Michael DeHart received a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with minors in Economics and Geography from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. During his year with RARE AmeriCorps – Resource Assistance for Rural Environments, Michael hopes to utilize his understanding of ecology, environmental economics, and conservation in the community he serves. Following his year with the RARE Program, Michael plans to apply to the University of Oregon’s Community and Regional Planning Graduate Program.
Michael is placed with the City of Pendleton, where he will work with City staff on an extensive update to two of the City’s cornerstone planning documents: the City’s Capital Improvements Plan and the Transportation System Master Plan. Additionally, Michael will help determine ways and means to improve the long-term sustainability of Pendleton’s Solarize and Weatherize Programs.
The City of Pendleton had its beginning in the early 1860s when Moses Goodwin purchased land from a squatter for one span of horses. In December of that year, Moses Goodwin and his wife deeded 2.5 acres of land to the county from which the original town was platted on December 18, 1868. The City of Pendleton, as a municipal corporation, has a proud history in terms of the service levels provided to its citizens. Today, the City of Pendleton provides many services to its residents, including police, recreation, fire & rescue, water, planning, and judicial services. Incorporated in 1880, the City of Pendleton is led by an elected Mayor, a City Manager and eight City Councilors.
Organization: City of Pendleton
Community: Pendleton, Oregon
Population: 16,625
County: Umatilla