Several Clackamas County Programs Honored by National Organization

Five Clackamas County programs are receiving some very wanted attention. The programs all received Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties for implementing innovative county government programs.

The county will honor people involved in all five programs at their regular business meeting on August 4th.

"It's a great honor to be recognized nationally for the collaborative work of providing critical services to survivors of domestic violence and their children," said Sheriff Craig Roberts whose department oversees one of the programs.

"We could not do this important work without all of our partners at A Safe Place Family Justice Center, and the leadership of the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners."

The following programs were honored:

Adoption of Land Use Regulations for Marijuana-Related Businesses

Category: Planning

In November 2014, Oregon voters legalized the use of marijuana for recreational use effective July 1, 2015. The statewide licensing of recreational marijuana businesses was scheduled to begin Jan. 4, 2016. Clackamas County had just six months to determine what, if any, land use regulations it wanted to adopt related to marijuana. Commissioners directed Planning and Zoning Division staff to begin developing new regulations for marijuana land use that involved community members. This award honors those efforts.

RiverHealth Stewardship Program

Category: Environmental Protection and Energy

RiverHealth is a grant-funded program implemented by county Water Environment Services in 2013 to help improve the health of Clackamas County Service District No. 1 watersheds. Over the past three years – with the involvement of more than 20,000 volunteers at 300 project sites – the program has offered opportunities to enhance the health and wildlife habitat in new and innovative ways.

Clackamas County Citizen Academy

Category: Civic Education and Public Information

In 2015, commissioners and the County Administration Department approved the formation of a “Citizen Academy” course to encourage residents to learn more about the programs and services offered by their local county government and foster participation.

Leaders in Sustainability: Resources for Sustainable Workplaces

Category: Community and Economic Development

The Leaders in Sustainability program offers customized on-site assistance to businesses seeking to prevent waste, reduce energy and water consumption, use fewer toxic products, and support employees and their community. The certification process identifies best practices.

A Safe Place Family Justice Center: Wrap Around Services for Domestic Violence Victims

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in category)

A Safe Place Family Justice Center opened in December 2013 and is a partnership between public and nonprofit agencies co-located under one roof, providing services to victims and their children fleeing domestic violence, sexual violence, elder abuse, and stalking. Services are free of charge and include safety planning, assistance with filing court protective orders, accessing emergency shelter, civil legal services, food resources, housing and counseling.

Not only was A Safe Place Family Justice Center honored with a NACo Achievement Award – it was given the distinction of Best in Category, out of all submissions related to criminal justice and public safety from counties across the U.S.