Ben Morgen received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Community, Environment, and Planning with minors in Urban Design and Planning and Political Science from The University of Washington. While in school, Ben was able to spend four months in the Netherlands where he studied the impact rural living has on the Dutch people’s well-being. After attaining his Bachelor’s degree, Ben worked at The Pomegranate Center, a community development firm based in Issaquah, Washington. Ben’s intention when applying for RARE AmeriCorps – Resource Assistance for Rural Environments was to serve a community by applying his diverse skills and knowledge about community development. Following his year with the RARE Program, Ben plans to apply to the University of Oregon’s or Portland State University’s planning-related graduate programs.

Ben is placed with the Port Orford Main Street Revitalization Association, which was organized in 2009 with the help of Oregon Main Street, a resolution from the City Council, and public outreach. The organization soon became a 501c3 nonprofit. The purpose of the Port Orford Main Street Revitalization Association is to help revitalize Port Orford’s downtown business corridor by enhancing the attractiveness of the community and building civic pride. The organization ultimately seeks to preserve Port Orford’s unique cultural, artistic, and historic value while being pedestrian-friendly and having a welcoming manner.

With the Port Orford Main Street Revitalization Association, Ben will work as the organization’s Main Street Coordinator. Specifically, Ben will conduct research needed to identify available commercial space in the business district. Ben will also take the lead on moving forward the City’s newly developed Main Street Program via an array of advocacy and outreach efforts.

Organization: Port Orford Main Street Revitalization Association
Community: Port Orford, Oregon
Population: 1,153
County: Curry