REAL Oregon Class 9 in Newport

Session 3 | January 13–15, 2026

REAL Oregon Class 9 convened in Newport for Session 3, focused on coastal communities, fisheries, food systems, science, and preparing for legislative engagement. Over three days, participants explored Oregon’s working waterfront through site tours, presentations, and conversations with local leaders deeply connected to the coast.

Day 2 | January 14, 2026

Wednesday morning continued with Communicating with Credibility in a Polarized World – Leadership, Trust & Message Discipline (Part Two). Rebecca focused on practical tools for message creation, encouraging participants to begin with the core takeaway they want their audience to remember and to communicate with clarity and brevity.

Through real-world examples and discussion, participants learned the importance of preparation, thoughtful timing, and confidence in delivering messages. Rebecca emphasized that as natural resource industries face increased public visibility, leaders must proactively communicate their perspectives, build strong networks, and help shape the narrative for their communities and industries.

The group then gathered carpools and departed for Dock 5 at the Port of Newport for a guided dock walk with Angee Doerr, PhD, Assistant Professor of Practice at OSU Extension. Participants received safety orientation for working docks and learned about the economic impact of fisheries in Newport. While Newport often ranks second in total volume landed on the Oregon coast, it leads in value due to Dungeness crab. Value was discussed in terms of ex-vessel value—the first point of sale from the vessel.

Participants learned about different fisheries, vessel types, gear, permits, and sustainability practices. Newport was described as the Dungeness crab capital of the world. Collaborations between industry and science have led to gear improvements that reduce bycatch, including in the pink shrimp fishery. Participants also navigated around resting California sea lions while touring the docks.

Lunch followed at Local Ocean, a favorite of the group. Participants enjoyed Oregon-landed seafood and learned about the founding of Local Ocean in 2002 by Laura Anderson, with the goal of keeping more seafood local. Participants learned that roughly 90% of seafood sold on the Oregon coast is not locally caught, and that Local Ocean later transitioned into an employee-owned trust model.

After free time to explore Newport’s historic working bayfront, the group carpooled to Hatfield Marine Science Center. Staff shared how Hatfield serves as a collaboration hub for universities, state agencies, and federal partners. Participants toured lab spaces and learned about the seawater pump system that delivers approximately one million gallons per day from Yaquina Bay to support research.

Discussion included tsunami preparedness, vertical evacuation design, and the social and physical infrastructure required to survive a Cascadia-level earthquake and tsunami event—highlighting the importance of having honest conversations and investing in infrastructure communities hope they never need.

The afternoon concluded with a tour of the Central Coast Food Web & Yaquina Lab. Staff shared how the facility provides shared-use space and equipment to support seafood and farm businesses. What began as a response to seafood processing needs has grown to support value-added foods, certified kitchen space, pet foods, textiles, and product development. The model reduces risk and increases access for small businesses while strengthening coastal food systems.

That evening, participants returned to the Best Western Agate Beach Inn for dinner and a presentation on Navigating the Oregon State Legislature by Austin McClister, Communications Director for Oregon Farm Bureau and REAL Oregon Class 8 alum. Austin walked participants through how a bill becomes law, the role of committees, effective testimony, and the importance of relationships with both elected officials and legislative staff. Participants were introduced to Oregon’s Legislative Information System – OLIS and best practices for outreach and message delivery.

Day 3 | January 15, 2026

Thursday morning began with breakfast followed by the Class 9 Public Speaking Assignment. Participants delivered three-minute speeches on topics of their choosing, practicing clarity, confidence, and concise delivery under time constraints similar to legislative testimony. Class members selected a wide range of topics, including farmland access, personal leadership journeys, the limits of science in decision-making, demographic shifts and labor, farmer mental health, timber’s role in carbon capture, essential communication traits for leaders, and the value of wood as a renewable resource.

The session concluded with a powerful discussion featuring Taunette Dixon and Cari Brandberg of the Newport Fishermen’s Wives, highlighting what community leadership looks like when it is rooted in care, trust, and action. Formed out of necessity, the organization fills critical gaps in safety, advocacy, and family support for the fishing fleet. While known for high-profile efforts—most recently their successful action to return a Coast Guard rescue helicopter to Newport—the group emphasized that much of their work happens quietly, supporting families during hardship, honoring those lost at sea, and sustaining traditions like the Blessing of the Fleet. Their story underscored a key takeaway for Class 9: in small, interdependent communities, resilience depends on people showing up for one another—and strong grassroots leadership makes that possible.

REAL Oregon Class 9 departed Newport with a deeper understanding of Oregon’s coastal economy and a clear takeaway that in a small, interdependent community, collaboration is essential to success. Throughout the session, participants saw how ports, fisheries, science, food systems, and community leaders in Newport are intentionally structured to work together—and were challenged to consider how this model of trust, coordination, and shared purpose could be replicated in other communities across Oregon. 

Class Reflections

Throughout the Newport session, participants reflected on both the content and the personal growth taking place within the cohort. Many shared that the experience is expanding their understanding of Oregon’s natural resource systems and revealing the complexity behind issues they previously thought they understood. Participants noted that hearing directly from community leaders, scientists, and industry professionals provided valuable perspective and deepened their appreciation for the people and policies shaping the state.

A consistent theme was the strength and generosity of the cohort itself. Participants described the group as highly engaged, respectful, and collaborative, creating an environment where diverse perspectives could be explored without conflict. The opportunity to learn from one another—both during formal sessions and informal conversations—was described as equally impactful as the presentations and tours.

Participants also reflected on the personal leadership development taking place through the program. Many shared increased confidence to engage in conversations, ask thoughtful questions, and contribute more meaningfully within their communities and professions. The experience is helping participants identify blind spots, strengthen their listening skills, and approach challenges with greater curiosity and strategic perspective.

Above all, participants expressed a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility. The session reinforced the importance of informed leadership, relationship-building, and continued engagement. Many left Newport feeling inspired, better connected, and more prepared to serve as thoughtful advocates and leaders within Oregon’s natural resource communities.