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With nominee announcements now arriving in mailboxes, social media and the talk in town are buzzing with anticipation over this year’s outstanding lineup! These projects and programs represent the very best of Tillamook County, proving to be innovative, compassionate, and deeply committed to our shared future.
The award winners are selected by a dedicated committee of past recipients and community leaders. The final results will be revealed at the Community Awards Banquet on Saturday, January 24th, 2026, at the Tillamook County Fairgrounds. Stay tuned next week as we share the nominees for Citizen of the Year!
Thank you to all who took the time to nominate a Development Project or Program. We couldn’t do this work without you, our community.
Development Project of the Year Nominees
The CARE Inc. Shelter Village is a resource for Tillamook County, providing safe, low-barrier housing and supportive services for those experiencing homelessness. By blending immediate stability through micro-shelters with long-term case management and housing navigation, the project fosters dignity and health. This comprehensive approach strengthens community well-being and creates a sustainable pathway toward permanent housing success.
The National Bank Building restoration has breathed a vibrant new life into Downtown Tillamook. Spearheaded by local developer and business owner Terry Phillips, this extensive renovation features a modern white-and-gray facade and revitalized ground-floor retail and office spaces that has provided much needed space downtown for Tillamook’s small business community. With eight second story apartments under construction the National Bank Building is set to be a bright spot for years to come.
Nehalem Bay Health Center and Pharmacy, completed in October 2025, significantly enhances quality of life by improving healthcare access in one of Oregon’s most underserved regions. Supported by a community-backed bond, the facility expands capacity for primary care, behavioral health, and local dental services. This project reduces rural barriers to care, strengthens public health, and supports long-term economic stability.
North County Recreation District Aquatics Center has transformed community wellness with its state-of-the-art Aquatics Center. Featuring therapy and lap pools, the facility focuses on fitness, recreation, and education. Notably, NCRD upholds a 90-year tradition of providing essential swim instruction and water safety to every local child, ensuring this community asset serves generations to come.
Pelican Brewing Company revitalized a vacant building in the heart of Rockaway Beach, transforming it into a vibrant community gathering space. The project significantly enhances local aesthetics while fostering economic growth through year-round employment. Featuring a family-friendly taproom and dog-friendly patio just steps from the ocean, the facility serves as a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike to enjoy Downtown Rockaway community to grow.
Program of the Year Nominees
Compassion Tillamook, spearheaded by Living Water Fellowship, operates a free health clinic, providing essential medical and dental care to under insured residents. Beyond physical health, the program offers holistic support including hot meals, foot care, and haircuts. By hosting a comprehensive resource fair that connects vulnerable citizens to local nonprofits, Compassion Tillamook removes barriers to care, ensuring every neighbor is treated with dignity and compassion.
The HERO: Single Parents Program, a program of Living Water Fellowship, provides practical and emotional support to one of Tillamook County’s most underserved groups. Through the annual “Single Parents Celebration”, families receive an afternoon of free childcare, meals, and resource connections. Beyond this event, the program offers year-round stability via support groups and one on one navigation, reducing isolation and strengthening family resilience for hundreds of local households.
LevelUp Tillamook, a program of the Tillamook County Economic Development Council, fosters a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting both new innovators and established small businesses. Through its “Mini-Pitch Nights,” the program has distributed $40,000 in seed funding and grants, significantly reducing operational burdens and accelerating growth. Supported by local economic partners, this initiative empowers entrepreneurs to expand their reach, creating jobs and strengthening the county’s overall economic vitality.
Loren E. Parks Trust provides foundational support for Tillamook County’s future through strategic philanthropy and community investment. The Trust builds on more than forty years of giving by Loren E. Parks, guided by trustee Jerry Dove, with millions of dollars invested in local organizations – including the Tillamook County Fairgrounds, Tillamook County Family YMCA, Whiskey Creek Volunteer Fish Hatchery, Tillamook Chamber Community Foundation, Tillamook Bay Community College Foundation, Adventist Health Tillamook, Pacific City Doryman’s Museum, Tillamook Senior Center, Tillamook Fire District and many others. This enduring commitment creates a lasting legacy that empowers organizations to serve Tillamook County for generations.
Tillamook Bay Community College Nursing Program addresses critical rural healthcare shortages by training a stable, homegrown workforce. Previously the only Oregon community college without an RN pathway, TBCC now allows students to pursue high-wage careers locally. With an exceptional first-time licensure exam pass rate from its inaugural class, the program strengthens community health and keeps families together by removing the need to leave the county for essential education.
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this unforgettable evening! Be sure to grab your ticket now to be a part of the Community Awards Banquet before they sell out at tillamookchamber.org/rsvp.