If you’re attempting to better the United States and the world, why start at a state level?

Can an improved, progressive state act as a model for the nation? Can a group that perfects programs here inspire others and take those lessons-learned across the country to make tangible difference at a collectively national level? Should Oregon be the place to start?

We think yes.

Oregon is a…

…progressive example: For a century, Oregon has been at the cutting edge of public policy. The ballot initiative system was born in Oregon. Labor Day was first recognized in Oregon. The Minimum Wage, the Bottle Bill, Land Use Planning, Public Beaches, Death with Dignity, the Oregon Health Plan, and Vote by Mail – all born in Oregon. This history offers a great setting to incubate future public innovation.

…cost-effective place for campaigns: A U.S. Senate race in New Jersey costs about $60 million; one in Oregon typically costs less than a tenth of that. Oregon is an efficient place to test ideas, and grassroots action can really have an impact.

…geographic microcosm: Like the United States, Oregon has sharply divided urban, rural, and suburban areas. Oregon politics confront demographic challenges similar to the rest of the country.

…creative and connected community: Robert Putnam’s Better Together cites Portland as one of the country’s most civically active cities. Portland is one of America’s most educated cities, and Richard Florida’s Rise of the Creative Class cites Portland as a creative center. Oregon also hosts a disproportionate number of talented political workers. This creative, connected community provides a great base to learn and act.

…wonderful place to live: Both Money Magazine and Bike Magazine have ranked Portland the Number 1 city in America. Above all, Oregon is a great environment in which to live, learn, and work.