RARE AmeriCorps Member Joins ODOE as Liaison to Eastern Oregon Communities

This fall, the Oregon Department of Energy welcomed Angela Singleton to the team as a member of the Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) AmeriCorps Program.

Angela is a native Oregonian who grew up in rural Clackamas County on a 50-acre cattle farm. She earned a B.S. in environmental science from Portland State University and just recently, a M.S. in Public Administration. Angela’s work now centers in Northeast Oregon, and her favorite part about living there is exploring downtown Pendleton and enjoying artisanal chocolate from Alexander’s and Arrowhead. Angela has a background and experience in general natural resource management, and is excited learn more and educate others about Oregon’s energy programs and planning at the Oregon Department of Energy.

Angela will work with ODOE over the next year and serve as a liaison between local government, tribes, and residents interested in energy incentives and community energy planning – including implementing renewable energy, energy efficiency, and resilience projects and investments. ODOE has several incentive programs available to Oregon communities. Angela will help those in Eastern Oregon learn more about what is available to them and how to access funding to support energy projects. Working with local partners, we’re dedicated to creating a “one-stop-shop” model by connecting communities with incentives and funding, and supporting local engagement focused on rural cities, Tribes, and environmental justice communities.

The RARE Program is administered through the University of Oregon’s Institute for Policy Research and Engagement. The program recruits trained graduates to help connect rural communities with resources that can improve their economic, social, and environmental conditions. RARE members gain hands-on experience in project management and planning, and develop technical skills while serving their communities.