Godwin, D.C., Oregon State University Extension Service, Marion County
Burris, F.A., Oregon State University Extension Service
Chan, S.A., Oregon Sea Grant, OSU campus

ABSTRACT

Oregon State University Extension Service and Oregon Sea Grant conducted three needs-assessment workshops with local decision makers and residents in three Oregon communities of vastly different populations. The workshops identified (1) the biggest barriers to planning and implementing future development while minimizing impacts to water resources (that is, adopting LID practices); (2) their needs for education, training, or other resources on these issues; and (3) the audiences to which these efforts should be directed. Despite geographic and demographic differences in size and location, consistent themes emerged from these three Oregon communities: 1. Lack of basic understanding of planning and the impacts of growth; 2. Need for active leadership; 3. Need for technical information and assistance, and 4. Funding, economics and incentives. These workshops used a facilitation process which maximized input from all participants providing a wealth of information that will be used by Extension staff and partnering agencies to design and implement education practices, technical assistance and programs that remove barriers and provide incentives for conducting low impact development practices.
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