Hamlets and Villages Program

About the Program

Category: Civic Education and Public Information (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

The Hamlet & Village Program, unique in the United States, is a grassroots citizen-driven project that provides residents and businesses in rural unincorporated areas of Clackamas County with a closer and direct relationship with the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners (BCC). The first Village was formed in May 2006. Two Hamlets were constructed in 2006 and 2007, with another Hamlet being formed this year. Organized by the people in these self-defined communities with their locally elected Boards of Directors, the Hamlets and Villages are directly responsible to and advisory to the Board of Commissioners. The program was created by County ordinance. Hamlets and Villages are supported by a County staffer and a small yearly financial stipend. Each community defines its own boundary, purpose, and goals, which are approved by the Board of Commissioners. Goals and work projects are determined by each Board of Directors through community input. Regularly scheduled Hamlet or Village meetings are held monthly.