promotes a safe and healthy community for all residents by investigating and enforcing county statutes and ordinances. They focus on issues that are the biggest potential threats to the community, specifically related to public health and welfare, safety, building standards, business activities and livability, such as: • failed sewage or disposal systems • unpermitted electrical, plumbing and mechanical projects • plants or structures that are blocking the view of roadways • a buildup of garbage and trash For more information, call 503-742-4452 or visit www.clackamas.us/codeenforcement If you see a hazardous condition on a county road that needs immediate attention like: • stop sign down or missing • malfunctioning traffic signal • tree or debris blocking traffic • standing water obstructing traffic flow • bike lane obstruction such as a pothole, debris, etc. Call the Transportation Maintenance Office at 503-557-6391, Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Outside normal business hours, call the Sheriff’s Office at 503-655-8211. To find the latest information about road conditions, regardless of jurisdiction, visit the Oregon Department of Transportation’s TripCheck at www.tripcheck.com You can also report your concern online at www.clackamas.us/ transportation/roadconcern Burning and fire hazards Call your fire department Household mold Visit the Environmental Protection Agency website at www.epa.gov/mold Domestic violence Contact A Safe Place Family Justice Center for Clackamas County at 503-655-8600 or online at www.asafeplacefjc.org Providing hope and support for all Contact Lines for Life Get help now, call or text 988 or online at www.linesforlife.org Self defense and gun safety classes Contact the Public Safety Training Center at 503-794-8072 or www.clackamas.us/pstc When the road is dangerous WHO DO I CALL? Visit ODOT’s TripCheck Report a code violation SERVICE GUIDE| 2024 7
There is so much to do in our parks There are 21 recreation sites managed by Clackamas County Parks, including boat ramps, camping sites, forested hiking trails, swimming holes and playgrounds. Within these gems, you’ll find Eagle Fern Park, a Cascade rainforest boasting one of the area’s largest old growth timber stands. Barlow Wayside Park is near what was once the Barlow Road segment of the Oregon Trail. For those ready to go the distance, Boring Station Trailhead is part of the Springwater Corridor that stretches to downtown Portland. To learn more about these parks and more, visit www.clackamas.us/parks Eagle Fern Park Surrounded by old growth forest, Eagle Fern Park is the perfect place to take in the natural beauty of Oregon. Situated along Eagle Creek, this is the ideal destination to relax by the creek, go for a short day hike or host your family event. Metzler Park Although a short drive from several communities in Clackamas County, this park feels isolated, surrounded by hills covered with towering Douglas fir and western red cedar trees. Located five miles south of Estacada along Clear Creek. Feyrer Park Located three miles southeast of Molalla, Feyrer Park is a relaxing riverside destination and a base camp for exploring the stunning Molalla River Corridor. Barton Park Among our region’s most popular park destinations, Barton Park is a recreational gem located on the Clackamas River. Floating the river? Visit our website for time estimates, alternative floats, closures, parking information, equipment rentals and safety tips. Carver Park Your gateway to recreation on the Clackamas River, Carver Park is located where Clear Creek meets the Clackamas, just off Springwater Road in Carver. PARKS & LIBRARIES See more about parks 8 ClackCo
Thirteen libraries linked to serve you Did you know that Libraries in Clackamas County (LINCC) is a network of 11 city libraries and two county-operated ones, Gladstone and Oak Lodge? County residents are free to use any of the libraries. They all share a single catalog, so you can borrow books and have them delivered to your neighborhood library for easy pick up. The libraries host fun, free events for adults, children and teens, including storytimes, game nights, book clubs, crafts, music and dance performances, genealogy events and basic computer classes. Learn more at www.clackamas.us/lib Just keep swimming North Clackamas Aquatic Park, owned and operated by the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District, is an indoor, year-round water attraction with a wave pool, water slides, diving board, kiddie pool, toddler splash zone, lap pool, hot tub and 26-foot rock wall. Also offered are swimming lessons, aquatic fitness classes and party rentals. For more information, visit www.ncprd.com/aquatic-park ClackCo Shuttle Connects rural communities and that crucial last-mile that most bus lines don’t reach. Call 24 hours in advance. 971-358-0623 Tranportation Reaching People Reaches residents who are 65+ or have a disability. 503-655-8208 Senior Companion Offers support to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities. 503-655-8875 Mt. Hood Express Serves communities along Highway 26 from the city of Sandy east to Government Camp and Timberline. The Express Operates 7 days a week as a limited-stop commuter service between Sandy and Timberline. Villages Shuttle Operates 7 days a week for local service between Sandy and Rhododendron. Ride Clackamas View bus routes, plan your trip and track current locations for six different bus systems. www.rideclackamas.org GETTING AROUND More than just books Did you know you can check out board games, musical instruments and kitchenware with your library card? Nine libraries offer a Library of Things, a collection of more than 400 household items, tools and toys you can check out for up to 14 days. This innovative, item-sharing program helps to avoid waste and is funded by Clackamas County Sustainability and Solid Waste. Learn more at www.lincc.org/lot Learn more about libraries See more about transportation SERVICE GUIDE| 2024 9
Are you or someone you know homeless or in a housing crisis? Clackamas County Coordinated Housing Access (CHA) can connect you with a variety of housing services, including housing referrals, rent assistance, problem-solving and other resources. Call 503-655-8575 for a personalized discussion or fill out their online form to get the conversation started. Learn more at www.clackamas.us/ communitydevelopment/cccha Support to help make your home safer and accessible Clackamas County provides loans to low-income homeowners for needed, critical home repairs. We also offer small grants to low-income persons with disabilities to make their homes more accessible. Our goal is to remove unhealthy or hazardous conditions, eliminate barriers to accessibility, improve safety for persons with physical disabilities and incorporate measures that reduce energy costs and usage. Learn more at www.clackamas.us/ communitydevelopment/ repair.html Mediation for tenants, landlords When conflicts about rent, fines, deadlines or move-out dates come up, mediators can help tenants and landlords come to an agreement to prevent eviction. Mediation is free, impartial and solution driven. To start the process, fill out the intake form at www.clackamas.us/ccrs/eviction-prevention-mediation Weatherization can help lower bills Weatherization Services helps low-income individuals and families increase the energy efficiency of their homes and reduce their energy costs by providing things like insulation, air sealing and other measures designed to keep heat in the home during the winter and keep it cool during the summer. Services are free to income-qualified households. Learn more at www.clackamas.us/cfcc/weatherization.html Get ready to Rent Well Rent Well is a tenant-preparedness program that helps people who are homeless, or at risk of being homeless, find housing. Participants attend a 15-hour training program designed to address rental screening barriers like evictions, poor credit or criminal history, so they can find and keep permanent, affordable housing. For more information, call 503-650-5647 or visit www. clackamas.us/socialservices/ housingassistance.html HOUSING ASSISTANCE Help for those in a housing crisis Learn more about CHA Home repair loans & grants 10 ClackCo
In Clackamas County, owners and property managers of multifamily communities (apartments, condos, mobile home communities, and more) with 5+ units are required to provide their residents: (1) access to recycling and (2) recycling education at least once a year. To request educational resources or technical assistance, contact 503-557-6363 (option 5) or email wasteinfo@clackamas.us School grants & services Schools in Clackamas County may apply for grants up to $500 to fund recycling or waste reduction projects. Apply and complete your project by April 30 every calendar year. Scan the QR code to apply. Additionally, for your school’s recycling, composting or waste reduction program, we offer: • Recycling bins • Classroom presentations and resources (English and Spanish) • Recycling education for staff and students (English and Spanish) • Green team guidance • Assistance with Oregon Green School certification Kelso Community Club members standing next to a water bottle refill station they were able to purchase for Kelso Elementary (Oregon Trail School District) with funds from a Clackamas County Sustainability & Solid Waste mini-grant. Upcoming repair fairs Don’t despair, repair! Join us at these free community events where skilled volunteer fixers and those with broken items (small appliances, clothing and more) come together to share repair skills and extend the life of our stuff. • July 20 – Canby Repair Fair 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Canby Library 220 NE 2nd Ave. • Aug. 10 – Estacada Repair Fair 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Estacada Library 825 NW Wade St. • Sept. 7 – Milwaukie Repair Fair 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Milwaukie Sustainability Fair (outdoor event), 10723 SE Main St. • Oct. 5 – Oregon City Repair Fair 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Oregon City Library 606 John Adams St. • Nov. 2 – Sandy Repair Fair 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sandy Library 38980 Proctor Blvd. Learn more about volunteering or attending a local repair fair at www.clackamas.us/recycling/ repairfair Apartment recycling Trash Talk Trash Talk is brought to you by Clackamas County Sustainability & Solid Waste Spoiled food costs each household in Oregon an average of over $1,600 a year. Simple changes to how we shop for, store and use food can save money, time and resources. Save your food from going to waste! 40%of food grown in the U.S. is never eaten. Learn more at: www.DontLetGoodFoodGoBad.org and www.EatSmartWasteLess.com Contact: Noemí Sarabia-Feria, Sustainability Analyst wasteinfo@clackamas.us Apply for school grants Learn about repair fairs SERVICE GUIDE| 2024 11
Recycling Reciclaje Утиль Rác Tái chế 回收 Yard Waste* Desechos de jardinería Хозяйственные отбросы Rác Sân Vườn 庭院废物 Leaves, grass, small branches, plants & trimmings *Urban areas only. Cities of Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, and Wilsonville can include food scraps. Rác còn lại Garbage ClackCo Recycle Guide Reduce, reuse, and then recycle right to reduce the energy needed to make new products, reduce pollution, and create jobs. Glass Vidrio Стекло Rác Thủy tinh 玻璃 In separate glass bin Bottles & jars only empty & dry, no lids Missing a glass bin? Call your garbage & recycling company. Rác còn lại 垃圾 Batteries 电池 Батарейки Bin Pilas Paper, flattened cardboard, metal, plastic bottles & plastic round containers 6 oz or larger, empty & dry 12 ClackCo
Keep bottles and cans out of the trash at your events and fundraise for your organization at the same time. Learn more and reserve containers at www.clackamas.us/recycling/events or contact us at 503-742-4464. Collect deposit containers at your next event! Learn more at www.bit.ly/metrocomposting Composting can be easy! It offers many benefits, from helping your garden grow greener to lightening the load in your yard waste bin. Tear out to keep at your recycling station Basura Mусор All garbage, including plastic bags, to-go containers, lids & packaging. Need more information? Motor Oil: Put in a labeled, 2 gal. or less screw-top container (e.g. milk jug) and set next to glass bin. Residential only. Large Items (appliances, furniture, etc.): Call your garbage and recycling company for special pick-up and pricing. Metro’s Recycling Information Center 503-234-3000 ClackCo Sustainability & Solid Waste 503-557-6363 @recycleornot Direct message recycling questions and pictures Full guide online - 7 languages www.clackamas.us/recycling/recycleguide.html Scan for full guide Rác còn lại 垃圾 Батарейки Single-family residential customers only. 1. Tape ends of all batteries, except alkaline 2. Bag all batteries 3. Set on top of glass in the glass bin use clear tape, household batteries only in a 1 qt. zip-seal bag SERVICE GUIDE| 2024 13
Business recycling requirements Regional business recycling requirements require workplaces to recycle and ensure staff know how to recycle correctly. Clackamas County’s business recycling advisors provide free materials, coaching and technical assistance to hundreds of businesses each year. Learn more and request materials at www.clackamas.us/recycling/work About Trash Talk: Trash Talk pages are provided by Clackamas County’s Sustainability & Solid Waste program, in partnership with the cities of Barlow, Canby, Estacada, Gladstone, Happy Valley, Johnson City, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, Molalla, Oregon City, Rivergrove, Sandy, West Linn and Wilsonville and local garbage and recycling companies. Clackamas County Sustainability & Solid Waste 503-557-6363 | wasteinfo@clackamas.us www.clackamas.us/recycling www.clackamas.us/reciclaje Reduce food waste at your business Food businesses (restaurants, grocery stores, schools, and more) in the Metro region that generate significant food waste are required to separate food scraps from the garbage. Clackamas County business advisors provide free materials, training, and technical assistance to help businesses reduce their food waste, set up composting service, and meet local requirements. To determine if you meet the requirements, request free assistance and materials, or to learn more, contact greenbiz@clackamas.us or visit www.clackamas.us/recycling/foodwaste Leaders in Sustainability Clackamas County-certified Leaders in Sustainability are businesses that have demonstrated a commitment to sustainability through efforts in waste reduction, energy and water conservation, pollution prevention and more. They are recognized for their positive impact on our environment and the community. The following workplaces have been certified in the last three years: • Akana • Clackamas Water Environment Services (3 locations) • Commercial Furniture Distributors, Inc. • Cumming Group • Cup of Tea • Eaton Power Center • GeoEngineers, Inc. • Maul Foster & Alongi • New Seasons Market – Happy Valley • Rose Villa • Roof & Gutter Specialist, LLC (pictured above) • Siemens EDA • Stanley Infrastructure • Wyld CBD (3 locations) • City of West Linn (5 locations) • Lake Theater & Cafe • Willamette View Visit our Green Business Directory for a complete list of certified workplaces and to find out how your organization can get certified at www.clackamas.us/recycling/work/map.html El programa de certificación Líderes en Sostenibilidad (LES) proporciona orientación y reconocimiento a lugares de trabajo por logros significativos en prácticas de sostenibilidad. Aprenda más y conozca los negocios que han sido reconocidos como LES a www.clackamas.us/recycling/work/certifiquese 14 ClackCo
When do I need a permit? If you’re planning to build a new structure on a property in unincorporated Clackamas County, you may need to apply for a permit to ensure it’s safe and compliant with county and state codes. If you live in a city within the county, contact them first. You will need a permit if you decide to do any of the following: Indoor projects • Add a room • Build, demolish or move a carport or garage larger than 200 square feet • Finish an attic, garage or basement to make additional living space • Cut a new window or door opening or widen existing openings • Move, remove or add walls • Apply roofing when all of the old roofing is removed and new sheathing is installed Outside projects • Build a shed larger than 200 square feet • Build a retaining wall higher than four feet • Construct a deck more than 30 inches off the ground • Install a fence (wood, chain link, or wire mesh) more than eight feet high. Note, fences that serve as barriers for swimming pool all require permits • Move more than 50 cubic yards of earth or any amount of cut or fill on sites affected by waterways or slope hazards Depending on the complexity of your project, you may also need to apply for plumbing, electrical, grading, manufactured home or mechanical permits. Questions? Call Development Services at 503-742-4400 Email: dtdcustomerinfo@clackamas.us Visit www.clackamas.us/building CMap: Mapping your property CMap is your tool for property information. With an address, parcel number, tax lot or intersection you can find: PROPERTY & BUILDING Building information: A buildings square footage, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the year it was built and when it last sold. Tax Information: A building’s value, land value, total value and assessed value. Jurisdiction: Is this property in a city? Is it part of the urban growth boundary? Are there any zoning restrictions? Voting: What is the State House and Senate district, voting precinct and congressional district. Services: Who provides your cable, garbage, fire, sewer and water services. Documents: Find surveys and tax maps. Look at properties at maps.clackamas.us Learn more about permits Map your property SERVICE GUIDE| 2024 15
When plastic bags, bottles, cigarette butts, pesticides, chemicals and other harmful waste is on the ground, it gets washed into storm drains and directly into our waterways. In addition to potentially choking, suffocating, or disabling aquatic life — like ducks, fish, turtles and birds — litter decreases oxygen levels in the water when it decays. Below are some ways you can help keep our waterways cleaner: The Adopt-a-Road volunteer program is open for litter cleanup events Help maintain county roads by volunteering to clean up litter along a roadway near you. The county will help coordinate your event — removing bagged garbage, and supplying you with grapplers, safety vests, plastic bags and roadside warning signs. To recognize community groups and individuals who clean at least one mile of road twice a year, the county will install a road sign in your honor. To learn more call 503-650-3347 or visit www.clackamas.us/roads/adopt.html Pouches allow for medication disposal The county offers free Deterra medication disposal pouches. The pouches can be used to safely deactivate and dispose of unneeded medications, drugs, patches, liquids, creams and films at home. Medications that are flushed, dumped down the drain or put in the trash contaminate our water. In addition, disposing of unused drugs saves lives by keeping them out of the wrong hands. Learn more at www.clackamas.us/ publichealth/deterra If it’s on the ground, it’s in our water OUR ENVIRONMENT Learn more about Deterra Adopt-a-Road program 16 ClackCo
Lawn care tips Pesticides can cause problems for our health and the environment — even when applied according to label directions — because they make their way into our water system. Your safest bet is to annually aerate, de-thatch and over-seed bare spots in your lawn in the spring. This will keep your lawn dense and healthy, keeping out weeds. Fertilize only in fall with a slow-release fertilizer, if at all. Your next best choice would be to look for a weed or insect control product with an OMRI label which helps identify less hazardous chemicals. Learn more at www.clackamas. us/wes/lawn-care-tips-to-helpprotect-our-water 3-Creeks Project will protect fish and wildlife in 89-acre natural area In the midst of an industrial and urban residential area, the 3-Creeks Natural Area forms 89 acres of natural habitat for beaver, fish, deer, otters and more. The 3-Creeks, Mt. Scott, Phillips and Dean, make it an important location for surface and stormwater management. The natural area is next to the Harmony Community Campus, near the North Clackamas Aquatic Park and Clackamas Community College. The area is owned by Clackamas Water Environment Services, which operates the existing flood reduction facility structures. The natural portion of the site is maintained by the North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District. Community volunteers have been stewards of the site over the years, removing invasive plants, restoring native plants and hosting cleanup events. WES has received a $620,000 grant from Metro for the 3-Creeks Natural Area Floodplain Enhancement Project to improve the water quality of the streams, enhance the wetland habitat and environmental education. The project is expected to be complete by summer 2025. Learn more at www.clackamas.us/wes/3-creeks The 3-Creeks Natural Area is next to Clackamas Community College’s Harmony Community Campus. The area is home to Red Flowering Currant and Oregon White Oak. 3-Creeks Project Learn lawn care tips SERVICE GUIDE| 2024 17
A safe and secure place to seek justice Construction of a replacement county courthouse is underway on the county’s Red Soils campus in Oregon City and is set to open May 2025. Built in 1936, the current courthouse was designed to serve a population of less than 50,000. The state-of-the-art, energy-efficient replacement courthouse will provide significantly more room and security for courthouse staff and visitors. The 257,000 square-foot courthouse will have: • 16 courtrooms • 20 judicial chambers • Offices for the District Attorney • Improved prisoner transfer facilities • Jury assembly and grand jury spaces • Safe corridors for courthouse users • Secure holding cells for violent offenders • New home of the Law Library We’re planning ahead by investing in infrastructure. Clackamas County is embarking on a number of strategic development projects that will accommodate for continued growth, stimulate our economy, attract investment and create jobs. That way our community can adapt, ensuring long-term sustainability and resilience. We’re building for the future 18 ClackCo
Pipelines from WES Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES) is committed to projects that develop and strengthen the county’s infrastructure while building a resilient clean water future. Two examples include a new, larger outfall pipeline from the Tri-City Water Resource Recovery facility to the Willamette River, and a larger, primary sewer line (interceptor) along Highway 212. The upsizing of these pipes will help ensure WES’ capacity to manage future wastewater needs of residents. Learn more about projects strengthening our communities at www.clackamas.us/wes Two new libraries For years, Gladstone has been in need of a new, modern library to meet the growing needs of its residents. The new library is being built to provide more space, meeting rooms, areas for children and teens, an external book drop and more. A library is also planned for the Concord Property, formerly Concord Elementary School. The new library will have twice as much space as the Oak Lodge Library it will replace. The site will also include a new park and community center. The library is under construction and is expected to be completed in summer 2025. Keep up to date at www.clackamas.us/libraryproject Multipurpose building The Clackamas County Fairgrounds and Event Center is building a new multipurpose building to replace a barn torn down in 2014. This new, state-of-the-art facility is designed to house all sorts of events and will be a valuable resource for emergencies. Learn more at clackamascountyfair.com/ new-construction Since July 1, 2023, the county’s road maintenance team has: • Patched more than 4,600 potholes • Completed more than 2,150 road service requests • Plowed and sanded 11,006 miles • Cut 430 miles of trees and brush Road maintenance SERVICE GUIDE| 2024 19
Advise the decision makers From arts to budget talks to children — the county wants input on the issues you care about. Join us by participating in one of our committees, councils or taskforces. The Clackamas County Board of Commissioners make appointments to more than 40 boards and commissions, each representing key areas ranging from public health to economic development, the environment, public safety and many more. Some examples of advisory boards include: • County Budget Committee • Developmental Disabilities Council • Forest Advisory Board • Historic Review Board • Housing Advisory Board • Leaders for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Council • Mental Health & Addictions Council • Veteran Advisory Council Learn about open recruitments at www.clackamas.us/ community/abc You can have a great impact by volunteering your time to serve on a board or commission. Make a meaningful contribution to causes you care about, develop new skills, expand your network and gain valuable experience that can enhance both personal and professional growth. Join us to create positive changes in our community. GETTING INVOLVED Make an impact on your community Join an advisory board 20 ClackCo
Volunteer to help your neighbors Volunteering raises everyone’s spirits and there are opportunities to fit any schedule. • Clackamas County Dog Services • Meals on Wheels • Money Management Program • Senior Health Insurance Benefits Counseling • Senior Companions More options are available at www.clackamas.us/guide/ volunteering-and-gettinginvolved If you live in unincorporated Clackamas County, a community planning organization (CPO) is a great way to have a voice in the livability of your community. These organizations are run by neighbors who care about local challenges and growth issues. They welcome participation by everyone in the area. Learn more about your CPO at www.clackamas.us/community/cpo It takes a village ... or hamlet There are three established hamlets: Hamlet of Beavercreek, Mulino Hamlet and Stafford Hamlet. If you live in one of these communities, get involved with your neighbors! Each hamlet has unique goals and activities, but they share a common interest in retaining the flavor of their community, promoting activities to benefit the community, working with the county and other organizations, and providing their residents increased access to and information about the county. www.clackamas.us/community/ handv.html Give your testimony at a board meeting The Board of County Commissioners set county policies, establish departmental budgets, and have the right to send countywide measures to the ballot. The public is welcome to provide comment to the board at any Business Meeting on Thursdays. Register online for public communication via Zoom; if you are coming in person there will be a blue card at the door to fill out. For more information about presenting effective testimony at board meetings, visit our website at www.clackamas.us/bcc/testimony.html Help us improve! Get to know and shape your community Please take our quick survey to tell us what services and programs you’d like to learn more about in our next issue. Learn more about CPOs See more about volunteering Villages and hamlets SERVICE GUIDE| 2024 21
EXPE Thomas Gray Park Ranger Coordinator What’s my expertise? I have more than 20 years of experience with Clackamas County. I started out as a seasonal park assistant at Eagle Fern Park and now I manage 11 parks on the north side of the county. What I do to help people of Clackamas County? We try to provide the best service we can to make parkgoers have an incredible, peaceful experience, so they’ll keep coming back. Quick facts • We serve about 1.3 million visitors per year. • Our team manages over 961 acres. • Our properties include 220 campsites, 12 picnic shelters and 6 boat launches. Meghan Lunski C-COM Telecommunicator What is your favorite part of the job? What I enjoy most about my job is feeling like I have made a difference. It can be small like giving someone a phone number to help solve a problem or talking someone through a medical call for a loved one. What’s one interesting thing about my your position? The wide range of call types. I have taken calls about skunks with their heads stuck in plungers, followed up by a family member finding a loved one who has passed away. Quick facts • Meghan took the highest number of calls in 2023 with 12,385. • Her longest shift was 14 hours. Deyvin Molina Housing Services Manager What do you like most about your job? Seeing how my efforts make a difference. Helping individuals and families with stable, affordable housing. What I do to help people of Clackamas County? I contribute to developing equitable policies and systems designed to support homeless and low-income communities in the county. Quick facts • Regional Long Term Assistance (RLRA) has housed 790 households over the past three years and is projected to house 1,025 households by the end of the next fiscal year. • RLRA contributed significantly to a 65% decrease in homelessness in Clackamas County. Meet the experts — staff who are working behind the scenes to keep the county running To learn about jobs at Clackamas Cou 22 ClackCo
ERT Andy Mehos GIS Cartographer What I do to help people of Clackamas County? I use information technology to maintain property boundaries to ensure the citizens of the county are taxed accurately. Favorite part of my role: Using my mapping expertise to directly help customers understand the oftencomplicated nature of property boundaries. Also, I enjoy working alongside some great coworkers in my department! Quick facts • The cartography group maintains 3,451 individual tax maps that encompass every property in the county. • In 2023, the cartography group mapped 122 new subdivisions and verified the legal descriptions of 12,387 deeds. Rory Quinn Lead Ferry Operator What do you like most about your job? I like interacting with the customers, getting to know them, their histories, their jobs. It’s fun to hear their stories. What kind of training and experience do you have? I’ve been a full-time operator on the Canby Ferry since 2012. I started as a seasonal deckhand for two years and then I got the 100-ton U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential needed to operate the ferry. Quick facts • There were 42,891 total vehicles in 2023. • The ferry is open year round, only closing for inclement weather or when the water level rises 70 feet above sea level. Liz Ralston Medical Examiner What I do to help people of Clackamas County? I investigate deaths that fall under the jurisdiction of the Medical Examiner’s Office. It’s my job to assist the Forensic Pathologist in determining Cause and Manner of Death, as well as assisting the family members of the deceased. What’s one thing that’s misunderstood about my job? A lot of people think we are law enforcement or like the show “CSI”, but we are not! Quick facts • Approximately 1% of the population dies each year, so for Clackamas County that is about 4,280 people. • The majority of these deaths are natural and under the care of a physician. unty, go to www.clackamas.us/jobs SERVICE GUIDE| 2024 23
family-friendly events Clackamas County Fair & Rodeo August 13–17 Clackamas County Fairgrounds www.clackamascountyfair.com Camping Season May 1 – Sept 30 County Parks www.clackamas.us/parks/ camping.html Pollination Celebration June 22 Stringfield Family Park www.ncprd.com/event/ pollination-celebration Indigenous Peoples’ Day October 13 Environmental Learning Center www.clackamas.us/ indigenous-peoples-event Movies in the Park Saturdays in July and August Various locations www.ncprd.com/movies Madrone Wall Opens July 15 Madrone Wall Park www.clackamas.us/parks/ madronewall.html Summer Reading Program June – July Gladstone & Oak Lodge Libraries www.clackamas.us/lib/summer- reading-program Fiesta Latina en el Parque September 14 North Clackamas Park www.ncprd.com/event/fiesta Summer Connections June 21 Clackamas Community College www.clackamas.edu/landing-pages/ summer-connection 24 ClackCo
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