Volunteer for County Advisory Committees, Commissions and Boards
Hood River County depends on dedicated volunteers to serve on a variety of boards, committees, and commissions. The following committees are accepting applications, please apply to any and all vacancies by clicking the link that follows the descriptions.
- Odell Urban Unincorporated Community Plan Advisory Committee
Applications accepted for anyone who lives or works in the Odell community and is interested being a member of the Odell Urban Unincorporated Community Plan Advisory Committee. A total of four community members will be appointed by the County Board of Commissioners through an application and interview process. Appointed community members will join the County Planning Commission to form the Advisory Committee, which will meet up to four times between February 2026 and May 2027. The Odell Advisory Committee will be tasked with reviewing documents related to the development of a community plan for Odell and providing feedback to County staff and their consultants about various topics, such as a final community boundary location, future zoning designations and development standards, and other related topics to help guide how Odell grows in the future. If you would like more information, please contact Eric Walker, County Community Development Director, at (541) 387-6840 or eric.walker@hoodrivercounty.gov.
- Forest Recreation Trails Advisory Committee
- Motorcycle representative
Applicants must be a resident of Hood River County. This committee works with the County Forestry Department and stakeholders to plan, maintain, and improve trail systems within county forests for recreation users.
The deadline for submitting an application is January 28, 2026, at 5pm. Interviews will be conducted during the Board of Commissioners work session on February 17, 2026, starting at 4pm.
Learn more about the County's Boards/Committees/Commissions.
Ambulance Service Area Advisory Committee
Advises the County Board on the Ambulance Service Area (ASA) Plan—reviewing operations, assessing service needs, and helping to update policies to ensure effective emergency medical coverage.
Columbia River Gorge Commission
Works with the U.S. Forest Service to set policy for protecting the non-federal lands in the Gorge. They also serve as an appeals board for land-use decisions, support counties in administering ordinances and encourage economic development.
Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area Commission
The Gorge Commission works with the U.S. Forest Service to set policy for protecting the non-federal lands in the Gorge. We also serve as an appeals board for land-use decisions, support counties in administering ordinances and encourage economic development.
Fair Board
Oversees planning, coordination, and promotion of the Hood River County Fair and related events, supporting agricultural education, community gathering, and local culture.
Forest Advisory Committee
Provides input to county leadership on forest management policies—balancing timber revenue, ecological integrity, wildlife, water quality, and public use.
Forest Recreation Trails Advisory Committee
Works with the County Forestry Department and stakeholders to plan, maintain, and improve trail systems within county forests for recreation users.
HRWSBA (Hood River-White Salmon Bridge Authority)
Oversees design, construction, long-term operation, and maintenance of the Hood River-White Salmon Bridge, ensuring safe and reliable connectivity between communities.
Mid-Columbia Housing Authority
Facilitates access to affordable housing across the Gorge by administering rental assistance programs, developing housing projects, and supporting housing stability.
Mt Hood Economic Alliance
Provides gap financing and economic development support to businesses in Hood River and surrounding counties to spur job creation and regional investment.
Planning Commission
Acts as a citizen advisory body that reviews land use proposals, hearings, appeals, and long-range planning to guide orderly growth and development in the county.
For questions contact: sophie.christenson@hoodrivercounty.gov or phone 541-387-6826