By Janet Byrd
Happy New Year! 2020 is upon us, and already it’s shaping up to be a momentous year. The work ahead is becoming clear. Elections, the census, a short but critical legislative session, and plenty more will fill the months ahead.
Our communities are facing big challenges, and it will take all of our energy and talents to keep Oregon on the right path, by building on the strengths and beauty of our state and communities, while so many forces are trying to divide us. Here at NP, we know that working together we can build a better future for all of us.
First on our list is that we’re making big plans for the February legislative session. We will need your help to make critical changes to keep the Oregon IDA Initiative strong, and to keep our work to create housing opportunity moving forward. See below about how you can get involved, by contacting your legislator, getting individuals and organizations to endorse our agenda, and by bringing your voice to the Capitol.
The rest of the year will be busy too, as we support efforts to count every Oregonian in the census, and work to make sure our work – IDAs, housing, children’s savings, earned income tax credits – centers the principles of equity and the voices and experience of savers, residents, and communities in program design and policy decisions.
We’ll wrap up our year with our annual RE conference. Mark your calendars for November 16 and 17, in Salem. We’re already laying plans for our best ever get together.
We are grateful for the partnerships that make our work possible. Thank you for all you do, and here’s to the work ahead.