Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson delivered her second State of the County address on April 29 at OMSI, kicking off the first event in our State of 2024 series. Watch the recorded program here.
Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson delivered her second State of the County address on April 29, highlighting the county’s efforts to support its residents during challenging times and its vision for a better future. She emphasized the county’s commitment to helping residents during their toughest days, especially amidst the challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Issues such as affordable housing, the fentanyl emergency, and the lack of treatment and services for addiction and mental health were addressed.
Vega Pederson outlined various initiatives and programs aimed at addressing these challenges, including providing free quality preschool for over 2,000 kids through the Preschool for All program, investing in supportive housing options to address homelessness, and collaborating with various organizations to enhance behavioral health interventions and improve crisis response. She also discussed the impact of climate change on the community and the county’s efforts to mitigate its effects, including holding those responsible accountable and protecting vulnerable communities.
For people in food deserts, and transit deserts and service deserts, we’re extending County resources to as many neighborhoods as we can, so everyone has equal access to nutrition, transportation and the ballot box. And every day, we’re reaching more.
JESSICA VEGA PEDERSON, MULTNOMAH COUNTY CHAIR
Following her speech, Chair Vega Pederson engaged in a conversation with Cynthia Gomez, Director of Community and Civic Impact at Portland State University. They discussed concerns about the future funding and sustainability of the Preschool for All program, as well as the workforce challenges faced by the county and plans to invest in workforce development and support. They also addressed the demographic shift towards an aging population and the county’s efforts to adapt to this change.
Vega Pederson highlighted the administrative role of the county board and chair, emphasizing that they had just wrapped up creating their proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. She stressed the importance of community engagement in the budget process and encouraged residents to get involved in shaping the county’s priorities. The Multnomah County Budget Process is happening now through the end of May, and community participation is crucial to ensure the county’s resources are allocated effectively to address the community’s most pressing needs.
Take Action
To learn more, watch the event recording to get a firsthand look at Chair Vega Pederson’s speech and conversation with Cynthia Gomez. You can also download the text of the chair’s speech to read it in detail, and engage in the Multnomah County Budget Process.