Election day is May 19, 2025, and our path to victory is paved by volunteer power.

Help us get out the vote!

Nafisa Fai is running for Washington County Chair to build an affordable, prosperous future where working families and communities that have long been left behind can thrive.

“ This campaign is for everyone who believes that dignity isn’t negotiable, that prosperity should be earned and shared, and that government—at its best—is a tool for justice, equity, and opportunity. Not for the privileged few, but for every one of us. Because we are Washington County, and it’s time for leadership that works for us—not the status quo.”

Meet Nafisa Fai

Naifsa Fai is a Washington County Commissioner and former Vice Chair of the Board. A longtime public health leader, she brings a systems-level, equity-focused approach to government.

Born in Somalia and resettled in Oregon at 17, she has shaped transformative public health policy, built cross-sector partnerships, and tackled challenges in homelessness, housing, transportation, and economic mobility. As commissioner, she has championed community investments, advanced climate and behavioral health priorities, and strengthened government accountability.

This campaign is about more than politics—it’s about people. We’re bringing together voices from every corner of Washington County to build a future that truly works for all of us—not just the status quo.

And we can’t do it without you.

Join one of our upcoming canvasses and be part of the conversation. You’ll connect with neighbors, share what’s at stake, and help spark real change on the issues that matter—affordable housing, safer communities, better transit, and economic opportunity for everyone.

No experience? No problem. Every canvass starts with a brief training, and new volunteers are always paired with a partner.

The Platform

Our Vision for Washington County

We need leadership that puts people before politics—solutions over status quo. This campaign is about building a county where every resident can thrive.

Here's how we get there:

  • Housing is not a reward for getting your life together—it’s the foundation for being able to. We will lead with a Housing First approach because the evidence is clear and the human need is urgent: when people are stably housed, everything else becomes possible—health, safety, recovery, employment, and dignity.

    But Nafisa won’t stop at emergency solutions. Nafisa will take on the housing crisis at its root—with bold, creative action to build more affordable homes and create pathways to homeownership that uplift families out of poverty and into stability. That means transforming public land into community-driven housing, fast-tracking permitting for affordable development, and investing in down payment support for first-time homebuyers, especially those long locked out of generational wealth.

    Because in Washington County, housing shouldn’t just be a safety net. It should be a springboard to opportunity.

  • We believe in public safety that protects everyone—and that means building on the strength of our law enforcement while embracing smarter, more compassionate approaches.

    Our law enforcement professionals are essential first responders, but too often they’re sent to situations better handled by experts in mental health, addiction, or trauma. That’s why we’ll invest in community-based crisis teams—trained mental health professionals, medics, and peer responders—who can step in, de-escalate, and connect people to the care they need. These proven models reduce harm, keep people out of the criminal justice system, and make our neighborhoods safer.

    At the same time, Nafisa will support law enforcement with the training and resources they need to focus on serious crime and build trust with the communities they serve.

    Because public safety isn’t just about enforcement—it’s about justice, equity, and ensuring every neighbor feels seen, heard, and protected.

  • Washington County isn't just part of Oregon's economy — it drives it. Innovation, small businesses, and the resilience of hardworking families here fuel our state's future. But with that responsibility comes the need for a budget that reflects our values and invests boldly in our shared future.

    For 4 consecutive years, our county has faced a general fund shortfall, with the latest gap reaching $20.5 million. This persistent imbalance underscores the urgent need for a sustainable fiscal strategy that meets the demands of our growing community without compromising essential services.

    We believe a budget isn't just numbers on a page — it's a blueprint for fairness, opportunity, and real growth that reaches everyone — especially those who’ve been left out for too long.

    To address these challenges, we will:

    • Prioritize Strategic Investments: Focus on equity-centered initiatives that stimulate economic growth from the ground up, such as supporting small businesses, creating green jobs, and expanding workforce training programs.

    • Enhance Revenue Streams: Explore innovative solutions to increase revenue without overburdening taxpayers, including updating service fees and considering local option levies for critical services like public safety and libraries.

    • Optimize Efficiency: Implement data-driven approaches to reduce waste and improve service delivery, ensuring that every dollar spent contributes to the community's well-being.

    • Protect Essential Services: Safeguard funding for mandated services, including housing, transit, and health care, while finding sustainable ways to support them amidst fiscal constraints.

    Because an economy that only works for the top isn't working at all. The future we deserve is one that's funded — and built by all of us.

  • Climate change isn’t coming—it’s already here. From extreme heat to toxic wildfire smoke, our communities are facing the consequences. And too often, it's our most vulnerable—low-income families, elders, and communities of color—who bear the brunt.

    Washington County must lead. That’s why we’ll establish a local Climate Action Task Force to drive bold, community-rooted solutions. We’ll invest in clean energy, modernize outdated infrastructure, and expand our tree canopy and green space to combat urban heat and air pollution. We’ll put frontline communities first in climate adaptation planning—from disaster preparedness to cooling centers to green jobs.

    This is about more than protection—it’s about transformation. A safer, healthier, more sustainable county is possible. But it takes leadership that treats the climate crisis like the emergency it is—and builds justice and resilience into everything we do.

    Because protecting our environment is protecting our future—and that future starts right here.

  • Our streets should bring us together, not leave us stuck or unsafe. We’ll lead a countywide transformation to make transportation more reliable, affordable, and connected.

    That means investing in safer roads and sidewalks, fixing bottlenecks, expanding transit routes, and making it easier to get around whether you walk, roll, bike, ride, or drive. It also means designing transportation systems that center equity—because access to opportunity should not depend on owning a car.

    Let’s build a Washington County that moves—with purpose, with safety, and with everyone in mind.

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