Why Now
Oregon is at a turning point. Communities across the state face complex challenges: from supporting youth to sustaining rural economies and navigating rapid change in our cities. Too often, solutions are designed in silos, leaving gaps, duplication, and missed opportunities for collaboration.
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Oregon Commons Camps offer a new way forward: participatory, place-based gatherings where rural and urban voices come together, youth and elders co-create, and industries and communities design solutions openly and accountably.
By convening now, we build the trust, transparency, and shared action needed to evolve our systems for a thriving future.
CityCamp Format
An unconference, where the people attending help plan the schedule.
CityCamp is a global movement of community-focused events that foster civic collaboration and innovation. These events bring people together to improve their communities. Everyone is welcome to join and share their ideas and skills to help make their city a better place.
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Everyone takes part in the sessions instead of just listening.
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This makes it easier to share ideas and take real action.
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CityCamp focuses on local governments and community groups that affect our daily lives.
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The goal is to build local teams that come up with smart ways to improve city or rural life.
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These ideas often involve design, better processes, and technology.
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The purpose is to make communities more open, welcoming, and easy to use.
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Though technology is a big part of CityCamp, it also includes other important topics.
Our Commons Co-Creators
Voices Behind the Vision
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Jenn Luevano-Brummett
Community Advocate
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Melissa Santos
Data Scientist
Partner with Co-Creators
Oregon Commons Camps are led by youth, community partners, and system stewards who bring lived experience and creative vision into the design of each gathering.
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Want to run your own DIY Commons Camp? Our co-creators can equip you with the tools, templates, and guidance you need to design a participatory, place-based gathering in your own community or industry.
Civic and business organizations, you can hire our co-creators to guide participatory processes, convene stakeholders, and design transparent, accountable solutions that strengthen both communities and industries.
Why it matters:
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Authenticity: Co-creators bring the perspectives that make solutions real and grounded.
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Connection: They bridge across rural and urban communities, youth and elders, industries and nonprofits.
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Impact: They help design systems that are transparent, accountable, and action-focused.
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Invitation: Hire a co-creator to help bring Commons Camp methods into your organization, industry convening, or regional initiative. Together, we’ll move beyond talk to collective action.