Uncategorized – Resource Assistance for Rural Environments

Survey: Prineville a promising destination for tourism

Posted on March 15, 2024 by kward2

By Jason Chaney via Taylor Wilkie

Results align with strategic goals of newly established Destination Management Organization

Prineville seems poised to grow as a tourist destination based on recent data compiled in a new survey.

The Oregon State University Sustainable Tourism Lab based at OSU-Cascades recently unveiled insights from a 2023 survey that provided a comprehensive look into community members’ perspectives of tourism across Central Oregon.

The findings suggest that Prineville stands to be a promising destination for increased visitor engagement, aligning with the strategic goals of Explore Prineville, a newly established Destination Management Organization (DMO) within the Prineville-Crook County Chamber and Visitor Center.

Conducted through a randomized sampling of 199 respondents in Crook County, the survey revealed 72% of community members believe the benefits of tourism outweigh or mirror the associated costs, positioning Prineville favorably compared to other surveyed Central Oregon communities that are further developed for tourism and more frequently visited.

The concerns that came up regarding the costs of tourism in Prineville highlighted themes like traffic congestion, community impact, overcrowding and environmental considerations. By understanding these apprehensions, Explore Prineville can tailor programming and policy advocacy to mitigate potential negative consequences.

Contrarily, economic advantages emerged as a dominant theme among respondents, with many noting enhanced revenue streams and business development opportunities for the community.

Community members between the ages of 65 and 84 demonstrated the strongest support, with 90% believing tourism has an overall positive impact in Prineville. Among them, Dave Fields, a respected figure in the community and ranger with the U.S. Forest Service, echoed the many tangible improvements he’s witnessed as a result of sustained visitor growth over recent decades.

“It makes sense that our older generation recognizes the value tourism brings to our community. We’ve been around to witness the ways our town has grown to welcome unique restaurants and businesses that we’re now loyal patrons to,” he said. “Plus, as we get older and have more free time, the money from tourism expands recreation access and amenities, making it easier for us to enjoy them while staying local.”

Prineville is known for a variety of different tourism options. Its most notable events take place during the summer, starting with the Crooked River Roundup, which draws thousands to the community for an iconic rodeo and other festivities that take place throughout the week including a cattle drive, street party and parade. The Crooked River Roundup Horse Races also draw a massive crowd during a four-day stretch and the Crook County Fair likewise brings in hundreds of visitors.

In addition to the events, the community boasts close proximity to two reservoirs, the Crooked River, known for its world-class fishing and numerous biking and hiking opportunities both in Prineville and on the nearby Ochoco National Forest.

With an eye toward fostering sustainable growth and community well-being, Explore Prineville remains committed to leveraging these insights to cultivate Prineville’s status as a dynamic and welcoming destination for visitors and residents alike.

This article first appeared on The Central Oregonian and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Library welcomes new AmeriCorps member

Posted on September 25, 2023September 25, 2023 by kward2

Hi, I am Christian Sala, Roseburg Public Library’s new Outreach Services Lead.

A little about myself: I was born in Milan, Italy, to Italian parents. Three months later, my parents moved to Kenya, Africa, where they first met, to raise a family and start a small, humble Italian market. I remained there for 12 years, attending various schools, including a British boarding school and an American Baptist missionary school for families conducting missions in the area.

As a family, we moved back to Italy after my father got sick and needed specialized medical treatment available only in Europe. Once better, my father got an opportunity to open an Italian market in Miami, Florida.

I remained there, completing high school in two years, attending Miami Dade Honors College for two more years, and later transferring to Rutgers University-New Brunswick, the State School of New Jersey, majoring in Economics with a minor in Art History. After graduating, I moved to Eugene, where my parents chose to retire.

I worked as a recreation coordinator for the city of Eugene’s recreation department’s annual summer programs: Fun for All, Movies in the Park, rentals, afterschool teen programs and specialty camps. I worked there for three consecutive summers, mainly delivering arts and craft activities for youth ages 5-17. Some camps and activities I worked on were Mural Camp, Minecraft Architecture Camp and Walk in the Woods.

Once I graduated, I sought valuable and relevant experience in economic development, the field I chose to pursue after my coursework at Rutgers. I contacted the head of the city of Springfield Economic Development Department, Allison Camp, and she directed me to the Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) AmeriCorps program.

I was fortunate to be accepted as a RARE member and placed at Roseburg Public Library. I can see myself striving, growing and developing some of my professional goals, implementing what I learned as a recreation coordinator and giving back to Oregon, which my family has chosen to call home.

One of the best parts about working for the City is getting to know the community on a first-name basis. One thing you will quickly learn about me is that I could improve with remembering names, but I am great with faces. So, I’ll remember you, but I might ask for your name once or twice.

My tasks during my 11-month service term will include continuing the great work at outreach services, assisting in developing and conducting adult programming, working with volunteers, assisting youth services, researching and implementing best practices for a three-year technology plan, and developing and implementing a library use assessment survey.

I already have hit the ground running with developing the library’s basic technology classes, and I look forward to meeting those adult learners.

Feel free to stop by the front desk and say hello. I would love to strike up conversations about the economy, current affairs, art and culture, and great places to eat in Roseburg.

I look forward to meeting all of the patrons, learning about the Roseburg community and discovering the ins and outs of a public library.

Christian Sala is the outreach services lead at Roseburg Public Library. He can be reached at csala@cityofroseburg.org or 541-492-7052.

This article first appeared on The News-Review and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Wyden, Merkley Announce $2.3 Million for Rural Renewable Energy Projects

Posted on September 19, 2023September 19, 2023 by kward2

Written by Sander Gusinow

Funding from the Inflation Reduction Act will go toward 28 Oregon projects aimed at building renewable energy and energy efficiency infrastructure.

Last week, Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced that 28 renewable energy projects targeting rural parts of the state will receive $2.3 million of grant funding.

Funding for the projects — mostly solar panel installations at rural farms and businesses — comes from the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes $369 billion in federal funding over 10 years to support renewable energy projects, according to a press release issued jointly by Wyden and Merkley last week.

Nearly half of the procurement — $1 million — will go toward the installation of a ground-mounted solar energy system for Verde Light Community Solar LLC in Ontario. The system is estimated to generate over 8,000,000 kilowatt-hours per year, the equivalent needed to power 750 single family homes annually, and will provide $121,170 per year in energy cost savings to local subscribers.

Smaller projects included $11,824 to help Lexington-based Tin Willow Sheep Dairy farm purchase and install a solar panel system capable of replacing over half of the business’s energy use with solar power, reducing its utility bill by $782 per year in the process.

Of the 28 projects to receive funding, 26 projects involved the installation of solar panel systems.

The Deschutes Soil and Water Conservation District, Spark Northwest, North Fork John Day River Watershed Council, and the Yamhill Soil and Water Conservation District received a combined total of $100,000 to increase implementation of renewable energy generation by rural small businesses, farms and agricultural producers throughout the state. The University of Oregon’s Resource Assistance for Rural Environments AmeriCorps Program also received $100,000 to work with area partners to increase implementation of renewable energy generation by rural small businesses and farms.

“We can address high energy prices due to the volatility in the price of oil and natural gas by bolstering our clean, domestic energy supplies in every nook and cranny of our state and across the nation,” said Wyden in the press release. “I was proud to have fought for and secured some of the most consequential pieces of the Inflation Reduction Act to tackle the climate crisis and create new jobs, but one of my main goals was to ensure that rural farmers, ranchers, businesses and organizations could benefit from the cost savings. I’m gratified to see so many Oregonians getting much-deserved benefits.”

“Oregon’s communities—both big and small, urban and rural—make our state successful and vibrant,” Merkley said in the release. “Investing in Oregon’s small businesses, farmers, and ranchers supports strong local economies, especially in the more rural parts of the state. The benefits of these investments stretch to every corner of Oregon, and I’ll continue to champion critical support like this for Oregon’s rural economic opportunities.”

A full list of the funded projects is available on Wyden’s website.

This article first appeared on Oregon Business and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

RARE AmeriCorps Member Applications for 2023-2024 Now Available!

Posted on January 11, 2023 by kward2

Are you interested in community building, natural resources, food security, natural hazard planning, economic development or land use planning? If so, you should consider applying to serve as a Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) AmeriCorps member.

2023-2024 RARE AmeriCorps member applications are now available!

For more information about the RARE AmeriCorps application process please visit the Application Process section of our website.

To access the 2023-2024 RARE AmeriCorps member application, click here.

If you have questions about the application process or about the RARE AmeriCorps Program, please contact RARE Program Coordinator Victoria Binning at rare@uoregon.edu or 541-632-3147.

UO programs bolstered by $16M in Build Back Better funds

Posted on January 9, 2023 by kward2

September 2, 2022 – 11:14am

Researchers at the University of Oregon will receive more than $16 million in federal funds as part of a major government grant to the Oregon Mass Timber Coalition from the Build Back Better Regional Challenge.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration has awarded the coalition a total of $41.4 million, with $24.6 million going to the TallWood Design Institute, a collaboration between the UO and Oregon State University to support Oregon’s mass timber industry. OSU will receive $8 million.

Of the UO funds, $14.6 million will go toward the Oregon Acoustic Research Laboratory and $2 million is destined for affordable housing prototyping using mass timber, an application that uses solid wood panels that are prefabricated using digital workflows. Both programs are part of the College of Design and contribute to the institute.

“The UO and OSU, through the TallWood Design Institute, have been essential to the development of the modern mass timber industry in Oregon through our research and development,” said UO architecture professor Judith Sheine, design director for the institute. “Combined with the funding that will support smart forestry research, a new fire testing facility, and modular mass timber housing testing at OSU, and UO’s acoustic research lab and prototypes for affordable housing and retrofits, we will continue to advance our R&D work into the future to provide benefits for Oregonians.”

In addition to the UO and OSU, the Oregon Mass Timber Coalition includes the Port of Portland, Business Oregon, the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development, and the Oregon Department of Forestry.

“This grant will provide a tremendous lift to the TallWood Design Institute, which already leverages the expertise and collaboration of researchers at the University of Oregon and Oregon State University,” said Patrick Phillips, interim president of the UO. “It will also benefit the entire state of Oregon, driving innovation and helping to increase our housing supply in a sustainable way.”

Over time, the funds will contribute to employment growth in construction, manufacturing and sustainable logging, while helping develop energy- and seismic-resilient mass timber for affordable housing.

“I think we’ve been enormously effective in jumpstarting and advancing these mass timber industries in Oregon, but there’s still a huge amount of work to be done and enormous opportunity,” Sheine said.

Affordable housing prototyping

Sheine’s research focuses on using mass timber in the construction of affordable housing that provides energy and seismic resilience while sequestering carbon through its use of wood products. The grant will fund prototypes to prove the viability of constructing small, affordable, single-family homes as well as building and retrofitting multistory and multifamily dwellings.

High-performance testing

The Oregon Acoustic Research Laboratory will be a world-class, state-of-the-art facility designed for high-performance and high-throughput testing for sound-dampening products and construction methods.

“Floor and ceiling acoustics have become a hurdle to increasing the uptake of mass timber structural systems in multistory, multifamily housing,” said Kevin Van Den Wymelenberg, architecture professor and director of the Institute for Health in the Built Environment. “We’re trying to help mass timber find its way into multistory, multifamily housing and reduce sound transmission between units. And you need to test it before you can build it.”

The laboratory will be the first of its kind at a university in North America and among the most advanced in the world. It will be able to test for low- and high-frequency sound transmission and designed for the needs of both university researchers and private sector testing.

“This will also open opportunities for research and technology transfer both in the mass timber space and acoustics space for the university and our students,” Van Den Wymelenberg said.

The lab, which was approved by the UO Board of Trustees in 2019, would be housed at the Port of Portland’s Terminal 2 site.

The Build Back Better funds are meant to bolster and rejuvenate Oregon’s timber industry, contributing to timber manufacturing job creation in rural counties that have seen employment declines over the past half century. They also will be used to start forest restoration projects to improve resilience, reduce wildfire risk, and provide a sustainable supply for mass timber production.

—By Jim Murez, University Communications

RARE Program Assistant has been hired!

Posted on September 29, 2022January 9, 2023 by vbinnin2

Big News! We’ve Hired!

RARE Supervisors and Members:

I am pleased to announce that we have hired Ken Ward as our new Program Assistant! Ken comes to us with a Bachelor’s in Journalism from the University of Oregon and several years of experience within the software development arena. In addition, he is a 2x AmeriCorps Alum, bringing a strong passion for service to the table. It’s already clear that Ken is committed to helping make the RARE AC Program the best it can be for our members, supervisors, and the communities we serve. In Ken’s free time, he’s often reading books, longboarding, or enjoying a solid day hike in the great outdoors. We already feel like Ken is a stellar fit for the job at hand and are extremely excited to have him on the team!

Yesterday was Ken’s first day on the job and he is already excited to start engaging with you folks. I encourage you to reach out to Ken directly if you are interested in learning more about this amazing human.

Please join me in welcoming Ken to the team!

Regards,

Titus Tomlinson, Program Director

RARE AmeriCorps Member Applications for 2022-2023 Now Available!

Posted on December 20, 2021 by kcoenen

2022-2023 RARE AmeriCorps member applications are now available!

For more information about the RARE AmeriCorps application process please visit the Application Process section of our website.

To access the 2022-2023 RARE AmeriCorps member application, click here.

If you have questions about the application process or about the RARE AmeriCorps Program, please contact RARE Program Coordinator Victoria Binning at rare@uoregon.edu or 541-632-3147.

Job Opportunity – Economic Development Analyst for IPRE

Posted on December 6, 2021 by kcoenen

The Institute for Policy Research and Engagement is seeking candidates to join our team as an Economic Development Analyst.

Review of Applications Begins
January 3, 2022; position open until filled.

Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with your online application, please submit a resume, a cover letter (no more than two pages), and names and current contact information for three references. In your cover letter, be sure to address how you meet the qualifications and competencies of this position.

Department Summary
The Institute for Policy Research and Engagement (IPRE) is an interdisciplinary research institute in the School of Planning, Public Policy and Management at the University of Oregon. The role of IPRE is to link the diverse perspectives, skills, expertise, and innovation of higher education with the planning, policy, and management needs identified by our organizational and community collaborators. IPRE provides technical assistance, capacity, and basic research services using an experiential learning model. In this way, we help resolve local issues, address resource gaps, and improve the quality of life for our project partners while providing future planners, policymakers, and community leaders with opportunities to apply what they are learning through work on real-world projects.

IPRE actively seeks to promote diverse thinking, equity of voice, and inclusivity in everything we do. Candidates with varied backgrounds, language fluencies, lived experiences, and skillsets are welcome to apply for positions with our team. We strongly encourage candidates from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities to apply.

Position Summary
The Institute for Policy Research & Engagement (IPRE) Economic Development Analyst will coordinate and direct technical analysis on projects primarily within IPRE’s Economic Development Portfolio. This position reports to the Associate Director for Applied Research and works with IPRE program faculty, staff, and students. This is a funding-contingent position. Activities will include developing, conducting, supporting, and managing research and analysis tasks and projects. Responsibilities will include developing and stewarding relations with external partners, identifying economic development needs in Oregon and regions of the state, preparing work programs, managing applied research related to economic development, and grant reporting. The position may also include management, guidance, and direct supervision of graduate and undergraduate student research teams and paid graduate and undergraduate research assistants. Additionally, this position may support IPRE’s other program areas including our off-campus service-learning branch, the Resource Assistance for Rural (RARE) AmeriCorps Program. This position will require statewide and limited overnight travel.

Minimum Requirements

Master’s Degree in Economics, Economic Development, Planning (Community, Regional, or Urban), Public Administration/Affairs, Public Policy, or related field; Bachelors degree with five or more years of professional experience may substitute for a masters degree.
Two years of demonstrated work experience in one or more of the following areas: economic research, economic development, economic justice, economic democracy, economic resilience, financial analysis, business development, market research, budget analysis, applied research related to economics. Work experience may include paid internships or professional projects conducted during graduate school.

Professional Competencies

Ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities and audiences, including oral and written communication.
Ability to present research results using reports, tables, figures, and charts.
Understanding of economic development practices, business development, workforce development, economic justice, entrepreneurial ecosystems, and innovation ecosystems.
Awareness and understanding of common economic data sources and data collection approaches.
Skills and experience in stakeholder engagement, public outreach, public involvement coordination, and small group facilitation.
Experience with mailed or internet survey design, administration, and analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with a statistical software package (Stata/SPSS/SAS/R) or similar statistical software.
Ability to design, code, run, and report out statistical analysis using OLS, MLE, and other modeling techniques as appropriate.
Experience using ArcGIS to conduct data analysis.
Experience interpreting and forecasting market trends.
Professional experience in a government agency.

For more information and to apply, visit here: https://careers.uoregon.edu/en-us/job/528579/economic-development-analyst

Tidings from Titus – August 2021

Posted on August 17, 2021 by vbinnin2

Dearest RARE Family,

Sure hope this message finds all of you amazing individuals happy and healthy! Busy and exciting times here at the RARE AmeriCorps Program as we celebrate the accomplishments of last year’s cohort, all while gearing up for our 28th year of service. With so much positive change taking place, well, there certainly is no lack of great news to share with all of you movers and shakers.

As we move towards the future let us not forget the past, which is why I want to start with a round of gratitude and recognition to those who gave their all to support rural Oregon throughout the 2020-21 service year. This last service year was one for the books, having kicked it all off in the midst of a global pandemic and an array of catastrophic wildfires. I had my concerns during the first few weeks of service, only to be reminded time-and-time again that our members can do anything they set their mind to, regardless of the circumstances. Despite the countless challenges thrown at last year’s cohort, they stood strong, rising to the occasion for rural Oregon every step of the way. I couldn’t be prouder of their individual and collective accomplishments.

Speaking of gratitude and recognition, we somehow were lucky enough to finally get to spend a few days in person with our current members on the beautiful McKenzie River at our annual End of Service Retreat. And of course, we couldn’t help but also invite the 2019-20 cohort, given they missed out on getting to attend last year (due to COVID). The event took place at the end of July and I am still overflowing with joy having gotten to spend some quality time with those who were able to attend. It’s so important that we take the time to recognize our members for all they give throughout the service year; thanking my lucky stars we got the opportunity to do so. Talk about some much-needed closure for all involved!

And just like that, we come to the close of one service year and gear up for another. Jazzed to announce that we are well on our way to kicking off the 2021-22 service year. Per usual, we have individuals coming from across the country who will be serving rural communities ranging from Enterprise to Bandon, from Lakeview to Pendleton, etc. I am beyond excited about what the future has in store. Thanks to the hard work of the RARE Team, it’s clear to me that we are gearing up for what I am sure will be yet another very impactful service year!

Lastly, I want to take a moment to thank you all for the support that each of you have and continue to provide. It’s the people, the relationships, that have always been at the root of RARE. Each of you help make RARE what it is today, a Program that changes lives while delivering critical capacity to rural Oregon.

Onward and Upward,

Titus Tomlinson, Years 13 & 16
RARE Program Director

Tidings from Titus – May 2021

Posted on May 14, 2021 by vbinnin2

Dearest RARE Fam,

I sure hope this message finds each and every one of you amazing humans happy and healthy. Spring is upon here in Oregon and with it has come some much-needed sunshine; ample opportunity to enjoy the amazing landscape that surrounds us; and most importantly, some much-needed and long-anticipated light at the end of the pandemic tunnel.

Most of the RARE team and our members have been vaccinated, which has me extremely excited about what the future has in store for all parties involved. There is talk of members gathering for a multi-day rafting trip on the John Day River; service projects on the Oregon coast; group hikes amongst the wildflowers in the Columbia River Gorge; and maybe, just maybe an in-person End of Service Gathering on the McKenzie. One of many benefits of serving rural with RARE is the adventure one embarks on with fellow members during a given service year. I can’t even begin to tell you how happy it makes me to know this year’s members are getting that experience before we close out the service year.

Many of our members are also returning to their respective host sites with hopes of carrying out the remainder of the service year on-site and in-person. The return of in-person meetings, trainings, and gatherings puts the community back into community development. Getting to connect in-person with supervisors, colleagues and community members is another big part of the RARE experience, and one that I am pleased to see many of our members returning to.

This last year has challenged us like no other, especially those of us who desire a strong sense of connection and community. The fact that we have worked through the majority of the service year virtually is a testament to the dedication, grit, and tenacity of the RARE team and our wonderful members. I have nothing but respect and gratitude for these individuals who have proven that regardless of the circumstances we will continue to “get things done” for rural Oregon.

As you can tell, there is just a bit of excitement in the air as we turn a page on this pandemic. We have high hopes of returning to our old ways of doing as we gear up for another stellar service year come September. Back to handshakes and hugs for this guy 😊. Onward and upward in the weeks, months, and years ahead!

For the love of RARE… for the love of rural Oregon!!

Regards,