Hamlets and Villages

The Hamlet and Village Program was initiated in 2006 in response to grassroots efforts by residents to become more involved with county government and to help support their community.

While each hamlet or village has unique goals and activities, they share a common interest in retaining the flavor of their community, promoting activities to benefit the community, working with the County and outside organizations, and providing their residents increased access to (and information about) the County. Each group has a slightly different way of achieving these goals.

The structure of hamlets and villages is composed of community-elected Boards of Directors.

These are the established hamlets and villages in Clackamas County:

Hamlets:

The Hamlet of Beavercreek (formed September 2006)
Hamlet of Mulino (formed May 2007)
Stafford Hamlet (formed December 2006)

Villages:

There are currently no villages.

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Community Involvement Handbook

2016 Hamlets and Villages Ordinance

About Hamlets and Villages

Hamlets and villages:

Are voluntary grassroots organizations formed by the local community.
Give areas a greater identity with more influence than a non-organized, unincorporated area.
Allow for communities to decide on advisory board members, bylaws, services, activities, boundaries and other matters.
Have boards that are advisory to the Board of County Commissioners and are agents of Clackamas County.
May raise funds by accepting donations and fundraising projects. Hamlets cannot request a tax levy or impose any other fees.
With Clackamas County approval, may develop intergovernmental agreements or memoranda of understanding with neighboring communities, governmental agencies and other entities.

Villages (not hamlets) can:

Raise funds by accepting donations and fundraising projects. Villages may also raise funds via a county service district with the approval of county commissioners and registered voters within the village boundary.

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Who can join a hamlet or village?

Everyone who is at least 18 years old and resides, owns property or has a business within a hamlet or village boundary is a member of that hamlet or village. Hamlets and villages are not permitted to charge dues, fees or assessments to be a member.

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How do hamlets and villages differ from Community Planning Organizations (CPOs)?

CPOs are Clackamas County's recognized community involvement organizations that provide input to land use matters, though many take up other issues as well.

Hamlets and villages are agents of the county and are insured by the county for actions taken during hamlet or village business matters. CPOs are not insured by the county. Hamlets and villages participate in community projects, can have intergovernmental agreements with other governmental groups, conduct joint projects with other organizations, and raise funds.

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What are the advantages of becoming a hamlet or village?

With additional opportunity comes additional responsibility for residents. Advantages include increased participation in discussions that affect their communities, enhanced relationships with the county, and the likelihood of recognition and consultation by other jurisdictions. Being a hamlet or village means having a need for active community participation, leadership, commitment and accountability.

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How are hamlets or villages formed?

For hamlets, either 10% or 100 residents — whichever is fewer — must sign a petition to start the process. For villages, either 15% or 150 residents must sign a petition to start the process. Residents then vote. If the residents approve the formation, the Board of County Commissioners accepts the vote and officially creates the hamlet or village.

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How can hamlets work with neighboring communities and jurisdictions?

Upon approval by the Board of County Commissioners, the entities may develop a Memorandum of Understanding and other agreements to ensure communication and collaboration on matters of mutual concern.

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