How Racism, Classism & Sexism have shaped the Columbia Gorge

La Comunidad in the Columbia Gorge

Organizations and commissions managing the Gorge have historically had predominantly white and male leadership. While this is beginning to change, the lack of diverse perspectives has contributed to a failure to fully address issues of equity and inclusion, a problem many organizations are now working to rectify.

The Gorge faces a severe housing shortage and affordability crisis. With rising housing costs, many residents, including low-income families and seasonal workers, are severely "rent-burdened," meaning they spend over 50% of their income on housing. This forces them to sacrifice other necessities like healthy food and healthcare.

The region's economy relies heavily on tourism, agriculture, and seasonal employment. This creates a workforce with significant economic insecurity, including migrant and seasonal farmworkers who often face low wages and unstable living conditions. These disparities are particularly pronounced for Latino and other minority communities, who are disproportionately affected by a lack of affordable housing, transportation, and access to healthcare.

Oregon's history of exclusionary laws and racial discrimination has had a lasting impact. For example, the state's 1857 constitution barred Black citizens from residing in Oregon, owning property, or entering into contracts. In nearby Portland, racist housing policies and urban renewal projects concentrated Black communities into specific, often polluted, areas like Albina. This environmental racism exposed residents to toxic waste and substandard living conditions, a legacy that continues to affect the region's demographics and socioeconomic landscape.

In Conclusion

Racism, classism, and sexism have significantly shaped the Columbia River Gorge region, impacting its history, environment, and the lives of its diverse communities. These issues have created systemic inequities, affecting everything from land use and housing to economic opportunities and health outcomes.