The November 2024 election marked a significant milestone for CGCC and our community. Measure 33-111 passed, allowing us to make necessary capital improvements, invest in crucial upgrades to accessibility and safety, and enhance learning spaces for our students.
This outcome reflects more than a year of planning and community engagement. We prioritized building projects based on input from college stakeholders–including the Board, faculty, staff, and students–as well as community feedback from voters in our district.
Our service district covers most of Wasco and Hood River Counties – the area between Cascade Locks, the Columbia River, and the Warm Springs reservation.
What happens now?
The bond issuance involves a series of administrative steps, some taken by staff, some in consultation with financial advisors, and some that are authorized by the Board of Education. Starting in approximately six months, and over the next three years, CGCC will complete a steady series of capital projects, including:
- Installing new campus safety systems (cameras, upgraded door locking systems)
- Upgrading and standardizing technology at both campuses
- Improving accessibility, parking, and wayfinding, especially in The Dalles
- Expanding and upgrading science labs in Hood River
- Improving the Library & Learning Commons and expanding spaces for students to connect and engage
- Modernizing the cafe with new capabilities
- Enhancing spaces for community events and engagements at both campuses
- Updating building systems on both campuses (HVAC, elevators, networking)
The bond also allows us to refinance the loans that were used to build the Skills Center and residence hall. This financial restructuring frees up operational funds that will be put back into improving existing programs and launching new ones, such as Agricultural Technology and Behavioral Health - directly addressing our region’s workforce needs.
We’re so grateful to our community, and are looking forward to building a stronger foundation for inclusive prosperity throughout the Columbia Gorge.