Join us for a special luncheon forum focusing on the bold future of the West Linn waterfront side of Willamette Falls, where local leaders will share critical updates on the groundbreaking projects shaping our west side. This exclusive session highlights the latest in regional economic progress, strategic master plans, and the historic preservation of the Willamette Falls Locks. We are honored to feature an esteemed panel of speakers: former Governor Kate Brown, President of the Willamette Falls Trust, will be speaking alongside West Linn City Manager John Williams, West Linn Council President, Mary Baumgardner, and an official representative from the Willamette Falls Locks Authority. Together, they will provide an inside look at what’s next for the area, including exciting new details on the proposed riverwalk designed to connect community members directly to the majestic falls from the West Linn shoreline.

Click here to register for Zoom

Featured Panel:

Former Governor Kate Brown, President of Willamette Falls Trust

Kate Brown served as the 38th Governor of Oregon from 2015 to 2023. Her career in public service spans more than 30 years and includes six years as Oregon Secretary of State, three terms in the Oregon Senate, and two terms in the Oregon House of Representatives. She was honored and humbled to have been selected as President of Willamette Falls Trust. Kate believes the Willamette Falls Inter-Tribal Public Access Project is our collective opportunity to both restore the land and waterways and to reconnect our communities. It’s extremely important to her to be a part of work dedicated to repairing historic wrongs and recognizing the damages of colonization. Kate moved to Oregon from her native Minnesota to attend Lewis and Clark’s Northwestern School of Law. She earned her degree and fell in love with Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Kate is an avid kayaker who wants Willamette Falls to be know far and wide as the eighth wonder of Oregon.

John Williams, West Linn City Manager

John has been working for the City of West Linn since 2017 and has been City Manager since 2022. John has almost 30 years of Oregon governmental experience, including at the Oregon Department of Transportation, the City of Canby, and Metro. As City Manager, John oversees all aspects of City operations, including over 140 FTE employees and a $194 Million biennial budget. John prioritizes great communication, proactive citizen outreach, employee development and morale, and helping the West Linn City Council and community define and achieve their vision for the future. John lives in West Linn’s Sunset Neighborhood and is thrilled to be able to apply his belief in public service to his own community. John received a Bachelor of Science in Geological Science from Tufts University, a Master of Science in Geology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and a Master of Public Administration from Lewis & Clark College. In his free time, John is a runner, plays guitar, and enjoys traveling and gardening.

Mary Baumgardner, West Linn City Council President

Mary has been serving on West Linn City Council since her election in 2020. Her volunteer services also includes work with the Willamette Falls and Landings Heritage Area Coalition, the Willamette Falls Locks Authority, South Fork Water Board, and the Willamette Falls Trust, among others. A lifelong West Linn resident and graduate of West Linn schools and Oregon State University, Mary worked during her career, providing Special Education student support in the West Linn Wilsonville School District, where her own children attended. She recently completed the Certificate in Tribal Relations from the Institute for Tribal Government at Portland State University to improve her understanding of Tribal communities with traditional and treaty ties to this area. Mary lives in the Willamette Neighborhood where she can be found walking, birding or working in her community garden plot.

Willamette Falls Locks

Big news for the river community. Exciting repairs are underway to bring back the boat traffic back the the historic locks. Get an update on the Willamette Falls Locks that opened in 1873. The locks were added to the National Register of Historic places in 1974. Come to hear the latest new on this fascinating site right between Oregon City and West Linn. Hear the details about when they might reopen for river traffic and who owns the locks.

Luncheon Details:

• Cost:

  • $29 for OCBA members

  • $35 for non-members

  • $39 for all attendees for late registration after the end of the day on the Wednesday before the forum, including payments at the door, subject to availability.

• If you want to become an OCBA member or renew your OCBA membership, please go to our website and click the membership link for more information and registration.

• This luncheon event is open to the public.

• We are committed to a delightful dining experience for all at our forum. Guests with specific dietary needs can choose a plated meal for $35 (same for members and non-members) or select from the buffet, with vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options clearly marked, though specific options cannot be guaranteed. Please submit plated meal requests by the end of the day on the Wednesday before the forum. 

• Please email membership@ocbusinessalliance.com with questions.

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