Our Values LEADING AND SHAPING THE PRACTICE, 30 YEARS AND COUNTING JLA has led engagement programs for some of the region’s most complex planning, design and construction projects. We bring a new generation’s understanding of media and how stories should be told, and strategic guidance from seasoned practitioners. We share an enthusiasm for getting out into the community. Together, we create customized, responsive outreach programs that pique stakeholder interest, inspire involvement and support lasting solutions to complex issues. OUR MISSION To create collaborative, meaningful and exceptionally effective public processes that lead to better, more inclusive outcomes. CORE PRINCIPLE We believe those affected by a decision have a right to be involved in the process. It’s the first principle of our professional association, IAP2, and the premise that underpins our work. A FOCUS ON EQUITY Engaging diverse communities in a meaningful way is the most pressing issue facing our profession. We’re leaders in creative and effective strategies for engaging multicultural communities. We work with trusted community leaders, partnering with them to design public involvement frameworks, meeting formats, and discussion questions. Our goals are to create inclusive, relevant engagement programs and also build the capacity of our community partners to work with public agencies. COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY Environmentally sustainable practices are at the core of our operations and our work for clients. We think of ourselves as part of an environmentally sustainable supply chain with our clients, partners and suppliers. JLA began certifying our sustainability practices with the City of Portland in 2008 (RecycleWorks) and has held Gold-level certification from the Sustainability at Work Program by the Portland Bureau of Planning & Sustainability. We love sharing conversations about best practices and lessons learned—so let’s start a conversation! OUR MASCOT For us, Rosie the Riveter means unity, equity and humility. She is strong. She is one of us, and she is not afraid. She is doing the hard work, supporting and holding up the greater good for all. She sees a connected, community-driven future, where we all rise together—and that’s what we see too. As a women-owned, women-led company, Rosie stands for us. WHAT THIS MEANS IN PRACTICE Know the community. Learn about needs and values, and tailor engagement plans and messages as needed. Keep the message simple. People should get key messages at a glance and know their feedback is valuable to outcomes. Personalize the message. Make it clear how the project affects peoples’ lives. Partner with the community. Work with community leaders and organizations to create understanding and genuine engagement. Go to where people are. Don’t simply wait for them to come to us. Meet diverse needs. Provide a mix of engagement opportunities—digital tools, printed materials and face-to-face. Ask the right questions. Engage people at the right times in the process, ask questions that inform the process, and create formats that are going to be relevant to stakeholders. Support a transparent process. Help establish a trusting relationship between agencies and stakeholders by providing regular updates and showing how feedback influences outcomes. JLA Public Involvement 921 SW Washington Street, Suite 570 Portland, OR 97205 Phone: (503) 235-5881 7720 NE Hwy 99 Suite D #186 Vancouver, WA 98665 Phone: (360) 993-0025 Sign up for our newsletter * indicates required Email Address * First Name * Last Name * View JLA’s Privacy Policy » Amended availability during Covid-19 pandemic: JLA is committed to meeting the needs of stakeholders, clients and staff during the Covid-19 pandemic. To support productivity while balancing the stressors of living through large-scale social changes, JLA’s working hours have changed. We are responsive via email and phone Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Accessing JLA: Our office is currently restricted only to staff, and many staff are working from home. When our offices re-open, we look forward to meeting with you at the Pittock Block in downtown Portland. There are many sustainable means of getting there, including bus routes and nearby light rail and streetcar lines. Bike parking is available in the building. The west and south building entrances are ADA accessible. Visit TriMet’s Trip Planner to find your route »