From: Tim Heider, Public Affairs Coordinator, 503-742-5911
07-22-2010
Media and Interested Parties
Clackamas County programs honored with eight awards from National Association of Counties
The Clackamas County Board of County Commissioners on Thursday acknowledged several Clackamas County programs that were honored in peer judging by a national organization.
Eight programs won achievement awards from The National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards recognize innovative programs that contribute to and enhance county government.
The winning projects were acknowledged during a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners Thursday.
“This is a great honor for Clackamas County and a well-deserved acknowledgement of the hard work and great service our county employees provide every day to our citizens and the public. Congratulations to all,” said Clackamas County Commissioner Jim Bernard.
“I’m very proud of these awards because we are all keenly aware of the work that went into all of these programs,” said Commissioner Bob Austin. “These awards demonstrate our county’s standing nationally for developing and delivering innovative and effective public programs.”
Both Bernard and Austin hold committee assignments in NACo. Austin led a presentation at a NACo workshop entitled "Counties Restructure in a Changed Economy." His presentation focused on the alternate workweek adopted in Clackamas County in November 2009.
The following Clackamas County programs were honored:
Expansion of the Board of County Commission in 2007, the County considered expanding the Board of Commissioners from three to five members. A citizen task force approved the restructuring. Clackamas County voters approved the expansion in November 2008 and the new board was seated in 2009.
Alternative work-week the county launched a one-year pilot program in November 2008 that shifted a large percentage of its workforce to four 10-hour work days. The concept was seen as an innovative means of enhancing the county’s commitment to sustainability. A subsequent review found substantial savings and greater convenience for the public by extending service hours.
Urban and Rural Reserves Clackamas County has been working with neighboring counties and Metro to identify land suitable for future urban development and long-term rural protection. The regional collaboration is designed to meet these regional goals for the next half century.
Hamlet and Villages program This unique program is grassroots and citizen-driven providing residents and businesses in unincorporated areas of Clackamas County a closer and direct relationship with the Board of County Commissioners. There are four Hamlets and one village.
82nd Drive Pedestrian Bridge and Art in 1998 the Clackamas County Service District #1 purchased the pedestrian bridge at 82nd Drive and Park Place from the city of Gladstone. The bridge was reopened in 2009 with a public art project that connects the heritage of Gladstone and Oregon City.
The Watershed Action Plan was formed to protect water quality and reduce the impacts of urbanization. Achievements include an expansion of capital improvements and public involvement.
EcOzone in 2007 Commissioners asked for more community outreach and development of a plan to reduce criminal activity in the parks. The result was EcOzone, a summertime volunteer and education campaign linking the public with parks and law enforcement efforts to encourage safe and healthy recreation opportunities
Stringfield Family Park this park opened to the public in May 2009. The 4.5 acre parcel is located in Milwaukie and has been a welcome addition in the neighborhood.
In addition to those awards the county’s Technology Service Department won recognition from the Center for Digital Government when a survey showed that Clackamas County ranked third in the United States for its population size for digital services to citizens. Recognition was based on achievements through use of technology, operating efficiencies and realizing strategic objectives.
For more information please call Tim Heider, Public Affairs Coordinator 503-742-5911 or by email at theider@co.clackamas.or.us