Collaboration is an Oregon value. Even though each community is a little different, the theme of collaboration was consistent throughout my trip to Morrow, Umatilla, Union and Wallowa counties during the most recent leg of my One Oregon Listening Tour. Some folks even said “collaboration, not competition” is the key to success.

I completely agree. And it’s why I’ll be on the road a lot this year.

During our recent Northeast Oregon visits, the First Lady and I learned about innovative partnerships between the state and local communities, the importance of making more housing available and keeping it affordable, public health concerns of residents in the Lower Umatilla Basin, issues impacting Latino communities in the region, workforce challenges, and much more.

A key component of these One Oregon trips is hearing about community-driven solutions to Oregon’s biggest problems and identifying how the state can bring more resources and capacity and remove barriers. For example, we learned about how the state is working with Woodgrain Millwork to increase their sustainability with a new piece of equipment and how the state is supporting a small home village for veterans, both opportunities in La Grande.

What made our first trip to Eastern Oregon as governor special wasn’t just those conversations — it was the hospitality we were greeted with, a remarkable openness, and an optimism about the future of our state. We’re all one state and while each region has unique needs and approaches, we are connected by the same goals: well-paying jobs for working families; stable, affordable housing; good schools for our children; and a supportive community that rises to meet the challenges we’re all facing today.

While shopping at B. Bright Village in Joseph, a woman came up to me to ask what I’m doing to engage rural Oregonians who feel left behind. Besides being in communities around the state, I believe in making sure multiple perspectives are sought out and included when decisions get made in Salem. It troubles me greatly that Oregonians don’t feel heard. I believe in an Oregon that stays together and supports each other.

My goal as governor is to be a strong partner to all communities. I will continue to travel across Oregon to hear what’s working, what’s not working, and what the state should be doing better. These discussions can be difficult because many of the challenges facing Oregonians cannot be solved overnight. But, together, we can talk through the challenges, identify solutions, and collaborate to solve problems and meet needs. All parts of our state deserve access to prosperity and an equitable distribution of resources.

I am five months into my first term as governor and 13 counties into the One Oregon Listening Tour, with 23 counties and a lot more listening and learning to go. I’m excited about the months ahead.

We have work to do, and I’m in it for the long haul.

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