Eli Heindricks

Email: eheindricks@co.marion.or.us
Title: Rural Broadband Specialist
Organization: Marion County Economic Development
Community: Marion County
Population: 347,818
County Served: Marion

Meet Eli Heindricks (he/him/his):

Originally from a small town in central Indiana, Eli Heindricks recently graduated from Purdue University with degrees in Economics and Political Science and a minor in philosophy. During college, Eli worked for Lafayette Urban Ministry’s Immigration Clinic and Campaign for Hoosier Families. He also spent a summer in DC, interning with his home congressional district’s office in the US House of Representatives, and studied social policy and the politics of the European Union for a semester at the University of Oxford in the UK. When not working, Eli enjoys camping, cooking, and reading at coffee shops.

Community and Organization:

Marion County, Oregon, is a vibrant community located in the heart of the Willamette Valley. The Willamette Valley is one of the most fertile and agriculturally productive regions in the world. The area is dotted with cities, farms, and forests and is considered one of the most livable areas of the country. The county covers 1,194 square miles and has a population of approximately 347,818. There are 20 incorporated cities and 37 unincorporated communities in Marion County, which makes our work ever changing. Salem, the county seat and the state capital, is one of the valley’s oldest cities and the third largest city in Oregon. The principal industries are agriculture, government, food processing, lumber, manufacturing, education, and tourism. There are four universities and two community colleges within a 30-mile radius.

Specifically, Eli works with Marion County’s Economic Development Program. The Economic Development Program is housed in the Community Services Department. Community Services is also home to the Children and Families Commission, the County Fair, Dog Services, the Marion County Reentry Initiative, and a partnership with Marion County Extension and the 4H Service District.

Project:

Eli will be taking on a lead role in deploying broadband fiber to allow for economic development in the Mid-Willamette Valley. One of his projects will focus on bringing fiber-based broadband infrastructure to underserved agricultural communities, enabling the development of a precision agricultural ecosystem in the region. Eli will also be working to bring fiber-based broadband to wild fire impacted areas in the North Santiam Canyon. A key aspect of Eli’s work will be engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including elected officials, residents, broadband consultants, farmers, fiber providers, and other regional partners to facilitate the development of broadband in Marion County.