Can Rural and Urban Oregonians Talk Politics Without Fighting?

How does a Hood River progressive talk politics with a Sherman County farmer when their views seem worlds apart? Braver Angels holds workshops, debates and public presentations designed to bridge the polarizing political divide we experience in our country.

The Dalles, Ore., Oct. 7, 2026 — Braver Angels will hold town halls Nov. 14 in Hood River and The Dalles as part of the Oregon Rural Urban Project, a statewide effort to bridge the divide between rural and urban Oregonians.

The Hood River town hall will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at Rockford Grange, 4262 Barrett Drive. The Dalles town hall will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. at Columbia Gorge Community College, 400 E. Scenic Drive, Building 2, in the lecture hall on the third floor.

The town halls are designed to give community members and leaders an opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas about the rural-urban divide, including what they believe has contributed to the divide and what could help bridge it.

The events will be open forums focused on listening to community members and learning more about local perspectives.

Both town halls will be offered in a hybrid format, allowing people to attend either in person or online. Advance registration is requested for both formats. Those attending via Zoom must register in advance to receive the meeting information.

Registration for the Hood River town hall is available here.

Registration for the Wasco County/The Dalles town hall is available here.

The events are free. A standardized registration form includes a field for a donation amount. Organizers said attendees can enter “0” in that field.

Doug Roof, co-chair of the Braver Angels Columbia Gorge Alliance, said organizers are encouraging people to invite others who may have perspectives or ideas that could contribute to the discussion.

More information about the Oregon Rural Urban Project is available at oregon-rural-urban-project.braverangels.org.