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Personal Background
Charlotte's family has called Clackamas County home since the Zumwalts and Grahams crossed the Oregon Trail in the 1850s. She attended Wilsonville Grade School and West Linn High School. With degrees in Early Childhood Education and Human Development, she worked for many years with young children and operated a small business in Lake Oswego. After appointment to the Wilsonville City Council in 1991 her interests turned to growth management and she returned to Portland State to study Urban Geography. Local Leader
With nearly 6 years experience on the city council, Charlotte ran for mayor of Wilsonville in 1996. Now nearing the end of her third term, Mayor Lehan has overseen tremendous economic growth and population increase in a city that still retains its reputation for high standards in environmental protection and community livability. She has taken tough stands to ensure that development does not occur beyond the city's ability to provide for it, even when it has meant declaring temporary moratoriums to get infrastructure in place. Regional Leader
While working hard to accommodate growth where appropriate, Mayor Lehan has taken firm stands opposing growth where it doesn't belong, like on Oregon's prime agricultural lands. She has served as the representative of the Small Cities of Clackamas County at the Metro Policy Advisory Committee (MPAC), and now also serves on the Urban/Rural Reserves Steering Committee as they develop a plan for where the county should grow in the future. She has been part of the Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation delegation to Washington, D.C. for the last five years, lobbying for transportation and transit funds for the region. Recognitions
2001-02 Oregon Mayor's Association, Member, Board of Directors
2002 American Planning Association, Oregon Chapter,
Distinquished Leadership by an Elected Official Award
2003 Oregon Community Trees, Citizen Volunteer Award
2003 Coalition for a Livable Future, Regional Livability Award
2004 1000 Friends of Oregon Elected Official of the Year
2005 Rotary Club of Wilsonville, Wilsonville First Citizen |
