Transfer Process for Key Program

For Immediate Release: Friday, January 16, 2015

Transition Plan Approved for Citizen Participation Program

Programmatic support for Washington County's Citizen Participation Organizations (CPOs) will be transferred from Oregon State University's Extension Service in early 2016 in keeping with a timeline and process approved by the Board of County Commissioners this week. The transfer was prompted in the fall of 2014 when OSU Extension announced that it had re-evaluated its institutional strengths and role in this county program and would not continue to administer the program in the future.

To guide the process, board members agreed to appoint a team of stakeholders to explore a broad range of public participation models and strategies. The Transition Planning Team will include individuals currently involved in the program, professional community involvement practitioners, representatives from city, county and special district organizations and individuals representing historically under-represented communities. The planning team will be guided by a consultant hired by the county government this winter.

The county posted details about the transition planning effort and encouraged those interested in receiving email updates to sign up on the county's website at:

• www.co.washington.or.us/cpo/transition.cfm

The public is encouraged to make comments or ask questions throughout the transition process. Initial community input will be gathered by sending email to [email protected] or by calling 503-846-8685.

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