Oregonians have a unique chance to influence the state's approach to emergencies, as the Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) rolls out an invitation for public input on its strategic and diversity plans. In a move towards collaborative governance and accountability, OEM is hosting a virtual town hall on February 11, 2025, seeking feedback on the agency’s 2023–2025 Strategic Plan along with the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) plan, initiatives aimed at reinforcing the state’s resilience and response to emergencies and disasters faced by its communities.
According to the Oregon Department of Emergency Management, this town hall represents a significant prospect for the citizens of Oregon to participate in the safety and resilience planning of their state; OEM Director Erin McMahon expressed the importance of this event, stating, “This is an invaluable opportunity for Oregonians interested in the safety and resilience of Oregon to make their voices heard,” she further encouraged participation stating, “Whether or not you have experience in emergency management, we welcome your perspectives to help shape our strategies for an inclusive, effective and community-centered emergency management.”
The event's accessibility features underline OEM's commitment to inclusivity, with closed captioning and American Sign Language interpreters provided and post-event transcripts made available upon request. Community members wishing to attend or require special accommodations are advised to visit the Strategic Planning webpage for the event link or contact Natasha Fox at [email protected] by February 2, 2025, with requests.
