Our Work
What We Do
#1 - Community Visioning
Bilingual Online & Paper Survey
Listening Sessions
Stakeholder Interviews
"Action Teams"
Since 2015, we have heard from over 4,500 residents. Our data generally reflects the region’s demographics — including geographic location, income, age, years of residence, and race and ethnicity. We emphasize reaching Latino community members by offering in-language materials, interpretation at events, and culturally-responsive outreach. During our community engagement work in 2021 for our 2nd Action Plan, in the midst of the COVID pandemic, we heard from more than 2,500 community members, including 27 percent who self-identified as Latino.
#2 - Action Plans
A “whole of community” 5-year plan developed by the residents of the region and backed by community partners from the private sector, government institutions, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community groups. We have currently published two 5-year Action Plans, one covering 2017-2021 and the other 2022-2026.
Action Plan 2022-2026 Focus Areas
#3 - Coordination
Stemming from Action Plan results, Our Valley Our Future coordinates and facilitates “Working Groups” to make progress and fulfill major initiatives known as Game Changers. Working Groups foster collaboration and forward momentum between public, private, and nonprofit organizations.
We currently facilitate 5 working groups
Housing Solutions Group
This group began in 2017 to address the Regional Housing Approach Game Changer. Focused on ensuring adequate supply of housing that meets the needs of Our Valley residents, this group meets monthly to address issues and identify solutions. The group is made up of industry experts including Community Development Directors, County Leads, lenders, builders, architects, real estate agents and non profits. You can see more on our Housing Our Valley page.
Our staff lead is Maggie Richter
Regional Wildfire Resiliency Group
This group is focused on our regional wildfire prevention, preparedness and recovery Game Changer. The focus is to make Our Valley more firesafe for current and future generations. This group meets bi-monthly and is currently focused on launching a bi-lingual centralized website with resources for prevention, preparation and recovery for Chelan & Douglas County. Lead Partners include Cascadia Conservation District, CAFE and more than 12 other partners.
Our staff lead is Maggie Richter
Post-Carbon Economy & Industrial Symbiosis
This group is focused on our Post-Carbon Economy game changer which is working to transform Our Valley to become a model for a carbon-free regional economy. In partnership with Chelan County, the City of Wenatchee and Sustainable NCW, this group helped publish 2 reports in 2025 on carbon emissions. It is now working with the Regional Port Authority & City of Wenatchee to further efforts in building a circular economy using industrial symbiosis.
Our staff lead is Steve Maher
Early Care & Education Programs
Using the existing North Central Early Learning Coalition, OVOF helps facilitate this game changer working to invest in early learning and childcare that means the developmental needs of Our Valley’s children. With bi-monthly hybrid member meetings, this team is dedicated to serving families and providers across the region.
Our staff lead is Maggie Richter
Health Literacy
Leveraging our quarterly symposiums, our work focuses on the Game Changer to educate Our Valley residents to encourage healthier lifestyles and greater well-being. A working group is being established in addition to our Symposiums to build greater momentum and collaboration toward health in Our Valley.
Our staff lead is Ruben Betancourt
#3 - Data
With our trusted partners, we are able to gather quality diverse data representing our Chelan & Douglas County. We have published over 20 reports in 10 years. These reports help inform decision makers, business owners, and residents alike. Using data from our Action Plans and targeted research, we are able to help organizations secure funding as they pursue projects backed by our non-partisan independent research. Please reach out to learn more and view our Reports page for all of our published reports.
#4 - Stay Focused
We host regular events to bring the community together to elevate important topics in our region and collaborate on solutions. Our regular quarterly Symposium Series brings speakers and discussions to Health related topics. Our annual Housing Summit focuses on educating our community and making progress to improve housing access. Lastly, our bi-annual Wenatchee Valley 101 brings new and long-time residents together to share resources and build community. Check out our Upcoming Events, E-Newsletters or Contact us to learn more.
