By VINCE JONES-DIXON
Multnomah County Commissioner, District 4
As your County Commissioner, my focus is on ensuring that East County — from city centers to rural communities — has the resources it needs to thrive. In this March column, I am excited to share our partnership with a powerhouse for our community: the Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Service.
Last year, I was honored to co-lead the effort to renew Multnomah County’s formal partnership with the OSU Extension Service for the first time in over 30 years. This partnership brings Oregon State University’s world-class research, education and technical expertise directly to our community. For East County, this isn’t just a program; it’s an investment in our land, our economy, and our families.
Why This Matters for East County
Our region is unique, with some of the richest agricultural land in the world, and a farming heritage ripe for resurgence. From farms that feed our community to new agritourism ventures, the opportunity for economic development here is immense. This partnership with OSU Extension will provide our community a blueprint to build a sustainable food and agriculture system that supplies healthy, local food, improves health, provides opportunities for jobs and income, and brings visitors who enjoy and invest in East County.
Another major component to this partnership is workforce development opportunities. We are exploring the range of jobs available to the people of East Multnomah County in the agricultural sector along with our partners at Mt. Hood Community College, the Multnomah Farm Bureau, East Multnomah County Soil and Water Conservation District and other community based organizations. This next generation of farmers will include innovators who lead us to farming’s future by bolstering traditional methods through cutting edge robotics and semiconductor opportunities. This effort grows more than crops, it grows our economy and the wellbeing of our community.
A Vision for Growth
As we look to the future, I am committed to building a system that benefits East County by combining OSU’s expertise with our community’s hard work. I am incredibly hopeful for what we will harvest together. I look forward to seeing you out in the community as we continue this vital work. ◼︎
Vince Jones-Dixon has been the Multnomah County Commissioner from East County since 2024 and is a former member of the Gresham City Council.