by Rebecca Wallis
Yamhill County, OR – March 14, 2025
Chemeketa Community College is once again seeking voter support for a bond measure in the upcoming May 20, 2025, election. The measure, if passed, would renew an existing bond, keeping the property tax rate at its current level while funding crucial improvements in career and technical education (CTE) programs, infrastructure, and campus safety.
During the March 13, 2025, Yamhill County Board of Commissioners meeting, Dr. Jessica Howard, President and CEO of Chemeketa, addressed the board during public comment to clarify the details of the bond and emphasize its benefits to the local community. Reflecting on a previous attempt in November, which failed due to public misconceptions, Dr. Howard explained, “A post-election survey of representative voters showed that approximately 40% of those who voted thought this bond would increase their property taxes. They did not realize that this is actually a renewal bond – meaning, if passed, it would not raise property tax rates.”
She further noted that, despite the bond’s failure in November, Chemeketa continues to enjoy overwhelming support from the community. “The reason for that, as the survey showed, is that the community maintains an overwhelmingly positive impression of the college and what it provides to our residents. This positive impression is actually stronger now than before November – when it was so high we decided to go out for the bond in the first place,” she said.
To avoid confusion this time around, Dr. Howard emphasized the need for clearer communication: “This time around we are being much clearer about what this bond, if it passes, will mean for the community – no property tax rate increase, and a continued, laser focus on creating the workforce we need now, and into the future.”
If approved, the measure would expand several vital workforce training initiatives at Chemeketa’s Yamhill Valley Campus (YVC).
Expanding Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Training
Dr. Howard highlighted one of the bond’s major priorities: “Bringing Emergency Medical Services (EMS) training to YVC will provide increased access to life-saving career pathways for students in the region. With the growing demand for paramedics and EMTs in Yamhill County and beyond, this initiative will help address critical workforce shortages while equipping students with the skills needed to serve their communities. We are also researching building the next step in the pathway for paramedic training.”
Enhancing Early Childhood Education (ECE) Programs
Dr. Howard also discussed how Chemeketa is working to strengthen early childhood education opportunities. “Chemeketa has a current contract with the county to provide ECE training to Yamhill County Residents. YVC remains committed to exploring potential enhancements in training and certification options for Early Childhood Education on site and throughout the local community for practicum and internship opportunities. As the need for skilled educators continues to grow, YVC aims to support students in pursuing meaningful careers that impact children and families in the region. We are currently working on building out the pathway from ECE into a Bachelor’s degree, which will specifically help Head Start meet the required degree for classroom teachers.”
Developing an Innovation Campus
Dr. Howard described the vision for Chemeketa’s Innovation Campus: “As development progresses on the Innovation Campus—a 200-acre site near the hospital—YVC remains committed to flexibility and responsiveness to evolving industry needs. By continuing to grow as a regional hub for hands-on, workforce-driven education, YVC ensures that students are prepared for emerging careers while directly supporting local employers and industries.”
Strengthening Hospitality & Tourism Workforce Training
The bond would also help Chemeketa expand training programs in the hospitality and tourism industries. Dr. Howard explained, “YVC, in collaboration with the City of McMinnville, is leading a hospitality and tourism training initiative to equip 60 participants from Yamhill County with essential industry skills. This program provides a pathway for individuals to enter the workforce through foundational skills training and internships while also offering career advancement opportunities for those already employed in the industry. By addressing local workforce needs, this initiative strengthens the region’s tourism sector and supports economic growth.”
Support from the Business Community
The McMinnville Area Chamber of Commerce has voiced strong support for the bond measure, recognizing its direct impact on workforce development and economic growth. John Olson, President and CEO of the Chamber, also spoke during public comment at the March 13, 2025, Yamhill County Board of Commissioners meeting, urging the board to support the measure.
“As the voice of the business community, we understand that education and workforce development are directly tied to economic success. Chemeketa’s Yamhill Valley Campus is a critical resource, providing students with the education, skills, and job training they need to secure living-wage jobs, jobs that sustain families and strengthen our local economy,” Olson said.
Olson emphasized that the bond would allow Chemeketa to continue producing skilled workers in essential industries. “Chemeketa’s Career and Technical Education programs and medical training programs play an essential role in providing the skilled professionals that Yamhill County needs. The healthcare industry depends on Chemeketa graduates—nurses, medical assistants, and technicians—to keep our hospitals and clinics running. Similarly, industries like manufacturing, automotive technology, and business management rely on well-trained professionals to sustain and grow their operations,” he stated.
Beyond workforce training, Olson stressed the importance of modernized learning spaces. “This bond will fund critical upgrades to classrooms, student support spaces, and infrastructure, ensuring that students have access to modern tools and technology that prepare them for the real-world careers they are training for,” he explained.
Addressing concerns about taxation, Olson clarified, “I want to emphasize that this is not a new tax or a new bond. It is a continuation of the investment our community has made in education, workforce development, and economic opportunity.”
Both Dr. Howard and Olson agree that passing the bond would be a long-term investment in Yamhill County’s economic and educational future. “A strong Chemeketa means a stronger Yamhill County,” Olson concluded.
The bond measure will appear on the May 20, 2025, ballot. If passed, it would maintain the current property tax rate of $0.27 per $1,000 of assessed property value while funding improvements across Chemeketa’s campuses, including Yamhill Valley. Voters will ultimately decide whether to invest in the future of local education and workforce development.
Photo Credit: Yamhill County News File
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