Thirty years of neighbors getting things done

1995–1997: Getting started

Within a year of incorporating, the Blue River Community Development Corporation was the go-to local group for Blue River projects, from a University of Oregon community study to the annual Trash Amnesty Day. The IRS recognized us as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in September 1997.

2003–2010: McKenzie Community Track & Field

Volunteers raised more than $1 million to build an eight-lane track and field complex in Finn Rock, used by McKenzie schools and the community. It later hosted Ireland’s national team before the 2022 World Athletics Championships. Our role: fiscal sponsor.

2008–2010: Blue River Riverwalk

The valley’s first Ford Institute Leadership Program class built a riverside path on Forest Service land in Blue River, raising $15,000–$20,000 plus volunteer labor. It was dedicated in June 2010. Our role: fiscal sponsor. The Riverwalk today

2010: A white paper for Blue River

We wrote a plan for Blue River’s future that called for a sewer feasibility study, mixed-use downtown zoning and affordable housing, ideas that are now coming true.

2010–2011: Community welcome signs

The second Ford Institute class built welcome signs at the entrance to eight communities along Highway 126. More communities added matching signs later. Our role: fiscal sponsor.

2011: Rural Tourism Studio

We were one of the active local groups that brought Travel Oregon’s Rural Tourism Studio to the valley. Its workshops led to the McKenzie River brand, an IMBA Epic ride on the O’Leary Loop and new trail funding. Our role: partner.

2013–2016: O’Leary Trail Loop

We were fiscal agent for restoring the 19.1-mile O’Leary Loop, now an IMBA Epic mountain bike ride and home of the annual McKenzie Frenzy. A board member organized volunteer work parties with the Forest Service, one of them about 70 people strong. Our role: fiscal sponsor.

2015–2016: A roadmap for downtown Blue River

We brought neighbors together around Blue River’s failing septic systems and, with the McKenzie River Action Team, organized local support for a Lane County study of a community wastewater system and a walkable downtown. The study’s roadmap shaped the water, sewer and zoning work that followed. Our role: partner and local organizer.

2016: One valley

We became the McKenzie Community Development Corporation, widening our focus from Blue River to the whole valley.

2017–2019: Building community

Community mixers, board training for local nonprofits, the Unity in the Community festival, volunteer support for Cycle Oregon’s stays in the valley, and BottleDrop fundraising for local groups. Our role: led.

2019: McKenzie History Highway

Thirty-seven roadside history panels from Cedar Flat to Clear Lake, plus a history website, created by a volunteer team led by Margaret Beilharz. Our role: led. About the project

2020–2021: The Holiday Farm Fire

The fire burned more than 400 homes and businesses. We supported three relief centers with food, supplies and information, handed out donated gas, grocery and restaurant gift cards, and delivered Holiday Boxes of local blueberries, honey and hazelnuts with a restaurant voucher and cash. We also took donations to rebuild the O’Brien Memorial Library. Our role: led.

2021: $15.5 million for water and sewer

We led the effort that secured $15.5 million in state funding for the Blue River community water system and sewer design. Our role: led.

2022: Gateway signs

We helped fund the west gateway sign in Walterville, working with the McKenzie River Chamber of Commerce, which led the design. Our role: supported.

2022–today: Recovery and resources

This website, its resource guides, Fire-Ready Homes, and the work to rebuild Blue River and bring businesses back. See our current projects