Our Partner: Jason Dedrick

Partner Interview: Jason Dedrick

Policy & Systems Analyst
City of Eugene, City Manager’s Office

 What Community Service Center program(s) did you work with?

Community Planning Workshop (CPW)

University of Oregon Economic Development Center

Briefly describe the project(s) you work on with the CSC.

Recently we have been working with Bethany Stiener of CPW on the Diversity Equity Strategic Plan, I have also worked with Bob Parker on the Lane Livability Consortium project and also partnering with Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) when I worked for the Crooked River Watershed Council in Prineville, OR.

Why did you decide to work with the Community Service Center (CSC)?

The CSC has a good reputation in terms of quality work including staff and students. Working with students is compelling in that most bring a fresh approach to the process. These students are outsiders that come with a more creative approach than traditional organizations.

What were the benefits of engaging the CSC program?

The CSC has added value with student teams and is a proven partner in the community through their work on other city related projects. An added bonus is their convenient location on campus. I also think the academic environment brings a more thoughtful approach than a standard contractor, as the students and staff immerse themselves throughout the project.

What role did CSC staff/students/members have in the project?

The staff and student role was highly collaborative; they organized everything including meetings, survey development, timeline creation, adjusted and maintained the scope of work, and showed interest in all aspects of the project.

How did the engagement of the CSC program(s) increase your organization capacity to complete the project?

They flat out increased our capacity on these projects more than what we could do on our own staff time. They continued to bring added value, different perspectives, and new ideas throughout the process.

What advice do you have to other potential community partners about working with the CSC?

Just do it.  Get involved with the student process, engage them and you will get more out of the project.

Call to Action:

The City of Eugene offers many great internship opportunities across our many departments and work groups. Check out the link below for information on becoming an intern. It provides you with real-world experience and is a fantastic addition to your resume.

http://www.eugene-or.gov/?nid=370

More about the Community Planning Workshop(CPW)

More on Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE)

Our Partner: Mark Fancey

Partner Interview: Mark Fancey

Community Development Director
City of Monmouth

What Community Service Center program(s) did you work with?

Community Planning Workshop (CPW)

Briefly describe the project(s) you work on with the CSC

We contracted with CPW in 2008 to lead the update for our parks master plan. CPW completed the project and the city adopted it in 2008.

Why did you decide to work with the Community Service Center (CSC)?

One part was my background coming from the program, I pursued a masters in planning at the University of Oregon as a student. Part two was that we needed improvements on our parks master plan. I found them to be an affordable option and recently became aware of their choice to add park master plans to their repertoire of available services.

What were the benefits of engaging the CSC program?

The CSC is affordable and professional. I felt the project would also work well for students looking for opportunities for experiences that I received during that time. The CSC is great for resume′ building for someone directly out of college.

What role did CSC staff/students/members have in the project?

They organized meetings with city staff and the parks board, provided new information for the process, and coordinated public outreach, and wrote the Master Plan.

How did the engagement of the CSC program(s) increase your organization capacity to complete the project?

I felt the CSC was an extension of city staff; my one man department would not have capacity to complete the project without them.

What advice do you have to other potential community partners about working with the CSC?

I believe the CSC is a great untapped resource for students and the community. Communities in the area can take advantage of the student planners of tomorrow.

Call to Action / Plug Something:

In December 2008, the City Council adopted an updated Monmouth Parks Master Plan. The Master Plan outlines parks system improvements over the next 20 years. The updated Master Plan also includes concept plans for both Main Street Park and Madrona Park. See the Plan!

More about the Community Planning Workshop(CPW)