Celebrating the First Anniversary of ODOE's Community Navigator Program
Sarah Presenting at the League of Oregon Cities Spring Conference in 2024
Written by Sarah Moehrke, ODOE Community Navigator
This time last year, I was getting ready to start my new position at the Oregon Department of Energy. I was nervous about not having experience in the energy sector, but excited to join a mission-driven group of people working for the State of Oregon. It wasn't long after I started that I realized I wasn’t just the agency’s new Community Navigator – I also had the opportunity to identify community needs and draft program metrics to launch a whole new Community Navigator program to support communities in accessing programs across the agency.
In collaboration with ODOE leadership and my fellow colleagues, we launched the Community Navigator program with a vision to empower and support environmental justice communities throughout Oregon so that they can better understand and engage with energy programs, policies, and opportunities. Through this lens, I have been able to foster meaningful partnerships throughout the state and enhance communities' accessibility to programs, technical assistance, and information.
Key Highlights from the Past Year:
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: I had in-person meetings in 34 of Oregon’s 36 counties, and with eight of the nine federally recognized tribes over the last 12 months. Oregon is a HUGE state – in this first year, I traveled over 10,000 miles. I met with tribal leaders, non-profit organizations, city managers, community colleges, irrigation districts, solar developers, economic development professionals, utilities, and so many other people who deeply care about their communities. I actively engaged with diverse communities throughout the state to understand the unique perspectives that make up Oregon.
RESOURCE NAVIGATION: The Community Navigator program has helped communities throughout Oregon understand and access funding opportunities, grants, and technical assistance for energy projects — leading to multiple federal grant applications, a record-high number of Community Renewable Energy Grant program applications being submitted, and a burgeoning partnership with the Northwest Environmental Justice Center.
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH: The Community Navigator program has participated in workshops, webinars, conferences, informational sessions, listening sessions, and small cities meetings all over the state. From Ontario to Toledo, Oregon, it’s been incredible to not only educate communities on energy solutions, but also learn from communities who are on the ground.
PROGRAM SUPPORT: The Community Navigator program has been able to provide guidance through lessons learned out in the field as ODOE develops new energy programs. It’s led to deeper conversations at the agency about how our programs can be more accessible for every Oregonian, not just the ones with existing capacity and understanding of how energy works.
I want to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to my ODOE colleagues, external community organizations, and the Oregonians who have contributed to the success of this program in the first year — particularly the ones who responded to emails out of the blue, answered the silliest questions (like what’s the difference between a kilowatt and a kilowatt hour???), and accepted a meeting with me even though you were busy.
Looking ahead, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for the Community Navigator program. ODOE’s commitment remains steadfast in supporting communities, promoting equity, and advancing clean energy solutions.
Here’s to many more years of collaboration, empowerment, and progress. If you’re interested in learning more about our program, please reach out!
You can also read about Community Navigator updates throughout the year in our On the Road in Oregon blog series.
