09/11/2026
MWVCOG Helps City of Aurora Build Capacity
“What happens when a small city has big projects, limited staff, and no time to slow down? We asked for help from the MWVCOG and they provided us with huge assistance at a strategic time. We would never be afraid to ask for help from MWVCOG again.” Mayor Brian Asher
Small cities are responsible for many of the same complex functions as much larger governments but often do not have the resources to maintain specialized expertise in every area. The Mid-Willamette Valley Council of Governments can step into those gaps—providing interim leadership, project management, grant development, planning, and other specialized assistance while helping a city build its own long-term capacity.
The City of Aurora is a good example. Over the past fifteen months, MWVCOG provided interim administrative leadership during a period of substantial staff transition and helped the City to implement important parts of its community vision. Working alongside the Mayor, City Council, staff, consultants, and volunteers, MWVCOG helped recruit and onboard a new Finance Manager and City Recorder, develop an Economic Development Plan, send an updated City Charter to voters, and secure approximately $400,000 in grant funding for community priorities.
That flexibility is at the heart of the MWVCOG model. As Aurora's new staff gained experience and assumed greater responsibility, MWVCOG transitioned day-to-day City Hall operations and public body support back to City staff. MWVCOG then shifted from interim management to targeted assistance with priorities such as implementing Aurora's Economic Development Plan and securing the remaining funding needed for a future City Hall. Aurora demonstrates how MWVCOG can step in when a community needs additional capacity, help strengthen the local organization, and then adjust its role as the community becomes better positioned to carry the work forward.
