Partners for a Sustainable

Washington County Community (PSWCC)

In January 2007, Vision Action Network (VAN) convened an Intel-sponsored community summit on the topic of sustainability.  One outcome of the summit was the consensus for the need to coordinate sustainability efforts across the county.  As a result, the VAN and its partners hired a consultant team from Cogan Owens Cogan, AXIS Performance Advisors, and Real Living Solutions to study the feasibility of establishing a county-wide sustainability organization. Partners in this effort included Washington County, Clean Water Services, Tualatin Valley Water District, Metro, and the cities of Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, and Tualatin. The study analyzed the geographic area’s need for a sustainability organization, determined what services such an organization could provide, and reviewed various organizational and funding options.  The consultants delivered their final report and recommendations to a leadership team from the study’s funding organizations in January 2008.

Download the final report from consultants below

• Sustainability Organization Feasibility Study Final Report (minus appendices )01-08-2008

Using the consultants’ recommendations, a team of VAN advisors created a proposal for a county-wide sustainability clearinghouse.  On September 29, 2008, five city governments, five special districts, and the County government signed an intergovernmental agreement for the new collaborative, "Partners for a Sustainable Washington County Community" (PSWCC).  The PSWCC will help members share existing sustainability expertise and resources, collaborate on cross-organizational initiatives, and serve as a resource to the public at large.

The PSWCC is overseen by a Governing Board and Operations Team that are representative of all partners: 

The PSWCC is in the process of hiring a coordinator and programming will begin soon.  Stay tuned!