“If I Were Mayor” 2025/26 Student contest
The Oregon Mayors Association “If I Were Mayor” contest returns to Happy Valley in 2026! Every year students are invited to share their creative ideas about how they would govern the City of Happy Valley. Local winners will receive $100 and be submitted to the statewide competition for a chance to win further prizes.
At its core, “If I Were Mayor” gives students the opportunity to take a closer look at their community and share their thoughts about safety, the environment, health, social services, youth programs and anything else they think is vital to the City.
Entries are due by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, March 4th!
Contest Criteria
4th & 5th Grade Submission Requirements
Students in 4th and 5th grade can participate in the contest by creating a poster, showing their ideas for what they would work on if they were mayor. Students are encouraged to be creative and may use any art medium (paint, felt pens, colored pencils, 3D art, etc.). All participants must fill out an entry form and attach it to their poster.
6th – 8th Grade Submission Requirements
Students in 6th, 7th and 8th grade can participate by writing a 500-1,000 word typed essay outlining a project or initiative they would lead if they were elected mayor of Happy Valley. All participants must fill out an entry form and submit the form along with their essay via email to Ashley Hagg, City of Happy Valley Communications Manager, at [email protected]
9th – 12th Grade Submission Requirements
High school students in grades 9 through 12 can participate by creating a digital media presentation to highlight a project or initiative they would focus on if they were elected mayor of Happy Valley. All presentations must be one to three minutes in length and in MP4 or online video format. Participants can submit their entry form and presentations via email to Ashley Hagg, City of Happy Valley Communications Manager, at [email protected]
The contest is open to students from the City of Happy Valley, students enrolled in schools that serve City of Happy Valley residents, and home-schooled students from the City of Happy Valley.
Questions? Reach out to Ashley Hagg, City of Happy Valley Communications Manager at 503-886-8423 or [email protected]