At forum commissioners and business leaders call Clackamas County a 'childcare desert' and weigh local solutions
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Summary
Speakers said Clackamas County lacks sufficient childcare options, cited a conservative local figure of about $800 (ambiguous month/week) for childcare costs, and discussed models including employer-supported care, flexible dollars for families in transition and 'mom-share' co‑ops.
Speakers at a Clackamas County business forum described the county as a "childcare desert" and discussed multiple local approaches to expand child‑care capacity and access. "By 2027, in conjunction with our communities and community partners, the county will develop strategies to retain, expand, and recruit new childcare opportunities," the moderator said when introducing a question about costs and models.
A commissioner described the cost challenge and local pilots: the forum referenced a conservative figure for childcare cost in the county of "about $800" (the transcript did not clearly state whether that figure was per month or per week). County officials discussed using flexible dollars for families at risk of homelessness to cover childcare and transitional housing support, citing a local example where such assistance helped a single parent enter full‑time employment.
Speakers also described community-based models such as rotating mom‑share arrangements and policies to help nannies or in‑home caregivers access training and start small centers, noting that excessive regulation can be prohibitive for small providers. Commissioners said the county can be a voice to state legislators to highlight regulatory barriers and seek targeted relief or toolkits.
The forum included mention of a Bureau of Labor and Industries toolkit to help spread information about financial assistance for childcare reconstruction and capacity building. Officials framed childcare expansion as part of a broader effort to build workforce capacity and economic mobility.
