Community Affairs 1/8/26: Nate Stice/Coordinator/North Central Regional Solutions Team

Описание: This week on Community Affairs, we’re joined by Nate Stice, Coordinator for the North Central and North Coast Regions with the Governor’s Regional Solutions Centers. Nate works closely with state agencies, local governments, and community partners across Hood River, Sherman, and Wasco Counties to help connect resources, navigate challenges, and move regional priorities forward.
In this conversation, Nate shares how the Regional Solutions Team supports local efforts in areas like economic development, collaboration, and community capacity-building, and offers insight into how communities can effectively engage with state partners to turn ideas into action.
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Introduction and Initial Updates

Scott McKay opens the meeting, introducing Dan Spatz and the guest, Nate Stice.
Rodger Nichols reports on the Center for Living's decision to cut funding by 30% and the Columbia Housing Authority's $40 million affordable housing project.
Corliss Marsh updates on the Community Council's Dancing with the Gorge Stars event.
Philip Mascher mentions the reduced community activities in January and invites people to contact him for more information.
Julie Reynolds discusses the closure of Neal's Museum and the use of St Paul's Episcopal Chapel for events.
Community Updates and Volunteer Opportunities

Misa Olsen talks about the Youth Expo and Careers Expo project, seeking volunteers for mock interviews.
Scott McKay mentions the Circles of Care program and the dementia-friendly Washoe County partnership.
Bill Lennox shares the Six Rivers Dispute Resolution Center's move to St Paul's Historic Chapel.
Mike Wacker provides updates on Fort Dells Museum and the Kiwanis Club, including limited hours and upcoming board meetings.
Leslie Naramore discusses the conversion of 22 units at the MCCAC annex into permanent supportive housing and the first unmet needs roundtable for the Rowena fire recovery.
Financial Planning and City Council Updates

Darcy Long provides information on comprehensive financial planning and her roles in various organizations.
Dan Richardson updates on the Vidal City Council's activities, including maintenance projects and upcoming City Council meetings.
Jakob Lovick from MCEDD announces an event in Hood River focused on starting businesses and innovative companies.
Nate Stice introduces himself and his role in regional solutions, focusing on the North Central Region.
Regional Solutions and Economic Strategy

Nate Stice explains the role of regional solutions in community and economic development, emphasizing a bottom-up approach.
He details the advisory committee members and their roles in identifying regional priorities.
Nate discusses the regional solutions team, including state agencies and local partners, and their role in coordinating projects.
He highlights the importance of infrastructure financing and disaster response and recovery efforts.
Regional Priorities and Prosperity Roadmap

Nate outlines the regional priorities identified by the advisory committee, including economic opportunity, bi-state collaboration, and housing production.
He emphasizes the importance of community resilience, particularly for underserved populations.
Nate discusses the governor's economic prosperity roadmap, its goals, and the appointment of a chief prosperity officer and prosperity council.
He mentions the challenges faced by the state, including slowing population growth and elevated unemployment.
Q&A and Additional Updates

Rodger Nichols asks Nate about his career path and how he landed his current role.
Julie Reynolds inquires about Nate's work with governmental agencies in Washington.
Nate explains his interactions with Washington state through pre-existing institutions and bi-state collaborations.
Dan Richardson raises concerns about the Willamette Superfund cleanup proposal and the Adventist Health Hospital's state-level assistance.
Nate acknowledges the issues and mentions ongoing efforts to address them.
Closing Remarks and Future Plans

Nate thanks the community for their support and mentions the importance of investing in education and workforce facilities.
Kenneth Lawson from Columbia Gorge Community College discusses the need for budget committee members and upcoming initiatives, including an ag tech instructor position and an additive manufacturing lab.
Dan Spatz wraps up the meeting, thanking everyone for their participation and announcing the next week's guest speaker, Kathy Fitzpatrick from MCEDD.