The Oregon Mountain Goats

In 2017, North Star joined together with Portland State University's Center for Public Service, EcoNorthwest, and a consortium of other foundations, to evaluate the fiscal health and resilience of local governments in Oregon. Our research indicated that cities, counties, schools and other local governments face severe budget shortfalls and service cuts in the coming years. (Original reports here and here.)

Cuts to public budgets tend to result in disproportionate harms to people who are low income, live in rural areas, black, indigenous, and other people of color, people with disabilities and the elderly. The results of these kinds of budget shortfalls can further erode trust in government and democracy, and can distress opportunities for business growth, entrepreneurship, and job security.

To help us make sense of this research and identify potential paths forward, North Star brought together a group of leaders from myriad sectors including philanthropy, local government, community advocacy, and finance. Our goal was to foster shared learning about the fiscal challenges that local governments face and what those challenges mean for Oregon communities.

We fondly refer to this group as the “Oregon Mountain Goats” — because these challenges have appeared insurmountable to many, and mountain goats scale impossible cliffs.

The Mountain Goats are united around a shared vision and commitment to four keystone aspirations:

• A united community that embraces racial and intergenerational equity

• A vital economy that generates restorative growth and good jobs

• A resilient natural environment

• A trustworthy government upheld by an open democracy. These values guide our inquiry into policy solutions

We host quarterly learning sessions to help us apply a spirit of curiosity and collaboration to the challenges and potential solutions we face, and to build trust and open communication among participants.