THE MEETING WITH THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE — DISCUSSION & DISCLOSURE
When the meeting began, we stated our ask clearly. We opened the table with our proposal, our documentation, and our lived experience. We pleaded our case. We explained the history, the community, the stewardship, the 8 years of stability, and the generational continuity that made the Acres different from any other community in Oregon.
Franny spoke about land she had found nearby. It was viable, but funding was the barrier. We were told, “There is plenty of money — we just cannot do anything about the timeline.” We pushed and pushed, but they would not disclose the real reason for the timeline.
Sara Manning told us she had not yet received the contract, but she was “all but certain” she would. She promised the move would be done with respect. She promised they would help as much as possible. She promised the transition would be smooth. Deals were struck. Contracts were written. We were given until October 1st.
They would not admit the truth: that they were monetizing the Acres. That they were connecting the Acres to the 40‑Mile Loop. That this was about development, not safety. They claimed it was about flooding concerns, liability, and “learning from mistakes made during the first sweep.” They said they would be more compassionate. They said they would do better. They said they understood.
They read the proposal and said it was well‑written, but that we were “lacking infrastructure.” They ignored the fact that we had built the very infrastructure they wanted — cleared invasive species, maintained paths, removed dead standing trees, cleaned up storm damage, protected the public, and stewarded the land for years.
After the meeting, there were more meetings. Secret nods. Lack of disclosure. Information withheld. I continued digging, researching, trying to find a way forward, but nothing broke loose.
We did secure one year of sanitation services — outhouses, wash stations, and garbage service — through Rapid Response’s owner, Lance. It was something, but it wasn’t enough to save the Acres.
If we are known for anything, it is that we change lives. We are not the usual humans people expect. We are not the houseless without hope. We formed a community, carried on what elders established, and did our best to restore normalcy. This had been allowed for more than 8 years.
And then we were treated as though none of it mattered. As though we had not been the stewards of this land. As though we had not built the very systems they wanted in the proposal.
This was the meeting. This was the truth behind the promises. This was the beginning of the end of the Acres as we knew it.