Oregon City Featured in National Report on City Leadership for Children & Families

The City of Oregon City is featured in a new report highlighting promising city efforts to improve the lives of children, youth and families in communities with populations below 75,000.

Published by the National League of Cities (NLC), “Municipal Leadership for Children and Families in Small and Mid-Sized Cities” describes innovative strategies from more than 40 cities and towns across the country. The report contains examples of city leadership in areas such as early childhood development, education, health and safety, family economic success, neighborhood revitalization, and youth civic engagement. Visit the NLC website to view the report.

The City of Oregon City was selected for inclusion in the report for its collaboration with the Oregon City High School construction program and students engagement in city construction projects. Oregon City High School offers an advanced construction class that works on projects throughout the City – particularly at local parks – during class time, after school and on weekends. The program teaches students new skills and helps them give back to the community as they participate in every stage of the construction process. Students have helped build or refurbish city park bridges and walkways, a restroom and concession, volleyball courts, stairs at the municipal pool, and an outdoor event center.

“This has been a great opportunity for both the students and the City,” said Scott Archer, Community Services Director. “We are proud of the work these students have accomplished and look forward to continuing our partnership with the school for future projects.”

NLC’s new report is designed to provide municipal leaders with new ideas and inspiration to guide local action on behalf of young people and families in their communities. The report draws upon information gathered from surveys, interviews, and a scan of promising practices identified by NLC’s Institute for Youth, Education, and Families and state municipal leagues. It explores the unique challenges and opportunities facing small and mid-sized cities that seek to improve outcomes for children and youth.

The National League of Cities (NLC) is dedicated to helping city leaders build better communities. NLC is a resource and advocate for 19,000 cities, towns and villages, representing more than 218 million Americans.

View the Press Release from National League of Cities (PDF).