Corvallis, OR—Today, Governor Tina Kotek visited communities in Benton County for the fourth stop of her One Oregon Listening Tour.

Governor Kotek and First Lady Aimee Kotek Wilson participated in three sessions with community members to hear their perspectives on education, advanced manufacturing and the CHIPS Act, and behavioral health and housing.

“Today was inspiring, starting with an incredibly impressive group of high school students in Philomath who are getting hands-on career and technical learning experience that is putting them on the path for long-term success,” Governor Kotek said. “My trip to Hewlett Packard in Corvallis showcased a company that is ready to grow, innovate, and bring more good-paying jobs that will build our economic future. And I valued my conversation with local housing and behavioral health providers. Direct communication like we had today with advocates on the ground is invaluable to tackle challenges of statewide concern.”

After breakfast at The Dizzy Hen in Philomath, the day started with a conversation with more than 20 students at Philomath High School about their experience with the school’s career and technical education (CTE) programs. The school has CTE programs in forestry, industrial shop, early child development, culinary arts, computer programming, and health occupations. The students spoke about how the programs have helped them and what it means for their futures.

This was followed by a roundtable with Philomath School District administrators and educators who spoke about their successes and challenges. They highlighted their above-average graduation rates and strong reading scores in their elementary levels. They also discussed the need for enhanced mental health supports for students.

The Governor and First Lady then traveled to Corvallis for a tour of the Hewlett Packard (HP) Campus facilities. The tour was followed by a working lunch with HP executives, Oregon State University President Jayathi Murthy and Benton County Commissioner Xan Augerot to discuss workforce and economic development opportunities from federal CHIPS Act funding.

The day concluded with a visit to Coffee Culture Annex in Corvallis for a discussion with local behavioral health and housing providers. The group spoke about the benefits of Measure 110 funding, the growing challenge of food insecurity with the end of pandemic-era SNAP benefits, and the positive impact that supportive housing is providing for formerly homeless Oregonians in the area. Corvallis Housing First, which operates the city’s Project Turnkey transitional housing site, noted they have permanently housed more than 40 people since last July.

Governor Kotek will visit every county in Oregon within her first year in office through the “One Oregon Listening Tour” to foster trust and build strong partnerships across the state to get results for Oregonians, with a focus on housing and homelessness, mental health and recovery, and early learning and education.