Washington County announces 2026 Community CARES Award winner at Annual Housing Forum

Posted November 6, 2026

HILLSBORO, Ore. - Washington County announced Rachael Duke, executive director of Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH), as the 2026 Community CARES Award recipient during its Annual Housing Forum at the Wingspan Event and Conference Center. The award honors individuals who exemplify collaboration, accountability, responsiveness, equity and service. Washington County opened nominations to the public for the first time this year to broaden community participation.

Duke, who has served as CPAH's executive director for 11 years, was recognized for her work expanding affordable housing, strengthening resident support and building partnerships that promote long-term housing stability. Her leadership has been shaped by early work in public health, where she saw how a stable home provides the foundation for health, learning and opportunity.

Washington County's Annual Housing Forum, hosted by the Department of Housing Services, serves as a venue for community leaders to discuss homelessness and affordable housing needs. This year's event brought together more than 175 regional housing leaders, service providers, elected officials, and community partners to explore coordinated solutions to housing challenges. The program included a keynote address from Metro Council President Juan Carlos Gonzalez and a panel featuring partners from Lane County, Multnomah County, CPAH and state agencies. The forum emphasizes collaboration in addressing the homelessness crisis and showcases the shared work, seen and unseen, that improves housing outcomes.

"Bringing partners together at the Housing Forum strengthens our shared efforts to address housing needs across Washington County," shared Washington County Commissioner and Vice-Chair Jerry Willey. "Collaboration is how we move solutions forward, and Rachael's leadership has been central to expanding affordable housing and supporting our community. We congratulate her on receiving the 2026 Community CARES Award!"

About Washington County's Department of Housing Services: The department supports housing stability and affordable housing opportunities through program administration, community partnerships and coordinated homelessness response efforts. The department works collaboratively with local jurisdictions, nonprofit organizations and housing providers to meet the needs of residents across Washington County.

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