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Great news for Latinos in Washington County! The County has set aside funds specifically for engaging Latinos in conversations about the development of two local initiatives, including the Council Creek Regional Trail and the Climate Smart Communities (CSC) Project.
According to a news story from the Hillsboro Tribune, the county’s planners and local governing body are developing plans for a 15-mile trail which will connect four cities: Cornelius, Forest Grove, Banks and Hillsboro.
A total of $8,500 will be put towards translators and developing culturally relevant,bilingual materials to be handed out to Latinos during community events and open houses.The two non-profits which will be working with Latinos are Adelante Mujeres and the Centro Cultural in Cornelius.
Because the Latino population in Washington county is growing so quickly, policymakers feel it is important to include them in the decision making process. Currently the county has a 16% Latino population; however some cities like Cornelius are over 50% Latino.
“What we’ve learned is, we have to maintain a genuine and consistent relationship with all our communities,” said Metro Councilor of District 4, Kathryn Harrington, in the Tribune report. “I want to make sure we’re hearing from everyone about where they want to go and how they want to experience nature,” she said.
Previously, with support from the Kaiser Permanente group, the county worked to engage Latinos in the Vámanos! project which sought to increase awareness of biking and walking opportunities for Latinos.
Read to full Hillsboro Tribune news article here.
By The Numbers
33
percent
of Latinos live within walking distance (<1 mile) of a park
