Justice System Improvement Program

Opportunities to Learn and Provide Input

Community Engagement Goals

Throughout the planning process, Benton County provided residents with opportunities to learn more about the Justice System Improvement Program and provide input. Input and different points of view are valued. Community participation helped to create an informed plan that aligns with community values and priorities. The County’s continuing goals include the following:

  • Raise awareness about the County’s approach to prevention, treatment and accountability in the justice system.
  • Gather perspectives about the Justice System Improvement Program from people with diverse perspectives.
  • Listen carefully to people regarding program purpose, goals, and questions.
  • Build community trust as a strong foundation for the program.
  • Hear from a broad and diverse group of people; consider all input, not just the loudest opinions. Thoughtfully consider community input, respond in a timely way, and explain the reasoning behind program decisions.

Justice System Improvement Program Open House

On February 8, 2023, more than 200 community members attended an open house at the County’s Kalapuya Building. Attendees joined staff and elected officials to learn about plans for the downtown Corvallis Mental Health Crisis Center, the Community Safety and Justice Campus, and the new Courthouse and District Attorney’s office and to learn about the proposed safety, mental health, and homelessness services facilities to be included in a May 2023 bond measure.

Other Community Forums

Benton County hosted two community forums to share information about the proposed facilities and plans to improve outcomes in crisis response and community safety. The forums were held on September 13 and October 15 at Linus Pauling Middle School in Corvallis and included short presentations and panel discussion for questions/answers from the public.

Community Advisory Committee

The Justice System Improvement Program Community Advisory Committee was formed in 2020 to serve as advisors during the first phase of planning. The committee included a diverse collection of community members from across the County. This committee was a key link to the broader Benton County communities and provided input and feedback on evolving concept designs to ensure alignment with community priorities, the County’s core values and the objectives of the assessment.

Please visit the Leadership and Advisory Committee page to view a roster of CAC members that met from July 2022 through their final meeting on January 12, 2023. An all-inclusive list of current and former CAC members can be found on the Documents page.

Community Small Group Presentations

From September through December 2022, Commissioner Xan Augerot and Sheriff Van Arsdall provided small group presentations to diverse stakeholders from across the County. These presentations included an overview of the Justice System Improvement Program and facilities planned for the May 2023 bond measure. Meetings also included opportunities for questions and feedback.

  • The Arc of Benton County
  • Benton County Community Health Centers (Board of Directors)
  • Casa Latinos Unidos, community meeting
  • City of Adair Village
  • City of Albany
  • City of Corvallis
  • City of Monroe
  • City of Philomath
  • Corvallis Day Time Drop-In Center
  • Home, Opportunity, Planning, and Equity (HOPE) Advisory Board
  • League of Women Voters (Board and Leadership)
  • NAACP Linn Benton Branch
  • Rotary Club of Greater Corvallis