By Bruce Bartlett

Oregon State University is the home of the Extension Service, which is directed by federal legislation to “extend” university-proven horticultural and life-skills information and services to the public at no or nominal cost.

In Washington County, these include the 4-H program that helps young people build confidence, discover new skills and access enriching experiences while empowering student leaders to grow and give back. The essential, volunteer-powered OSU Extension Master Gardeners Program delivers trusted, research-based gardening support. Extension also offers programs and resources for Family and Community Health, including nutrition education, food security, safety, and preservation, as well as mental health resources for farming, ranching, forestry and fishing communities. Support and education programs also cover Forestry & Natural Resources and Small Farms.

The Washington County budget currently provides $500K to fund Extension staffing, programs and leased office space in the county. This is barely adequate to keep the program active. At the Board of County Commissioners Work Session on April 14, Extension Metro Region managers proposed two potential funding methods that would provide closer to the $4.5 million needed annually to fully serve the needs and interests of county residents. The goal is to have a tax-funded Service District for the Extension Service on the May 2027 ballot.

Both funding plans propose a five-cent per $1000 property tax. One funding proposal would implement a one cent increase per year for the first five years of the service district, which would expand programming gradually and maintain flexibility to respond to community needs. It would intentionally build capital and contingency reserves over time to support long-term sustainability and responsible stewardship of public funds.

In several Oregon counties, Extension offices are co-located on fairgrounds. The second plan proposes incorporating capital improvements to the county fairgrounds into the service district framework. Under this proposal, the full five-cent rate would be implemented immediately rather than phased in over time. This closer and more integrated partnership between Washington County and OSU Extension could allow for more immediate investment in the fairgrounds that creates opportunities to expand youth development programming through enhanced 4-H and fair-related activities.

Either way, Washington County residents’ resiliency would be greatly enhanced by providing stable funding for the OSU Extension program. In 2016, voters passed a similar levy for the Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District that has allowed them to expand their services. 

Service District Info Night

Tuesday, June 9, 5:30, OSU Extension Office, 1815 NW 169^th Place Ste 1000, free, light meal servied, RSVP requested

Are you interested in civic engagement, supporting local needs and growing as a leader in your community? Join us for a Service District Info Night to learn about how OSU Extension can expand our work in Washington County with your help!