Upcoming Events:

CITYSPEAK: CORVALLIS LIVABILITY MEASURE 2-141, OCT.10

Every five years, Corvallis voters are asked if they would like to continue paying added tax dollars for expanded services – and with ballots due in November, that time is again almost us. To help you decide, Mayor Maughan and … Continued

CITYSPEAK: STATE OF OUR SCHOOLS FORUM, TUE., MAY 30

CITYSPEAK TOWN HALL: WEIGHING A NEW JUSTICE FACILITIES TAX, BALLOT MEASURE 2-140… WED., APR. 19

It’s the largest infrastructure endeavor in county history, and officials are asking voters to approve another $110 million in new taxes to finish it off – we are of course, referring to the justice campus in Northeast Corvallis. With all … Continued

CITYSPEAK: SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES DEBATE SET, MON., APR. 17

CITYSPEAK PUBLIC Q&A: Corvallis Police Chiefs

Corvallis Election Debates Slated, Four Evenings, Seven Races

Marginalized Artists of Corvallis – Tue, Sept. 13, 6:30 pm

Galleries, museums, or art centers and festivals might spring to mind for many when they think of the artistic cultural identity of a place. Many of these venues, however, have histories of being exclusive, inaccessible, and/or unwelcoming to creators who … Continued

BEYOND INDIGENOUS LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IN CORVALLIS – Tue, July 19, 6:30 pm

Land acknowledgments, or statements intended to recognize and show respect to the original Indigenous peoples whose ancestral lands are currently occupied, are becoming increasingly used by companies, institutions, and at public events throughout the U.S. In Corvallis, land acknowledgments are … Continued

OSU FORESTRY LEADERS TALK McDONALD AND ELLIOTT FUTURES – Tue, June 7, 6:30 pm

INSIDERS TALK ABOUT CORVALLIS RESTAURANTS, Tue., May 24

On the menu for our next CitySpeak program, local restaurateurs serve up a birdseye view of their industry – past, present and future. And, we’ll also get a peek at supply chains, labor issues, delivery apps, and maybe, just what … Continued

PRIMARY ELECTION DEBATES SET County Commissioner, Tues, 4/26 Congressional, Thurs, 4/28

This isn’t going to be the usual primary election in our fair burgh. After more than three decades, Congressman Peter DeFazio announced he’d no longer be representing our presumptively Democratic district in DC, and there are now eight candidates seeking … Continued

CITYSPEAK Q&A: Corvallis’s Childcare Desert – Tue., March 15, 6:30 pm

Our community is considered a childcare desert – meaning there are not enough open slots for area children in need of care during their parents’ work hours. So, for our next CitySpeak town hall, we are examining why childcare is … Continued

CITYSPEAK Q&A: State of the City – Tue, March 8, 6:30 pm

If you’re looking to be heard by city and county officials, or just want to hear them explain how things are around town right now, here’s your chance. Our annual State of the City town hall brings together Mayor Traber, … Continued

Public Q&A: OSU President Johnson, Trustee Chair Schueler – Tue, Jan 25, 6:30 pm

Universities have always stood out as tough institutions to lead, and in pandemic times, tougher still. Then last year, Oregon State University was rocked by scandal surrounding former president F. King Alexander. Back then, Interim President Becky Johnson agreed to … Continued

New Town Halls Announced for Early 2022

After a recent hiatus, City Club of Corvallis is pleased to announce resumption of their CitySpeak town hall series – these forums are offered free of charge, and they’re an opportunity for Corvallisites to directly ask questions of area leaders, … Continued

ELECTION DEBATES 2021: SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES + A LOCAL BALLOT MEASURE, Tues, April 27, 6 pm

May brings school board elections in odd numbered years. The last cycle, everyone ran unopposed, but this is 2021, and there are nine candidates heatedly vying for four seats. Fortunately, the candidates will be appearing for a town hall style CitySpeak … Continued

JOURNALISM’S FUTURE – POST-PANDEMIC, Tue, April 20, 6:30 pm

Local journalism is the news that Nat Geo and the New York Times can’t tell you. It’s the journalism that covers what’s planned for your street, and what’s happening in your schools. Local journalism impacts your daily life. Yet, community-based … Continued

HOMELESS IN CORVALLIS, 2020, Tues, Nov., 17, 6:30 pm

Help for the unhoused has changed in Corvallis this last year, and for our next CitySpeak Forum, the people behind those changes will field questions from the public. Slated for National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, the forum is scheduled … Continued

REP. RAYFIELD PREVIEWS 2021 LEGISLATIVE SESSION, LOCAL COVID RESPONSE LEADERS Q&A, Tue, Nov. 10, 6:30 pm

On Tuesday, Nov. 10, CitySpeak previews Oregon’s upcoming legislative session, and examines the COVID-19 pandemic locally. Corvallis State Rep. Dan Rayfield handily won his fourth term. He’ll discuss the current political landscape in Oregon, and unwrap what to expect during … Continued

WILDFIRE TRENDS, CONTROVERSIES, STRATEGIES, Tue, Oct, 27, 6:30 pm

With the smoke cleared for the moment, three wildfire experts will address trends, controversies, and possible management strategies for Oregon’s forests. This CitySpeak forum is slated for Tuesday, October 27 at 6:30 pm. Panelists include: Prof. John Bailey, from OSU’s College … Continued

LOCAL CANDIDATES’ DEBATES, PUBLIC Q&A, Tue, Oct. 13, 6:30 pm

While federal and state contests see most of the electoral drama each November, it’s the local electeds that impact our lives the most each day. For our county, it’s a three member Board of Commissioners that do the governing, and … Continued

CORVALLIS’ ART WORLD AMID PANDEMIC, Tues, Sept. 22, 6:30 pm

Corvallis’ artistic community has mounted a creative response to working and presenting amid a pandemic, therefore our next CitySpeak forum examines what they’ve learned and how it may impact the arts after COVID. Experiences have shifted for audiences, and in … Continued

CORVALLIS’ NEW POLICE CHIEF FIELDS QUESTIONS, Tue, Sept 1, 6:30 pm

Corvallis has a new police chief, and for our next CitySpeak forum, he’ll be fielding questions from the public and our moderators. Police Chief Nick Hurley ascended to his current post on June 30 this year, taking over a department … Continued

CORVALLIS SCHOOLS & COVID, Tue, August 25, 6:30 pm

For our next CitySpeak forum, Corvallis School Superintendent Ryan Noss and School Board Chair Sami Al-Abdrabbuh discuss education and student social dynamics amid a pandemic, they will also field questions from the public. You can anticipate a candid conversation about … Continued

PROTEST RIGHTS, AND REPORTS FROM THE FRONTLINES, Tue., August 18, 6:30 pm

In the words of John Lewis, “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” Local attorney Lorena Reynolds brings Corvallisites tips for protesters doing just that. Reynolds will be appearing at The Advocate’s next CitySpeak forum, scheduled for Tuesday, August 18. The … Continued

LOCAL PANDEMIC CHECK-UP: EPIDEMIOLOGY & MENTAL HEALTH, Tue., July 21, 6:30 pm

Our next CitySpeak Forum, scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, will feature local experts conducting what amounts to a “Pandemic Check-up,” exploring local epidemiology and mental health during the time of COVID-19. Airing live on The Corvallis Advocate website and Facebook … Continued

CLIMATE CRISIS REPORT CARD, GLOBALLY & LOCALLY, Tue., July 14, 6:30 pm

With all the other news, environmental sustainability is not top of mind of late – but our fates are still inextricably tied to the earth, and the climate crisis. Our next CitySpeak Forum offers a check-in with our local governments … Continued

LEGACIES OF WHITE OPPRESSION, DIALOGUE FOR EQUITY, Tue, June 23 at 6:30 pm

Bringing people together that work at the frontlines of current racial tensions, our next CitySpeak draws at the heart of the current moment from a variety of vantage points. This free livestream event will present dialogue that progresses towards justice and equality … Continued

STATE OF THE CITY LUNCH: 2020 VISION FOR CORVALLIS, Mon., Feb. 24 at 12

This year’s City Club of Corvallis State of the City comes at the start of a new decade rife with opportunities and challenges for the community we all share. Topics will range from sustainability to economics, and also include housing … Continued

CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM, HEALTHCARE POLITICS, Thur., Jan. 23, at 6:30 pm

Our first CitySpeak of the year takes a look at criminal justice reform in Oregon, and then takes on a second topic, a shift favoring universal healthcare among Oregon Republicans. Criminal Justice Reform Panelists Panelists include Benton County District … Continued

NAACP PRESIDENT SLATED FOR LUNCH FORUM, Mon, Jan 27, at 12 pm

For January’s City Club Lunch, local NAACP President Angel Harris talks racism, advocacy, and life in a brown body. Sworn into office a year ago, Harris is halfway through her first term as president of the Corvallis/Albany Branch of the … Continued

THE CORVALLIS AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRUNCH, Tue., Nov. 7

Rent burdens are at an all time high in Corvallis, and even city employees often cannot afford to buy a house here. What are the options for the average renter or buyer seeking housing in Corvallis, and how can we … Continued

THE FUTURE OF MID-VALLEY JOURNALISM, Mon, Oct. 21

Over 1,400 local newspapers have closed since 2004, and the remaining ones struggle to cover the news with dwindling resources and staff – there have been over 33,000 newspaper layoffs since 2008. The Gazette-Times cut its staff last year, and The Corvallis Advocate moved … Continued

CORVALLIS HOMELESSNESS, Thursday, Oct. 3

While the epidemic of homelessness can be viewed on a regional or national scale, it comes down to our shared community to offer on-the-ground assistance. We do not need to wait for Salem or DC to take action — our … Continued

HEALTHCARE 2020 PRIMER, TOP SPEAKERS SLATED, May 9 Lunch Forum

The City Club of Corvallis Lunch is at Grace Lutheran Church for May, and we have two doctors in the house. Both physicians are versed in health care delivery around the world, and the politics surrounding our system in Oregon. … Continued

MAY 9 CITYSPEAK: Holocaust Untaught in Schools, Universal Healthcare, and Livability Levy Vote

We offer three diverse topics for our next CitySpeak forum, subjects include hate groups and local holocaust education, universal healthcare, and the Corvallis livability levy. There will be one speaker and interviewer for each topic, and audience questions and comments … Continued

THE TROUBLED STATE OF MENTAL HEALTH, April 25 Evening Forum

Behind all the recent headlines concerning mental health lies a stark statistic, Oregon ranks 49th worst nationally according to Mental Health America. Underneath this jarring number are clients and patients, and practitioners – and all of them seemingly struggling. In … Continued

CITY LIVABILITY TAX LEVY: April 9 Lunch Forum

In May, voters will decide on a $29 million property tax levy aimed primarily at keeping library and parks department services at their current levels. Some of the dollars raised would also continue funding local social services. To examine the … Continued

CORVALLIS’ FUTURE BUSINESS PROSPECTS, March 12

The Corvallis business landscape continues to evolve ever faster, as global shifts rearrange whole economic sectors, and we all wonder what future commerce and work will look like, locally. The answers to these questions effect the fabric of our daily … Continued

SOUTH CORVALLIS URBAN RENEWAL VOTE Q&A, Feb. 12

This March, voters will decide on an Urban Renewal District for South Corvallis – a 30 year plan, with millions of dollars at stake. The plan would affect everything from affordable housing to public safety, and also include commercial development and beautification. … Continued

STATE OF THE CITY LUNCHEON, Jan 8

Keynote speakers for this year’s State of the City Lunch include Mayor Biff Traber, and School Board Chair Vince Adams. Both these leaders will offer analysis of the past year, each having navigated an array of notably tough issues. Attendees … Continued

HOMELESS SERVICES FORUM, Nov. 13

Behind the current headlines, homelessness is a complicated tangle of stories, and a web of area services trying to meet a diversity of needs. Some of the people running these services will be on hand for the next City Club … Continued

THE NEW HATE MOVEMENT IN OREGON, Oct, 23

Professor Randy Blazak’s extensive research on hate crimes and hate groups, not to mention his regular role as a commentator on everything from NPR to CNN and Al Jazeera, makes his visit to City Club a special event – and … Continued

CANDIDATE DEBATE SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED

Our community is at a crossroads over a broad range of issues, and whoever we elect this year is going to leave marks on our city and county that will likely reach far into the future. Housing and homeless are … Continued

Mayoral Debate Slated, 9/11 at Noon

This year’s contest for mayor is both a study in contrasts among candidates, and more prescient than usual. Whoever takes the seat will lead during a time of long-term decision concerning homelessness, law enforcement, a proposed urban renewal district for … Continued

The Promise of Cluster Housing

RISING PRICES for land and housing have contributed to a shortage of affordable workforce housing in Corvallis. The factors behind this trend include population growth and the availability of developable land. Among the proposed solutions is a style of high-density … Continued

Is Putting a Price on Carbon a Solution to Global Warming?

When: 7 to 9 pm, Wednesday, May 16 Where: Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, Despite tree planting programs, advances in renewable energy and appeals to use public transportation instead of personal vehicles, carbon continues to accumulate in the atmosphere. While useful … Continued

Corvallis currently imposes $1.07 in added property taxes per $1,000 of assessed value, which pays for extra library hours and programs, and added parks services and maintenance. It also means extra funding for social services programs. City officials are seeking voter approval to continue this optional local levy at the same rate for another five years.

Along with Mayor Maughan, Library Director Ashlee Chavez, and Parks and Recreation Director Meredith Petit will also be on hand to field questions about the upcoming Ballot Measure 2-141.

What the City Livability Levy, Measure 2-141, Pays For

According to the City’s filings for the election, if the levy passes, $480,000 in grants would be directed annually to local social service agencies. 51.9% of the remaining revenue, after that $480,000, would go to the Corvallis Public Library, which would continue its currently expanded open days and hours – and added materials, programs, and outreach. In the first year, that would be $3,137,511.

48.1% of the remaining revenue, after the social services grants, would go to continue expanded Parks & Recreation programs, the Osborn Aquatic Center, Corvallis Community Center, the Majestic Theatre, and Parks services and maintenance. In the first year it would amount to $2,907,789.

In subsequent years, as assessed property values increase, the funding would also increase. Notably, the state caps how much assessed values can increase each year.

CitySpeak Town Hall Slated for Tuesday, October 10

The livestream starts at 6:00 p.m. This forum is a chance for you to ask questions, and drill down into the specifics of what the City is asking for, and their plans for the funding, if voters approve it. Of course, you’re also welcome to just listen in for the conversation. As always, generous time is allotted for audience questions.

How to Access CitySpeak Forums

You can watch this CitySpeak forum live on The Advocate’s YouTube or Facebook pages, or The Corvallis Advocate website. If you can’t make the live event, the video will be available on The Advocate’s website and social media pages.

How to Get a Question Submitted

Viewers can submit questions before and during the forum. You can email cityspeak@corvallisadvocate.com, message us on social media, or just post your question on one of the social media posts of the event.

CitySpeak forums are free to the public, and are co-presented by City Club of Corvallis and The Corvallis Advocate. Sponsors include Peak Sports and First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op.

It’s been a tough year at Corvallis schools, and with the academic year soon ending, we sit down with our local education leaders as they field questions from both the public and our editorial board. The goals are to look back at what’s happened and what’s been learned, and to anticipate what the next school year may bring – and to unpack the context behind all the headlines.

There has been increased violence and behavior issues among students this last year, and a group of teachers conducted a walkout in response. Parents have also expressed concerns over the district’s social studies curriculum, and this year’s school board race touched on the roles of equity and the traditional three R’s at our area’s schools, as well. Looking ahead, this forum will also be an opportunity to explore the impacts of declining enrollments and looming budget constraints.

Corvallis public school officials on hand to field questions: 

Superintendent Ryan Noss 
Education Association Teacher’s Union President Christa Schmeder 
School Board Vice-Chair Shauna Tominey 
Corvallis Public Schools Foundation Executive Director Angela Hibbard

CitySpeak Town Hall Slated for Tuesday, May 30

The livestream starts at 6:00 p.m. This forum is a chance for you to ask questions, and drill down into the specifics of what the district has done this last year, and their plans moving forward. Of course, you’re also welcome to just listen in for the conversation. As always, generous time is allotted for questions from the public.

How to Access CitySpeak Forums

You can watch this CitySpeak forum live on The Advocate’s  YouTube or Facebook pages, or The Corvallis Advocate website. If you can’t make the live event, the video will be available on The Advocate’s website and social media pages.

How to Get a Question Submitted

With all that is being considered, CitySpeak will host county elected officials and staff as they field questions from the public, and our Editorial Board. Attendance is free.

Those on hand will include:

Xan Augerot, Benton County Commissioner
Jef Van Arsdall, Benton County Sheriff
Rick Crager, Chief Financial Officer for Benton County
Nick Kurth, Project Manager for Benton County

What the County Has Already Funded

The county has already borrowed, and secured state and federal grants to pay for a new courthouse, district attorney’s offices, and mental health crisis center building. The total cost of those projects is estimated to amount to about $80 million. Those funds will also pay for land the county acquired through eminent domain – the fair market value for that property is yet to be determined, but will likely amount to between $5 and $7 million.

What Added Funding the County Wants Voters to Approve

If passed, this ballot measure would put about $107 million into construction of a new county jail and sheriff’s office, and about $3 million towards mental health and homeless assistance services. It would fund these expenditures through the issuance of bonds that investors would buy, and that we local taxpayers would pay back with our tax dollars over a 30-year period.

According to the county, voter approval would mean a property tax increase of 55 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, but that could increase if interest rates climb. They also say the cost to the typical homeowner would be $142 per year, based on the median assessed home value in Benton County of $258,596. Assessed values are generally lower than actual market values. Commercial properties would also be assessed, including low-income rental housing.

CitySpeak Town Hall Slated for Wednesday, April 19

Starting at 6:00 p.m., this forum is a unique opportunity to get your questions answered about the county’s justice facilities plans, and to become clearer on just what the county is seeking. Of course, you’re also welcome to just listen in for the conversation. As always, generous time is allotted for questions from the public.

How to Access CitySpeak Forums

The town hall will be live on The Advocate’s website or Facebook page, and other social media. If you can’t make the live event, the video will be available on The Advocate’s website and social media pages.

How to Get a Question Submitted

This school board election comes at a time that is fraught for both students and teachers in Corvallis – and of the four at-large seats on the ballot this year, only Position 2 is contested. Facing off for the slot are Chris Hawkins and Steven Castellano, and whoever prevails, they will be a brand new officeholder, as incumbent Tina Baker is not seeking reelection.

Castellano states, “Oregon schools rank 48th in the nation and Corvallis schools should lead the way in improving that number.” He contends schools need more funding and that teacher salaries should be increased.

Hawkins says, that if elected, she will prioritize, “All students, including those with unique physical, emotional and social needs.” She also believes the district should expand its vocational programs.

CitySpeak Town Hall Slated for Monday, April 17

Starting at 6:00 p.m., this forum is a chance for you to ask the two candidates questions, and drill down into the specifics of what they plan to do if elected. Of course, you’re also welcome to just listen in for the conversation. As always, generous time is allotted for questions from the public.

This forum will be moderated by former City Club vice-president Helen Higgins, who in years past served on the school board, and is currently the executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Corvallis.

How to Access CitySpeak Forums

How to Get a Question Submitted

Corvallis police will soon see their own changing of the guard as Chief Nick Hurley retires at the end of the year, and Captain Jason Harvey assumes the top spot at the department. The move comes amid city budget issues, ambitious justice system infrastructure spending by the county, and a nationwide reexamination of policing in general.

At our next CitySpeak town hall, both Chief Hurley and Captain Harvey will outline their views of the department and discuss challenges and opportunities going into the next year. Most importantly, both will field audience questions.

Corvallis Advocate Assistant Editor Emilie Ratcliff and City Club of Corvallis President Steve Schultz will moderate the forum.

Slated for Tuesday, November 15

Starting at 6:30 p.m., this forum is a unique opportunity for audience members to ask questions of our top local law enforcement officials. Of course, you’re also welcome to just listen to the conversation. And as always, generous time is allotted for the public Q&A portion of the evening.

How to Access CitySpeak Forums

Live on The Advocate’s website or YouTube or Facebook page, and other social media. If you can’t make the live event, the video will be available on The Advocate’s website and social media pages.

How to Get a Question Submitted

Midterm elections are more competitive than usual this cycle, and the issues are bigger as well. There are three credible candidates for mayor, each with different visions for the city – and similarly, voters will also be deciding three contested city council seats. With shifts in downtown, burgeoning housing and houseless issues, and the recent controversies over the budget, whoever wins will have a full plate.

At the county level, Pat Malone is seeking a second commissioner’s term, and running against him, largely on a platform of limiting county spending and borrowing, is William Kughn. This race comes as county officials are borrowing $33 million – the largest amount in county history – to build a new courthouse and district attorney’s offices. The county also plans to seek another $100 million from voters next year.

Likewise, Corvallisites will be deciding who represents them in both the Oregon House and Senate, just as the state prepares to move into economically challenging times and grapple with longstanding issues. Housing, higher education, healthcare, and transportation will see heavy lobbying next session, and outcomes from a warming climate will almost certainly be on the legislative docket as well.

DEBATES SCHEDULE

Four dates are scheduled for this year’s CitySpeak General Election Debate series. As always, generous time is allotted for questions from the public. Of course, you’re also welcome to just listen in on the conversation. Moderators are Corvallis Advocate Assistant Editor Emilie Ratcliff and City Club of Corvallis President Steven J. Schultz.

State Representative, 16th District – Tue., Oct. 11, 6 pm
Dan Rayfield Democrat, Working Families
Keith Lembke Republican

State Senate, 8th District – Tue., Oct. 11, 7 pm
Sara Gelser Blouin Democrat, Independent, Working Families
Valerie Draper Woldeit Republican

Benton County Commissioner – Thur., Oct. 13, 6 pm
Pat Malone, Democrat
William Kughn, Republican

Corvallis Mayor – Tue., Oct. 18, 6 pm
Charles Maughan
Andrew Struthers
Roen Hogg

City Council Ward 2 – Thur., Oct. 20, 6 pm
Christina Jancila
Briae Lewis

City Council Ward 3 – Thur., Oct, 20, 6:30 pm
Hyatt Lytle
Alec Turner

City Council Ward 9 – Thur., Oct. 20, 7 pm
Cliff Feldman
Tony Cadena
Nyssa Towsley

How to Access CitySpeak Forums

Live on The Advocate’s website or Facebook page, and other social media. If you can’t make the live event, the video will be available on The Advocate’s website and social media pages.

How to Get a Question Submitted

Locally, there are various collaborative organizing efforts committed to making the voices and creativity of traditionally ignored, excluded, and underserved artists more visible to the Corvallis community, including Black, Indigenous, and artists of color; LGBTQIA+ artists; disabled and neurodiverse artists; and artists who are struggling with houselessness and poverty.

These efforts can also include curating platforms and venues (some more conventional, some more alternative and non-commercial) for the purpose of not only enhancing the safety and inclusion of historically invisibilized artists, but also offering them – experienced or emerging – the freedom to experiment and play with non-traditional mediums.

For our next CitySpeak Forum, we’ll be talking to just a handful of local artists, activists, and advocates who commit, in various ways, to making Corvallis’ art scene more inclusive, accessible, supportive, and affirming – and who challenge what it means to be an artist.

On hand to field questions will be:

Caitilin Garets and Indiana Laub, show organizers with Corvallis DIY and Bitter Half Booking
Chris Durnin, co-founder of Corvallis Experiments in Noise
Robin Weis, experimental installation and trash-based artist
Emma J. Coddington Brown, Volunteer Facilitator for Art Tuesday events at the Corvallis Daytime Drop-In Center (CDDC)
Bruce Burris, Program Director of Living Studios
Julian Clarke, Leadership Liaison for SOL LGBTQ+ Multicultural Support Network

Slated for Tuesday, September 13

Starting at 6:30 p.m., the forum is a unique opportunity to ask panelists questions about amplifying underrepresented creatives in the Corvallis art scene. Of course, you’re also welcome to just listen in on the conversation. As always, generous time is allotted for questions from the public.

Moderators are Advocate Assistant Editor Emilie Ratcliff and City Club of Corvallis President Steven J. Schultz.

How to Access CitySpeak Forums

Live on The Advocate’s website or Facebook page, and other social media. If you can’t make the live event, the video will be available on The Advocate’s website and social media pages.

How to Get a Question Submitted

But for many Indigenous people, land acknowledgments by non-Natives – however well-intentioned – often come across as empty gestures with no real action behind them, performative and problematic. Statements can situate Indigenous people and the impacts of colonization and land dispossession as relics of the past, obscure or oversimplify histories, and be seen as an end-all rather than a first step towards actively committing to supporting Indigenous communities. And in Corvallis, most companies and organizations don’t even do the bare minimum of recognition.

For our next CitySpeak Forum, we’ll be talking to Indigenous scholars, activists, and artists for their perspectives on what makes a good land acknowledgment, the limits of land acknowledgments and where they fall short, and what are some meaningful actions that can be taken collectively and individually to go beyond acknowledgment.

On hand to field questions will be:

Luhui Whitebear, Assistant Professor at OSU, Co-Vice Chair of the Corvallis School Board, and Center Director of the Kaku-Ixt Mana Ina Haws
Lara Jacobs, Chair and Graduate Student Representative of the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Club at OSU
Rachel Black Elk, Adjunct Instructor for Indigenous Nations Studies at Portland State University
Chanti Manon-Ferguson, OSU alum and contributing artist to the on-campus “This IS Kalapuyan Land” exhibit and munk-skukum Indigenous Living-Learning Community

Slated for Tuesday, July 19

Starting at 6:30 p.m., the forum is a unique opportunity to ask panelists questions about land acknowledgments and steps towards repair and decolonization. Of course, you’re also welcome to just listen in on the conversation. As always, generous time is allotted for questions from the public.

Moderators are Advocate Assistant Editor Emilie Ratcliff and City Club of Corvallis President Steven J. Schultz.

How to Access CitySpeak Forums

Live on The Advocate’s website or Facebook page, and other social media. If you can’t make the live event, the video will be available on The Advocate’s website and social media pages.

How to Get a Question Submitted

An estimated 155,000 folks visit our local McDonald Dunn Forest each year, and most of those visits are for recreation. But Oregon State University’s College of Forestry also offers world class research and education in these forests, and that means a balancing act that is both complex and ever changing. Now, the college will also have management responsibilities in Oregon’s Elliott State Forest, too.

Just how all that juggling happens, and what the future holds for both the McDonald Dunn and Elliott forests will be the subject of our next CitySpeak Forum. We’ll delve into the full scope of questions – research and education, wildfire, economics, forestry careers, and of course, plans for future trails and trailheads, as well as whatever our audience wants to ask.

On hand to field questions:

Tom DeLuca, Dean of the Oregon State University College of Forestry
Katy Kavanagh, Associate Dean, leads Elliott involvement
Holly Ober, Associate Dean, leads Mac-Dunn planning
Prof. Stephen Fitzgerald, Extension Specialist and College of Forestry Research Forest Director
Ken McCall, member of both the Department of State Lands Elliott Advisory Committee and the College of Forestry’s Research Advisory Committee

Slated for Tuesday, June 7

Starting at 6:30 p.m., the forum is a unique opportunity to ask College of Forestry leaders everything you’ve always wanted to know about the university’s forests, and maybe, get a heads-up on future recreational opportunities. Of course, you’re also welcome to just listen in for the conversation. As always, generous time is allotted for questions from the public.

Moderators are City Club President Steven J. Schultz and Advocate Assistant Editor Emilie Ratcliff.

How to Access CitySpeak Forums

Live on The Advocate’s website or Facebook page, and other social media. If you can’t make the live event, the video will be available on The Advocate’s website and social media pages.

How to Get a Question Submitted

These professionals see the general public at their best and worst – the intricate dance between people, and food and drink, and the way we all relate to each other during a meal out.

Dishing for this post-election palette-cleanser:

Evan Deffenbacher, General Manager at Castor
Greg Little, Owner of Squirrel’s
Morgan Orr, Owner of The Brass Monkey
Michele Renee Colomb, food and drink journalist and founder of Corvallis Culinary Connections

Slated for Tuesday, May 24

Starting at 6:30 p.m., the forum is a unique opportunity to ask restaurateurs everything you’ve always wanted to know about the industry and maybe get some pro tips. Of course, you’re also welcome to just listen in for the conversation. As always, generous time is allotted for questions from the public.

Moderators are City Club President Steven J. Schultz and Advocate Assistant Editor Emilie Ratcliff.

How to Access CitySpeak Forums

Live on The Advocate’s website or Facebook page, and other social media. If you can’t make the live event, the video will be available on The Advocate’s website and social media pages.

How to Get a Question Submitted

Welcome

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