Email: communitydevelopment@cityofdrain.org
Title: Community Development Coordinator
Organization: City of Drain
Community: Drain
Population: 1,186
County Served: Douglas County

Meet Kaitlyn Hardwick (she/her):

Kaitlyn was born and raised in West Linn, OR. She received her Bachelor of Science in Earth Science and Environmental Science from the University of Oregon in 2022. During her time at the UO, Kaity participated in undergraduate research for the City of Eugene that sought to identify the most effective fuel-treatments to prepare for a prescribed fire in at-risk oak and prairie ecosystems. Her background in physical sciences and innate drive to solve complex issues has led her to seek work with AmeriCorps, where she can put her skills to use while being a force for good. Kaitlyn is currently completing her second year of service with the RARE AmeriCorps program and is passionate about the work she is doing for the City of Drain.

Community and Organization:

Drain, nicknamed the “Gateway to the Pacific”, is a historic community nestled in the Umpqua Valley. It was first settled in 1847 and began to expand when it became a stop on the railroad. It was officially incorporated in 1887 and became home to two major sawmills in the area. Though these sawmills have since been shut down, Drain is still regarded as a historic northwest timber community.

The City of Drain has a team of only 10 staff members. They are kept very busy by working to provide a safe and welcoming community for its residents. Drain has one city park, two schools, two cemeteries, and a Civic Center that houses the public library and community meeting rooms. Drain is also home to one of Oregon’s historic covered bridges, the Pass Creek Covered Bridge.

Projects:

This is Kaitlyn’s second year working as the Community Development Coordinator for the City of Drain. During her first year, Kaitlyn completed a grant application for a renovation of the city park, Anna Drain Park. The $996,415 grant was recently awarded, and Kaitlyn’s second year with the city will focus on the park development. In addition to this, Kaitlyn will be applying for a grant for the restoration of Pass Creek Covered Bridge, helping the city develop a strategic plan, and working on the development of the Oregon Main Street program in the city. Kaitlyn is also working on an ongoing riparian restoration project and does TMDLs (Total Maximum Daily Load) implementation for the city.