ECR’s Impact Report 2024 is out! Read OUR impact today.
From advancing civic engagement to addressing pressing concerns like housing instability and environmental justice, East County Rising (ECR) believes that community-led efforts drive sustainable progress.
ECR, through the East County Rising Community Projects (ECRCP), did just that. All are powered by advocates, volunteers, and leaders working toward one goal: to shape a more just and equitable future.
Tracing our roots back in 2019, when the ECRCP was formed to sustain momentum on our community-building efforts, we have developed community leadership, advocated for improving the community, and built a volunteer and voter base that will call for meaningful change.
Here’s a look back at our story so far.
Advancing Civic Engagement and Leadership
Through its Our Communities, Our Voices program, ECRCP has trained 20 aspiring candidates, equipping them with the skills to represent their communities effectively. By identifying and nurturing leaders, particularly women and people of color, ECRCP has contributed to a more diverse and representative political landscape.
‘6 people with the goal of a thousand’
The Rising Fellows program, an inaugural program to amplify underrepresented voices in local advocacy and politics, further strengthens efforts to advance civic engagement and leadership. The cohort of six women and people of color fellows engaged in hands-on workshops, dialogue with decision-making bodies, and over 3,000 hours of community work to bridge the gap between civic institutions and the communities they serve.
Addressing Housing and Community Stability
Recognizing housing instability as a growing challenge, ECRCP launched the Housing Stability and Dignity Campaign, advocating for fair policies and stronger tenant protections in Gresham and East County. Through coalition work and direct community engagement, the initiative has amplified the voices of renters and those affected by housing insecurity, pushing for systemic solutions to keep families in their homes.
Fostering Participatory Democracy
ECRCP has played a crucial role in advancing participatory budgeting in Oregon. By joining the Youth Voice, Youth Vote project, ECRCP has empowered young people to take an active role in the budgeting process, ensuring that community resources are allocated based on collective needs. Our youth brainstormed more than 243 ideas on COVID-19 recovery projects and partnered with East County Rising and other participating organizations to narrow down the ideas, and develop them into five key projects, ranging from connecting youth with employers, establishing mentorship programs for youth artists, supporting youth facing housing and homelessness challenges. This initiative has helped cultivate civic responsibility among youth and broadened public understanding of democratic participation.
Strengthening Environmental and Recreational Access
Through the Our Parks, Our Future coalition, ECRCP has secured critical funding for recreational spaces in Gresham, preserving green areas like Shall Forest and advocating for equitable access to outdoor spaces. These efforts contribute to healthier, more connected communities and ensure that public lands remain protected and accessible for all residents.
Creating Spaces for Dialogue and Action
The East County Rising Summit 2023 brought together over 175 community members, small business owners, students, and policymakers for a transformative day of networking, learning, and strategizing. This event highlighted the collective power of East County residents in shaping the region’s future and fostering progressive governance.
Rise Up! Investing in Community-Driven Solutions
ECRCP has partnered with Metro to manage the Rise Up! Community Enhancement Grants, supporting projects that improve neighborhoods around Metro’s nine waste transfer facilities. This initiative reinforces ECRCP’s commitment to investing in locally led solutions that enhance community well-being and resilience. The grants were made available to nonprofits, schools, and local governments that provide services or implement programs within the Rise Up! grant boundary area, which includes the cities of Troutdale, Fairview, and Wood Village.
ECRCP’s impact is measured not just by policies influenced or programs launched, but by the empowered individuals and strengthened communities that continue to shape East County. Through advocacy, leadership development, and coalition-building, ECRCP remains dedicated to fostering a more just, equitable, and engaged community for years to come.
“Investing in politics and community engagement at the local level is crucial, perhaps now more than ever. By doing so, we can hear what our communities need, build their power to advocate for themselves, and ultimately create a better future for all.”
Josué Peña Juárez, Operations Director, East County Rising
Download the report here.
