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Parents ask Clackamas County to help "Save the CDC" after Siemens ends childcare support
Summary
A Wilsonville parent told the county board that Siemens will stop funding a 34‑year childcare program at the end of June, risking about 30 educator jobs and care for roughly 70 families. The board asked staff to research public‑private partnership models and will follow up with options to support an emergency transition.
Tate Sheffer, a parent whose children attend a long‑running childcare program in Wilsonville, appealed to the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners during public comment on May 7, saying Siemens will end financial support for the program at the end of June and that the change threatens "about 30 childhood educator jobs and childcare for 70 some families." Sheffer said parents are working to form a nonprofit and asked the county to consider bridge funding or other rapid support; she directed commissioners to savethecdc.com for details.
Commissioners praised the parent for raising the issue and asked staff to research models used in other Oregon communities, including public‑private partnerships in Bandon and Condon. Commissioner Helm asked staff to gather more information; County Administrator Gary Smith said county staff and the early learning hub have already been engaged on the issue for more than two months and that staff are coordinating with workforce partners and local economic development officials.
Board members emphasized the short timeline and the fact that many families face long wait lists for childcare. Commissioners agreed to have staff return with options and background research on successful local partnership models and potential funding pathways.
What happens next: Staff will compile models and options for the board, and the parent group said it is pursuing nonprofit formation and conversations with Siemens real estate and other partners.
Provenance: Public comment and follow‑up discussion, May 7, 2026.
