In a spirited gathering at the Oregon State Legislature, community leaders and city councilors voiced urgent needs and ambitious plans during the Joint Committee on Ways and Means meeting on March 22, 2025. The atmosphere buzzed with determination as representatives from various regions presented their priorities, aiming to secure funding for critical local initiatives.

One standout moment came from a passionate advocate who announced a remarkable personal challenge: a 1,500-mile run across all 17 community colleges in Oregon, aimed at raising awareness for basic needs support for students. This ambitious endeavor, likened to running from Portland to Minneapolis in just six weeks, serves as a call to action for community engagement and collaboration in addressing student needs.

As the meeting progressed, Janine Gladfelter, a city councilor from Gresham, highlighted pressing issues facing her community. She emphasized the importance of funding for the city’s youth violence prevention program, IMOPI, which aims to keep at-risk youth away from crime. Gladfelter pointed out the financial burden of violence on communities, citing a study that estimated the cost of a shooting at $670,000. She also discussed Gresham's housing challenges, advocating for state support to develop infrastructure that would enable the construction of 4,000 new homes in the Pleasant Valley area.

Kathy Keithley, another Gresham city councilor, followed with a plea for funding to rebuild Fire Station 74, which serves diverse neighborhoods and responds to approximately 5,000 calls annually. She described the station's outdated structure, which fails to meet modern safety standards, and stressed its critical role in responding to emergencies across the region. Keithley requested $10 million in state funding to ensure the station's reconstruction, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and service.

Denise McGriff, the mayor of Oregon City, also took the floor, expressing concerns over the city’s aging infrastructure and the financial pressures from state mandates. She called for additional funding to help cities manage infrastructure improvements and transportation needs, urging collaboration among local, state, and federal governments to alleviate the burden on communities.

As the meeting unfolded, it became clear that the voices of local leaders resonate with a shared goal: to secure the necessary resources to enhance community safety, support youth, and improve infrastructure. The discussions not only highlighted immediate needs but also painted a picture of a collaborative effort to build a brighter future for Oregon's communities. The commitment to addressing these challenges reflects a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of local and state initiatives, setting the stage for future partnerships and progress.