Project-Based Partnership: Silverton

Poppy flower field and red barn near silverton Oregon

 

Silverton logo with houses and a waterfall

City of Silverton

The City of Silverton partnered with SCYP over the 2019-2020 year, focusing on five projects. Students generated recommendations and outcomes for the city to consider on a variety of topics. SCYP is returning to support Silverton’s partnership with the Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) AmeriCorps Program. A RARE staff member in the city manager’s office will be evaluating the impact of past SCYP projects and determine any additional city needs that could benefit from University of Oregon students and faculty expertise. 

City Homepage

Two people taking photos of South Falls at Silver Falls State Park near Silverton Oregon

The first settlers came to the banks of Silver Creek, following timber and water power, in the 1800s. Silverton was incorporated in 1885. The young town was a trading and banking center of prominence and ranked among the most progressive towns of western Oregon.

By 1921, Silverton industries were producing exports for other areas and even some foreign countries. The Fischer Flour Mills on South Water Street was among the exporters. Power for the mill was obtained by damming Silver Creek at a point near the present pool, diverting water into a millrace that ran along the creek to the mill and then dumped back into the creek.  

A bridge over a pond and wetland at the Oregon Garden, Silverton, Oregon

The development and opening of the Oregon Garden in the 1990s signify the success of a partnership between the Garden, a private enterprise attracting tourists to botanical displays, and the city of Silverton. The Oregon Garden’s expansive wetlands area has benefited from the City’s excess reclaimed water since 2000, while the community benefits from trade the Garden draws to the area. Silverton was recognized for these reuse efforts as a “Community Water Champion” by the National Water Reuse Association in 2018.

Today, approximately 10,380 residents call the city of Silverton home. In addition to the Oregon Garden, the City features a historic downtown, hospital, community pool, and access to nature activities including nearby Silver Falls State Park.

City Research Guide

City Information:
  • City of Silverton Homepage
  • Demographic Information 
  • History
  • Silver Falls School District
  • Visitor's Guide
City Facilities:
  • City Council Homepage
  • Silverton Community Pool
  • Parks and Facilities Homepage
Maps:
  • City Maps
  • Silverton Zoning Map
  • Silverton Constraints Map
  • Silverton Comprehensive Plan Map
Plans and Reports:
  • Public Works Master Plans and Studies
  • Documents, Reports, and Presentations Homepage
  • City Council Goals 24-25
  • Silverton Comprehensive Plan Pt 1
  • Silverton Comprehensive Plan Pt 2
  • Downtown Master Plan
Economic Development:
  • Economic Oppourtunity Analysis
  • Silverton UGB Job Growth Trends
  • Urban Renewal Plan
  • Economic Development Homepage
Housing:
  • Housing Needs Analysis
  • Housing Strategy
Community Development:
  • Planning Homepage
  • Community Development Homepage
  • Planning Dept. Master Plans
  • Development Code and Zoning Map
Parks, Environmental:
  • Urban Forestry Program
  • Silverton Energy Plan
  • Water Conservation Homepage
  • Parks and Facilities
Transportation:
  • Transportation Advisory Committee
  • Silver Trolley
  • Transportation Master Plans
Public Works:
  • Public Works Homepage
  • Public Works Design Standards

 

This SCYP and City of Silverton partnership is possible in part due to support from U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, as well as former Congressman Peter DeFazio, who secured federal funding for SCYP through Congressionally Directed Spending. With additional funding from the city, the partnership will allow UO students and faculty to study and make recommendations on city-identified projects and issues.