"Our lake community had not experienced a catalyzing event that united it in this way until a combination of conditions this summer caused toxic algae blooms that lasted into the fall. The loss of recreational access became a galvanizing force, bringing volunteers from across demographics and viewpoints together to support the Community Advisory Board in solving the problem. New members joined the Board, bringing renewed energy and resources. Within four months, the Board organized two well-attended community meetings where neighbors met neighbors and united around the shared goal of lake cleanup. 

This work bridges the many parts of the ecosystem responsible for managing the lake and surrounding watershed, as well as those who rely on the lake for business, recreation, and community life. In addition to residents who enjoy its beauty and recreational opportunities, and the contractors leading the cleanup effort, a range of local and state government agencies have an interest in the lake’s future — including the Department of Fish and Wildlife, Ecology, Planning, Public Works, County Commissioners, and others. Nonprofits focused on protecting the natural assets of Skagit Valley are actively engaged in conversations around regulation, particularly the protection of Critical Areas, and this collaboration will continue. We are also looking forward to working with members of the marine industry who rely on the lake for boat testing and recreational vehicle sales, as well as realtors who promote proximity to the lake as a valued community asset.

These groups do not always share the same priorities or perspectives. Our Civic Hub creates space for them to come together in a coordinated conversation that had not previously taken place — building understanding, trust, and shared responsibility around a common resource. As cleanup progresses, we are committed to addressing prevention and strengthening long-term stewardship. Our intention is to expand the scope of our Civic Hub to other identified and emerging community priorities — continuing to deepen engagement and build the relationships needed to care for our shared resources together.

Project Director Bio:

Victoria currently applies her Project & Quality Management skills to help catalyze civic health and engagement connections and relationships.  This includes areas of community building via Civic Hubs, by identifying synergies, and incubating coordinated action among nonpartisan democracy and civic health-promoting organizations. She is committed to defending and strengthening democracy, civic health, and social cohesion at the local, state, and national levels.

Her prior experience in the pro-democracy space includes working with the Bridge Alliance Education Fund, helping them fulfill their mission of supporting the democracy ecosystem and advancing the healthy self-governance movement.

Prior to that, she spent 19 years driving project management, quality management, change management, knowledge management, and training at PAREXEL International.  Before working at PAREXEL she supported researchers doing AIDS Clinical Trials work at the Harvard School of Public Health, Statistical and Data Analysis Center. In addition, she has worked in the technical education field as well as being co-owner of a small business.