Equity and Community Engagement
Overview
During the public comment period for the Gorge 2020 Draft Management Plan, staff received feedback on equity. The Commission discussed these comments and decided to add a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) statement in the updated Management Plan. One policy directs the Gorge Commission to develop a DEI Plan to identify systemic inequities and make changes to improve these in our work. The Gorge Commission adopted the DEI Strategic Plan on December 13, 2022.
Starting in 2023, the Commission formed a Pro-Equity Anti-Racism (PEAR) Team. This group’s goal is to build trust and understanding of community interests by bringing together local leaders from across the Gorge. Their input guides the Commission in developing and applying the DEI Strategic Plan and Climate Change Action Plan. Through our work together, we are strengthening relationships and developing engagement approaches that are responsive to communities in the Gorge.
Resources
Below are staff reports and resources related to the Commission’s equity work since 2020.
Staff Reports
April 8, 2025 – Staff Report: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Update
December 10, 2024 – Staff Report: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Annual Report
December 13, 2022 – Final Draft – DEI Strategic Plan
July 12, 2022 – Staff Report: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Draft Framework
July 6, 2022 – Draft DEI Action Plan Framework
May 2021 DEI Assessment – Commissioner and Staff Perspective, Awareness, and Interests
May 11, 2021 – Staff Report: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Workplan
December 8, 2020 – Staff Report: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: 2021-2022 Workplan Summary
To Learn More
For more information, please contact Joanna Kaiserman, Senior Land Use Planner at joanna.kaiserman@gorgecommission.org.