Candidate Statement: Rachel Cotton (she/her)

I have been serving as the OAPA board Secretary since January 2025. I am hoping to be elected as Treasurer to contribute to strategic planning efforts. I am fortunate to live and surf on the Oregon coast! I offer the perspective and experience of a planner representing small cities and rural Oregon.

As a planner, I am passionate about working with jurisdictions throughout Oregon and across the country to remove barriers to more affordable housing development through code and policy changes.

My work focuses on housing-related code and policy, urban analytics, and scenario planning. I love planning because it's a profession that provides frequent opportunities to engage with communities and help them create great, equitable, and livable place