Embedded Files
Experience That Produces Results
Interestingly, this one photograph captures at least four projects I have worked on over the years.
(Hint: promoting local businesses through better wayfinding, expanding Banks–Vernonia State Trail parking, bringing the future Salmonberry Trail into Banks, transforming the former trail overflow lot into community green space, and working on preserving the historic Steinbach House.)
Putting Ideas Into Action
Supporting local businesses: During COVID, I paid to have promotional poster boards made for Banks businesses. After obtaining permission from Oregon State Parks, I placed one at the Banks trailhead and an A-board at the Manning trailhead to encourage trail visitors to visit Banks businesses. I also advocated for better wayfinding and worked through the Economic Development Commission and City Council to gain support for the project that eventually produced the larger wayfinding sign visitors still see today. That work continues through my efforts to improve downtown parking, signage, access, and visibility for Main Street businesses. Leaders from the City of Vernonia and representatives of the CZ Trail saw the project and adopted a similar approach to support businesses in their communities.
Improving our trail head: I have been involved with both the Banks–Vernonia State Trail and the Salmonberry Trail for many years. When planning for the Salmonberry Trail began, I volunteered with trail-clearing efforts and urged its leadership to bring the trail into Banks rather than end it at the original Manning location. Local trail users had told me they wanted a “slow lane”—a place where people could walk, push strollers, and let children ride their bikes without competing with fast-moving cyclists. I made sure the Salmonberry Trail leaders heard those voices. Because the Banks trail head serves such a large share of trail users, I have pushed for several years to expand parking for both trails. I also helped get the trail head project area included in the Banks Urban Renewal Area so funding could be considered, and I continue working with state, regional, and local partners to move the joint parking concept forward. It still will take a few years but the Banks community will have our "slow lane" plus over 70 total parking spots to help get the trail users vehicles out of our limited Main Street parking.
Creating usable green space: When Washington County closed vehicle access to the former Banks–Vernonia State Trail overflow lot, the Banks trail head lost approximately 35 parking spaces. Rather than leave the property unused, I proposed repurposing it as community green space to council. The City has been working toward completing its purchase from ODOT railroads andd hopefully will have it in city title by the end of this year. With future funding, I would like to see the property developed into a park—possibly with a train-themed play structure that reflects the history of our trails.
Improving Highway 6 safety: I have advocated for safer Highway 6 access, including writing a proposal to extend the short eastbound acceleration lane and on-ramp from Banks. ODOT has approved the concept, and it has been added to the City’s Transportation System Plan.
Preserving the History in Banks: I have advocated for saving and re-purposing this piece of Banks history rather than losing another historic building as our community grows. I have been communicating with the new property owner of the Steinbach House about their plans and for preserving and relocating the house if needed.
Building a prepared and resilient Banks: During a major emergency or natural disaster, professional responders may be stretched thin, and some neighborhoods could be without immediate assistance for hours or even days. The City, Banks Fire District 13, and Banks School District each have emergency plans that can operate independently or work together during a larger community-wide event. Those plans cannot simply sit on a shelf and gather dust—they must be regularly reviewed, coordinated, and practiced. I want the City to work closely with the Fire District, School District, and CERT program to strengthen neighborhood preparedness, train residents, improve emergency communications, identify local resources, and help neighbors support one another until additional assistance arrives. We must work together, plan together, and prepare together for the entire Banks community. A prepared Banks begins before the emergency happens.
Working Beyond City Hall
My community work hasn't stopped at the Banks city limits. During COVID, I helped secure a $10,000 grant through WCVA and Travel Oregon for new, clearer signs and map boards at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park. When normal operations shut down, I also kept the Friends of Stub Stewart Discovery Depot serving visitors through a sales window and had to write the reopening plan for the Depot and submit to OPRD for approval, eventually preparing it with Covid safety standards for opening to visitors.
Whether it is local businesses, trails, parks, historic preservation, transportation or preparing for future growth, my approach has remained the same:
See what is needed. Bring people and agencies & groups together.
Find a way to move it forward.
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