ECOnorthwest is working with The Ford Family Foundation and Portland State University to learn from the lived experiences of Oregonians in every county of the state. More than 4,300 people responded to the Foundation’s Oregon Voices survey, which asked about topics such as housing, access to services and natural outdoor spaces, and feelings of belonging. Rural communities and voices are often underrepresented in large surveys; Oregon Voices sought to overcome that by surveying an equal number of people in each county in its initial phase. ECOnorthwest’s analysis of the survey results highlights Oregonians’ insights on many topics, including advantages of life in rural areas as well as areas of concerns. Rural residents point to strong, supportive communities and natural amenities where they live. At the same time, they are concerned about issues like the rising prevalence of homelessness and the availability of childcare. By amplifying the voices of rural residents of the state, Oregon Voices provides valuable insights to guide the development of effective policies and collaborative initiatives for a brighter and more sustainable future in Oregon.
ECO collaborated with the Foundation on a series of Issue Briefs that focus on the experiences of Oregonians based on data collected from the survey.
- Housing Access and Affordability: The findings are clear: Oregonians of all backgrounds and in all parts of the state are adversely affected by the housing crisis.
- Public Education: The quality of Oregon’s public education is a concern for many Oregonians.
- Financial Well-Being: The lack of living wage jobs and economic opportunity impacts Oregonians’ financial well-being.
- Child Care: Many Oregonians struggle to find high-quality child care that is affordable and accessible.
