Are Cities & Counties Set Up To Serve Unincorporated Communities

Keeping Kurrent

The 2021 census reports that more than 80% of the US population now lives in cities. This should include unincorporated urban and rural communities. Community leaders as well as state and local political figures have been asking if Counties are able to manage the urban unincorporated communities, many which are larger than the incorporated cities. A group of residents living in the Oak Grove and Jennings Lodge unincorporated communities decided to find out what other sorts or political structure s might provide better more equitable support for their residents. They found money from Metro, a regional form of government unique to Oregon, to fund the "Oak Lodge Governance Project." They have been promoting their project to the local community using their own funds. So, some residents in a retirement community, Willamette View, is helping them promote their study. This interview is part of that effort. In this interview you'll meet Mitra Anoshiravani and Eleanore Hunter, organizing members of the project. They'll explain the purpose of the project, provide some historical context, and describe the project's current status. You may not live in this community, however, you should learn how a similar look at your community might help you see if your tax dollars are best spent. Take a look at the Oak Lodge Governance Project website: http://oaklodgegovernanceproject.org/