Deschutes County drafts response to civic assembly on youth homelessness; board requests edits, press-release outreach

Deschutes County staff presented a draft reply on March 5 to recommendations the Civic Assembly issued on youth homelessness. Deputy County Administrator Eric Cropp and staff walked commissioners through proposed language addressing specific recommendations such as supporting drop-in services, foster care and school health partnerships.

The board suggested edits to tighten phrasing, broaden distribution and add implementation notes. Commissioners asked that the letter remain addressed to the Civic Assembly while county communications produce a press release and social posts so the wider public understands what the county intends to do in response. Commissioners also asked staff to amend language on existing services to make clear what the county already funds or operates (for example, school-based health and the county-run "The Drop" sites).

On funding and new civic engagement, the board debated whether to commit county funds toward a proposed future civic assembly focused on housing affordability. Several commissioners said they were open to considering a request but did not want Deschutes County to be the sole funder; the board ultimately asked staff to remove the paragraph committing county funds at this time.

Ending Staff will revise the draft to remove the request for direct county funding for a future housing-focused civic assembly, add clarifying edits about existing county programs and prepare a press release and social-media language to accompany the county's formal reply to the Civic Assembly.