Cornelius Recognized by League of Oregon Cities

City of Cornelius Receives
LOC’s Good Governance Award

BEND, Ore. – During its 94th Annual Conference Friday evening in Bend, the League of Oregon
Cities (LOC) presented its 2019 Good Governance Award to the city of Cornelius for its “Reach
Out, Invite People In and Create a Real Community” campaign. The award recognizes
progressive and innovative city operations and services.

About the Campaign to “Reach Out, Invite People In and Create a Real Community”
In 2012, Cornelius hired its current city manager to improve communication and cooperation with
all residents, including a Latino community that is 52% of the population. Over the ensuing eight
years an amazing transformation took place, highlighted by three projects. First, after much open
and transparent community discussion, the city disbanded its struggling police department and
contracted with Washington County for services. This was followed by the construction of a
facility featuring the new city library on the ground floor, and 45 units of affordable senior
housing on the second and third. Finally, the city conducted a public outreach effort for a new
downtown plan and an urban renewal district. Both plans were recently approved by the City
Council. Each of these efforts included oral and written communication in Spanish, leading to a
more open and transparent discussion. In recognition of these efforts, Cornelius was honored this
summer as one of only 10 cities to receive the 2019 All-America Award City Award.

About the League of Oregon Cities
Founded in 1925, the LOC is a voluntary association representing all 242 of Oregon’s
incorporated cities. The League helps city governments serve their citizens by providing
legislative services, policy setting, intergovernmental relations, conferences and training, technical
assistance and publications.
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