Support and funding

As Oregon’s statewide, land-grant university, part of Oregon State University's mission is to support all Oregonians with Extension programs, services and resources.

Extension functions as a partnership between federal, state, and local governments and private supporters. In Oregon, OSU Extension focuses on:

Healthy communities and economies
Resilient and productive forests and natural ecosystems
Sustainable agriculture, food systems, and gardening
Thriving youth, individuals and families

Due to limited funding in Multnomah County, we do not currently have a public office and programming is limited.

Update on local funding for fiscal year 2026

On June 12, Multnomah County Commissioners voted unanimously (5-0) to approve $40,000 in ongoing funding for Oregon State University Extension as part of the county’s first year 2026 budget. This restores a cooperative funding partnership that ended in 2002, paving the way for OSU Extension to begin expanding programs and partnerships to benefit county residents.

As a next step, OSU Extension will work with Multnomah County to identify priorities for use of these funds.

OSU Extension's commitment to Multnomah County

OSU Extension has served Multnomah County since1916, and our commitment is as strong as ever. We will do all we can to serve county residents with the resources available to us—now and in the future.

In the long term, we will continue working with elected officials and community members with the intent to grow vital local government and partner funding that will allow us to better address county needs and priorities with a full array of OSU Extension programs and services.

"The decision by Multnomah County Commissioners to provide local funding for Oregon State University Extension reflects the power of collaboration to create a resilient, prosperous future. We look forward to working with the Board of Commissioners and collaborators across the county to grow local programs, services and partnerships that help connect every resident with the knowledge, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive."

- Kristopher Elliott, Vice Provost for Extension and Engagement, Director of OSU Extension Service

Investing in a vibrant Multnomah County

Building healthy communities, engaging youth to reach their fullest potential, supporting urban agriculture and sustainable community horticulture, and enhancing natural resources.

Growing together

Nutrition and physical activity education
4-H Youth Development (in schools)
OSU Master Gardener, sustainable and resilient food systems
15+ Extension employees dedicated to serving Multnomah County
Regional and statewide employees and online resources also offer support

Learn more about our work in Multnomah County

Credit; Alyson Yates (Cropped from original)

Current funding for OSU Extension in Multnomah County

Ongoing funding

OSU Extension delivers USDA-funded nutrition education programs through a contract with Oregon Department of Human Services.
The OSU Extension Fire Program was created and funded by the Oregon Legislature. A regional specialist serves an area in Western Oregon that includes Multnomah County.
Per state law, OSU Extension works with all Oregon public school districts to administer the lottery-funded Outdoor School program. A regional coordinator is based in Portland.

Limited funding

Limited in-school OSU Extension 4-H Youth Development programming for the 2024-25 school year is supported with contributions from Metro, grants and temporary OSU Extension funds.
Through June 2026, a Master Gardener program assistant based in Multnomah County is supported with contributions from Metro, private philanthrophy and temporary OSU Extension funds.
In 2024-25, OSU Extension is conducting a needs assessment for agricultural producers with project-based funding from East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District and support of other partners.

Residents of the greater Portland area have some access to programming as part of statewide and regional OSU Extension efforts, including agricultural research at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center and educational opportunities at the Hopkins Demonstration Forest in Clackamas County. However, faculty and staff are not based in or assigned specifically to serve Multnomah County.

Frequently asked questions

Did Multnomah County fund OSU Extension previously?

Yes. In 2002, Multnomah County officials decided to end longstanding financial support for Extension when making budget reductions because of the state's economic downturn.

Shouldn’t OSU provide Extension programs regardless of where the money comes from?

As Oregon’s statewide, land-grant university, part of our mission is to support all Oregonians with Extension programs, services and resources.

Extension functions as a partnership between federal, state, and local governments and private supporters. In this model, local government funding is intended to directly support county OSU Extension programs, services and operations.

With a county contribution, OSU invests state and federal funds, including payroll expenses for faculty assigned to serve the county and additional supports including program and volunteer management as well as HR, fiscal, contracts and technology services.
Without a county contribution, programs and services are generally limited to those funded by grants, gifts and contracts.

Servicio de Extensión de OSU

Multnomah County