Community involvement isn’t just about talking the talk, it’s about walking the walk. Over the past few years, I’ve actively participated in numerous County Commissioner meetings and City Council gatherings. These engagements have provided me with a unique perspective, peeling back the layers of local governance and revealing the intricate workings behind the scenes. Through these experiences, I’ve encountered a spectrum of realities—some uplifting, others disheartening—each contributing to a comprehensive understanding of our community’s dynamics.
Going beyond mere observation, I’ve immersed myself in civic involvement by becoming an integral part of various Advisory Boards and Committees convened by both the City and County. These platforms serve as invaluable conduits for citizen empowerment, offering avenues for active participation and the amplification of community voices in shaping our shared future.
While opportunities for involvement may be limited due to availability, it’s worth noting the array of Advisory Boards operational within the County. From the Grants Pass Airport & Illinois Valley Airport to the Josephine County Special Transportation Advisory Committee, each board serves as a beacon for community engagement. For those eager to delve deeper, accompanying links provide comprehensive insights and avenues for further exploration.
Additionally, both the City of Cave Junction and Grants Pass boast their own assortment of Boards and Committees, led by dedicated citizens eager to shape the direction of municipal affairs. Pertinent information and resources for contributing to the dialogue can be accessed via the provided links.
These Advisory Boards and Committees aren’t exclusive clubs—they are open forums designed to welcome the public, offering tangible opportunities to actively engage with and shape the fabric of our communities. They serve as platforms where voices resonate, ideas hold weight, and positive changes can take root. While it’s easy to critique decisions from afar, true impact is forged through action. Consider joining a committee or seizing the platform provided during the Public Comment section of City Council and County Commissioner meetings, where you have a dedicated three minutes to articulate your concerns and advocate for change.
For me, this journey began locally in 2020, and since then, I’ve poured countless hours into this endeavor, treating it with a commitment similar to a full-time job. Immersing myself in the inner workings of Josephine County has been an enlightening experience, propelling me to deepen my involvement even further. I’ve come to understand that meaningful change begins at the grassroots level, within the heart of our communities. I invite you to join me in this endeavor, as together, we can steer Josephine County towards a future characterized by safety, security, and prosperity—a legacy that will endure for generations to come. Let’s rally together and make a difference!
Links and resources for Josephine County Community engagement:
Presently, while opportunities for involvement may be limited due to availability, it’s worth noting the array of Advisory Boards operational within the County. Below is a list of these boards, each serving as a beacon for community engagement. For those keen on delving deeper, accompanying links provide comprehensive insights and avenues for further exploration:
Grants Pass Airport & Illinois Valley Airport
Josephine County Animal Shelter Advisory Committee
Josephine County 4H/Extension Service District Budget Committee
City of Grants Pass Bikeways & Walkways Committee
Josephine County Budget Committee
City of Grants Pass Collaborative Economic Development Committee
Josephine County Emergency Medical Services Board
Josephine County Fair Board
Josephine Housing & Community Development Council
Josephine County Library Board of Trustees
Josephine County Mining Advisory Committee
Josephine County Parks Advisory Board
Josephine County Rural Planning Commission
Josephine County Special Transportation Advisory Committee
Local Public Safety Coordinating Council
Rogue Valley Area Commission on Transportation
Advisory Board on Forest Affairs
Josephine County Addictions, Mental Health, Public Health Advisory Committee
Josephine County Cannabis Advisory Panel
Josephine County Law Enforcement Service District Citizens Advisory Committee
Find current openings here:
https://www.josephinecounty.gov/government/committees_and_advisory_boards/advisory_boards_openings.php
View Meeting Agendas and minutes here:
https://www.josephinecounty.gov/government/committees_and_advisory_boards/board_agendas_and_minutes.php