50 Years Ago Oregon was a Preservation Innovator. We Believe it Can be Again. Restore Oregon recognizes that the time is now to boldly move... Continue reading→
As Oregonians continue to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic and the physical displacement caused by recent wildfires, now is the time to demonstrate how preservation and adaptive reuse can play important roles in helping our communities bounce back and become better, stronger, and more resilient. Through the Restore Oregon Policy & Advocacy Committee (PAC), we work to ensure that heritage places are acknowledged for their substantial economic and social contributions. Preservation drives the rebirth of rural Main Streets, employs highly skilled artisans and contractors, passes forward our diverse cultural heritage, shelters low- and no-income individuals in affordable housing, and measurably responds to the climate crises through adaptive reuse.
In addition to offering a direct and meaningful response to the most critical challenges facing Oregon today, historic preservation resonates with people in a personal way. Every Oregonian from every socioeconomic station, ethnicity, or community knows of a gathering place, corner store, theater, barn, or park that speaks to them because of their association with it. Grassroots organizing around these places can unify people, bridging differences and overcoming our past year of isolation.
In the past, historic preservation often focused on the legacy of well-to-do European-Americans. But the Oregon Story is so much more than that. For every John McLaughlin House or Jackson County Courthouse, there is an equally important Billy Webb Elks Lodge or Kam Wah Chung that embodies the dreams, hardships, flaws, nobility, persecutions, and accomplishments of the diverse people and cultures who have shaped this place we all love. All historic places are essential to telling the complete and equitable story of our state and rebuilding after these most trying of times.
Restore Oregon’s Policy & Advocacy Committee
Volunteers Who Provide Expertise
Carrie Richter, Chair
June Bradley
Matt Davis
Doug Decker
Steve Dotterrer
Michael Hayakawa
Karen Karlsson
MJ Koreiva
George Kramer
Johnathon Konkol
John Liu
Rick Michaelson
Shawn Morgan
The Outcomes of Restore Oregon’s 2024 Advocacy Work
Restore Oregon had a fairly narrow policy agenda for the short session, focused on housing production priorities and funding for the arts/culture/heritage sector. Many of... Continue reading→
Apply for Restaurant Funding
Backing Historic Small Restaurants Grant Program Should your restaurant get $50,000?! Apply for the Backing Historic Small Restaurant Grant Program! Applications are due March 25.... Continue reading→
Action Alert: Testimony Needed NOW!
Picture Above: The Friends of the Oregon Caves and Chateau would get capital funding to restore the historic doors at the Chateau if HB 4124... Continue reading→
Advocacy in Action: Our Proactive Work at the Oregon Legislature
Photo by Dan Meyers Advocacy in Action: Our Proactive Work at the Oregon Legislature The Oregon Legislature’s 2024 “short session” launched into action on Monday,... Continue reading→
Adaptive Reuse to Housing – NOW in Effect in Oregon
Restore Oregon’s Advocacy Works: New Law Now Makes Creating Housing Easier Through Preservation and Reuse Housing Bill Takes Effect January 1st - Supports Conversion of... Continue reading→