Wildfire Risk Reduction Grant
Protecting Our Community from Wildfire Risks
The City of Happy Valley is committed to supporting community wildfire prevention efforts by helping residents and HOAs manage and reduce overgrown vegetation through organized clean-up events.
How this program began
In 2020, the City of Happy Valley hired a professional forester to assess vegetation and wildfire risk across all open space areas within city boundaries. This included City-owned land, County, Metro, and State properties, as well as HOA-maintained open space and large private properties. To see the report that was done in 2020 visit here.
This comprehensive study was completed in early 2022 and presented to City Council. Based on the findings, several HOAs were identified as being at high or extreme wildfire risk. In response, the Council directed staff to explore funding options to assist HOAs with vegetation management on their privately maintained properties.
Between 2022 and 2024, the City applied for multiple wildfire mitigation grants. While earlier funds could only be used for public property, the City later refined its grant request to focus on equipment and resources that would directly support HOA-led clean-up efforts on private open space.
In 2025, the city received approximately $80,000 in grant funding to:
- Purchase a wildfire tool trailer
- Offer public outreach and training to HOAs
- Provide direct support for defensible space clean-up events
Following the award, the City Arborist and Wildfire Mitigation Liaison re-assessed the 14 HOAs previously rated at high or extreme risk. These areas were confirmed to remain at elevated risk and therefore became the priority for grant-supported clean-up activities.
The city may consider additional HOAs for support if they are later assessed at high or extreme risk. HOAs not meeting those thresholds may still request use of the tool trailer if it’s not already reserved for priority HOAs, but additional financial support (such as chipper vouchers) will not be available for those groups.
HOA Clean-Up Timeline & Requests
Clean-up events are encouraged between June and September 2025, but the city will do everything possible to accommodate requests during other months based on staff availability.
A master calendar will be created so HOA representatives can select dates that work for their community
Tool Trailer Access
The City’s wildfire tool trailer is available to HOAs on a first-come, first-served basis and includes support from a City representative.
- A City representative will deliver the trailer to the clean-up site.
- The representative will also provide guidance on:
- Safe and proper use of the tools
- Effective trimming and debris removal techniques
- Identifying native plants to avoid removing beneficial vegetation
- HOAs should submit a cleanup plan outlining where and how vegetation will be reduced.
- Each HOA is allowed up to two uses of the trailer during the 2025 calendar year.
- It’s recommended to have at least 10 volunteers for each event.
- All participants using City tools will need to sign a waiver form.
- Volunteers under age 18 may participate using their own tools but may not use City-provided equipment.
To reserve the trailer, contact:
Katie Coffey
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 503-886-8438
(Please contact at least two weeks in advance.)
Participation by Non-Grant HOAs
HOAs not included in the original grant-funded list may still be eligible for limited support if their properties were listed as high or extreme risk in the 2022 Wildfire Risk Assessment or a re-assessment is requested and confirmed.
To request participation:
- Complete a brief application that includes:
- HOA name and contact information
- A map of the site
- Proposed date and location of clean-up
- Acreage and estimated debris volume
- Summary of planned activities and how the project reduces fire risk
- Contact Katie Coffey at [email protected] or call 503-886-8438 to request the application.
- Priority will be given to the original 14 HOAs. Once those areas are addressed, the City may support additional HOAs meeting the same risk criteria.
- HOAs not rated high or extreme may still request trailer use if available, but chipper vouchers or financial support will not be provided
Tree Removal Requirements
If your clean-up event involves removing trees bigger than 6 inches in diameter on HOA property:
- Submit a Type B Tree Removal Permit at HVworks.com.
- Permit fees and replanting requirements may be waived if the work directly supports wildfire risk reduction.
- A City arborist will assess the site to determine if tree removal is appropriate.
Volunteer Training and Best Practices
To protect native plant species and encourage proper vegetation management:
- HOA leads and volunteers may be asked to attend a training session or review materials on:
- Identifying invasive vs. native plants
- Best practices for fire mitigation
- Safe tool use and debris handling