Portland Parks and Recreation champions diversity in library construction projects

In a recent briefing held by Multnomah County, officials gathered to discuss the ongoing transformation of local libraries, emphasizing a commitment to diversity, equity, and community engagement. The meeting, which took place under the warm glow of city hall lights, highlighted the Multnomah County Library Bound program, which aims to create a more inclusive environment through diverse contracting and workforce equity.

A key focus of the program is the engagement of women in the construction workforce, particularly in apprenticeship roles. The county has set a goal of 10% participation for apprentices, which is seen as a crucial step in building a pipeline for women in higher-level positions. The discussion revealed that while progress is being made, challenges remain in attracting women to the field, as competition among agencies for skilled workers intensifies.

Community engagement emerged as a central theme, with officials stressing the importance of incorporating public feedback into library projects. Suzanne Shaw, the community engagement strategist, leads efforts to ensure that the voices of local residents are heard and reflected in the design of library spaces. This approach has resulted in thousands of community interactions, with over 15,900 responses collected to inform project designs.

The county's innovative engagement strategy includes compensating community members for their input, particularly through programs like the Youth Opportunity Design Approach (JODA). This initiative allows young people to collaborate with architects and librarians, ensuring that their perspectives shape the library environments they will use.

As the meeting concluded, officials expressed optimism about the ongoing library renovations, noting that the changes have been well-received by the community. The commitment to listening to residents and fostering an inclusive atmosphere is seen as vital for the future of Multnomah County's libraries, setting a precedent for future projects. The transformation is not just about physical spaces; it is about creating a sense of belonging and representation for all community members.