(Photo courtesy of Kôr Community Land Trust)
“Oh, what a year makes! Looking back to last December, I remember first walking the site at 19755 Simpson Ave. It had just begun to snow and I carried my one-year-old daughter as I explored the site that could change the scale of Kôr Community Land Trust. This December, as my now two year old walks confidently on her own, I reflect on the strides that Kôr has made. Not only were we awarded what will soon be the largest permanently affordable homeownership community in the County; we are intentionally creating an equitable and sustainable community at 19755 Simpson Ave. The net-zero community will serve over 35 families, with priority given to first-generation homebuyers, households currently living in Housing Works’ rentals and our local workforce. This progress is only achieved in partnership with our staff, board and committee members, development team and community partners. Thanks to your help, we’ve achieved the following:
- 5 Crescita homeowners signed their purchase and sale agreements, all of whom are part of the local workforce
- 90 new interested homebuyers entered Kôr’s program
- 80% of homeowners participated in post-purchase workshops
- 10 people recruited to form the Kôr Homebuyer Committee
- 2 parcels of land secured for more communities, totaling 45 new homes
- 3 new staff positions created at Kôr to increase organizational capacity
“Together, we are creating a place where everyone can afford to live where they work and play.”
~ Jackie Keogh, Executive Director, Kôr Community Land Trust
Outgoing Board Members
It is with deep gratitude that we thank our outgoing board members. Kôr’s Board Chair, Laura Fritz, is terming out after eight years of service. Under Laura’s leadership, Kôr transformed its organizational policies, board membership and strategic thinking. Laura shares the impact of this volunteer role, reflecting: “It has been such a rewarding experience for me to have served as a volunteer for Kôr Community Land Trust for the past eight years. I joined the board when the organization was in its infancy and when our first homeowner community was years to come. To see the organization grow from an idea to a leading affordable homeownership provider that incorporates environmental sustainability principles with an emphasis on equity and inclusion is truly meaningful to me. I am departing the board at a time when the organization is in great hands with our excellent staff and board, and with extremely exciting projects and opportunities on the horizon. I know the organization will thrive and our community will benefit greatly from its leadership, innovation and commitment to the mission to provide affordable and sustainable homeownership opportunities for those who contribute to the fabric of the Central Oregon economy and community.”
Both Dulce Pelayo and Kip Barrett have also stepped down from the Board of Directors due to relocation outside of Central Oregon. This is a loss for not just Kôr , but our greater community. Dulce’s contribution to Kôr’s strategic shift to center the people we serve will have lasting organizational impact. Kip’s leadership on Kôr’s financial and executive strategy have solidified the organization’s positioning. Kôr is so appreciative to its outgoing board members and wish them the best on their next adventures.
Incoming Board Members
Misti Nelmes is a licensed Architect and LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design & Construction. As Project Manager at SERA Architects, she brings a passion for sustainability and 18 years’ experience in leading cross-functional teams to achieve high-performance goals on a variety of commercial projects. In addition to management of design projects, Misti also spent 10 years working with Energy Trust of Oregon New Buildings, supporting local commercial projects in meeting energy efficiency goals. Misti has lived in Central Oregon for 18 years, enjoys skiing and being in the outdoors with her husband and keeping up with their three active kids.
David Sullivan has been building quality, high-performance homes in Central Oregon since 2013. With experience in custom construction in Oregon, Washington and California, he brings a passion for high-performance building as well as a wide range of construction experience and knowledge. In addition to custom construction, David brings 10 years of experience working in low-income and affordable housing, both on the jobsites as well as development and committee work.
When not on the jobsite or meeting with clients, you might find David riding mountain bikes, skiing in the backcountry, hunting with his bird dogs, fly fishing or in a warm locale with scuba tanks.
Christa Summers, a human resources professional, offers expertise in evaluating and identifying business needs, building HR functions that enrich the employee experience, driving positive company culture, and improving organizational effectiveness. After working for 20 years in the tech industry in HR leadership roles, Christa transitioned to the hospitality industry and is currently the Director of Human Resources for Tetherow Resort. Throughout her 25 years as a Bend resident, she has enjoyed contributing to both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors, volunteering her time in the community for several organizations and having served on the executive board for the Humane Society of Central Oregon. A nature lover and native Oregonian, Christa also enjoys spending time exploring the trails, lakes and forests with her husband, children and golden retriever.
Help us reach our end-of-year goal!
Kôr Community Land Trust is $9,379 away from reaching it $50,000 fundraising goal! Please consider making an end-of-year donation. One hundred percent of your donation goes towards the development of a Kôr community in the City of Bend! Thank you for your generosity.
P.S. Remember, Kôr Community Land Trust is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization and your contribution is tax-deductible.
