Delivering Results for Clatsop County
Since first being elected to the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners in 2018, Mark Kujala has worked across party lines and jurisdictional boundaries to deliver real results for the people of Clatsop County. As Board Chair, he has brought a steady, pragmatic approach to governing—focused on keeping our communities safe, growing our economy, and expanding housing.
Here is a look at what the Board of Commissioners has accomplished with Mark’s leadership.
Secured a $1 million federal earmark for 911 consolidation. After decades of effort by multiple county leaders, Mark personally lobbied Congress in Washington, D.C. and helped secure a $1 million congressional earmark dedicated to emergency communications and 911 consolidation in Clatsop County. This funding will lay the groundwork for a unified, countywide dispatch system.
Commissioning a countywide EMS and ambulance assessment. The county is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of emergency medical services and ambulance response across Clatsop County to identify gaps and plan for the future of EMS coverage.
Built a new county jail and invested in public safety infrastructure. Under Mark’s tenure, the county completed construction of a modern jail facility—replacing an outdated and overcrowded system—and invested in partnerships with law enforcement and community organizations to keep the public safe.
Keeping our families and first responders safe is a core responsibility of county government. Mark has championed public safety from day one. 2026 brings a generational opportunity to finally modernize Clatsop County’s emergency communications system.
Emergency Communications & Public Safety
Commissioners Mark Kujala and Courtney Bangs securing funds for Clatsop County in Washington D.C.
Economic Development & Family-Wage Jobs
A strong economy means good jobs for local families. Mark has worked to attract new industries, support our traditional economic engines, and invest in the infrastructure needed to grow.
Tongue Point: $20 million boat lift now operational. The county championed development at Tongue Point, which now features an operational $20 million boat lift—a major economic driver for the maritime industry and a signal that Clatsop County is open for business on the water.
Westport Ferry Landing: Securing the road to development. Worked to acquire the right-of-way for a new road to the Westport Ferry Landing, unlocking future development potential and improved access to this key transportation hub. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026.
North Coast Business Park: Decades of effort paying off. After decades of attempts by various county leaders, Mark helped bring the 130-acre North Coast Business Park in Warrenton to private ownership—partnering with an experienced developer behind the Costco and Walmart developments in Warrenton—bringing the promise of new businesses and family-wage jobs to the area.
Completed an Economic Opportunities Analysis. Led a stakeholder-driven process to evaluate the county’s economic strengths and identify growth opportunities, creating a strategic roadmap for implementation in 2026 and beyond.
Advocate for Clatsop County at the state and federal level. Mark has testified before the Oregon House Committee on Economic Development at the request of the Governor’s office, traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for federal investment, and worked with local businesses and port authorities to strengthen the fishing, forestry, and tourism sectors that sustain Clatsop County.
Made county-owned land available for workforce and affordable housing. The county issued a Request for Proposals to develop vacant county-owned property for workforce and affordable housing—putting public land to work for the public good.
Championing diverse housing options. Working with nonprofits, developers, and other government agencies to expand housing options—from starter homes to senior housing—so families at every stage of life can find a place in Clatsop County.
Addressing homelessness with a comprehensive approach. Coordinating the county’s response to homelessness—partnering with cities, service providers, and community organizations to address root causes while keeping communities safe and livable.
Affordable housing and homelessness are among the most pressing challenges facing the North Coast. Mark has pushed for practical, action-oriented solutions that expand housing options without adding unnecessary bureaucracy.