Public commenters lament end of CPO program; commission re-elects chair and vice chair

Bruce Bartlett, chair of the Washington County Citizen Committee for Involvement (CCI), told the Planning Commission that the county "has dismantled the CPO program," leaving the CCI and community groups with uncertainty about the process and timeline. Bartlett said the CCI will attempt to align its monthly meetings with Planning Commission work sessions to stay engaged with county planning discussions.

Ayla Hoffler, chair of CPO 14, said the loss of the CPO program is "a sad day" for a grassroots program more than 50 years old and voiced concern about appointments now being made by commissioners rather than by community members. Hoffler asked staff for access to contact lists for continuing CPO participants so that neighborhood groups can maintain communication independent of the county.

The commission acknowledged the public comments and staff encouraged written comments and follow-up conversation with project staff.

Administrative actions: the commission approved minutes from Jan. 7, 2026, "without objection." Nominations for chair and vice chair followed: Felicita Montblanco moved to nominate Rachel Moribidio for chair; the motion was seconded and passed, reelecting Moribidio as chair for 2026. A motion to retain Felicita Montblanco as vice chair was moved and seconded and also passed.

Ending: the commission closed the meeting after brief announcements and adjourned for the evening.