CCCNews Podcast: Candidate Robb Van Cleave outlines priorities ahead of May primary
The Dalles, Ore., March 26, 2026 — Wasco County commissioner candidate Robb Van Cleave said collaboration, long-term planning, and disciplined use of public funds will be key as the county navigates growth, housing shortages, and rising revenues tied to data center development.
Van Cleave, who is running for Position No. 1 in the May 19 primary election, shared his views during a recent podcast interview, outlining priorities that center on fiscal oversight, infrastructure, and what he described as a more coordinated approach to economic development.
A five-term mayor of The Dalles and former Wasco County Director of HR and Administrative Services, Van Cleave currently serves as Klickitat County administrator, overseeing day-to-day operations, budgeting, and strategic planning. He said that experience shapes his approach to county leadership.
On housing, Van Cleave acknowledged widespread shortages across income levels but cautioned against a one-size-fits-all solution. He said the county should remain open to proposals, including potential partnerships or financing tools, while evaluating each project on its own merits.
“I think each project stands on its own merits, serves its own audience, and we just have to look at them individually,” Van Cleave said.
He added that while the government can play a role, it should be carefully defined.
“Sometimes the best role of government is to get out of the way,” he said.
Van Cleave also emphasized that no single commissioner can independently drive major policy decisions, noting that progress requires coordination among elected officials, agencies and community partners.
On wildfire preparedness, Van Cleave pointed to the county’s role in supporting emergency management and ensuring adequate resources for the sheriff’s office, which oversees evacuation planning. He also highlighted the importance of regional coordination and existing aerial firefighting assets based near the Columbia River Gorge.
“We’re really lucky to have them over there,” he said of aircraft and helicopter resources stationed nearby.
He suggested the county could play a greater role in supporting those assets, including exploring opportunities to expand firefighting capabilities in the region.
Turning to economic development, Van Cleave said Wasco County should reconsider how it approaches growth, particularly as millions of dollars in annual payments tied to data centers continue to flow into local government.
He said those funds present both an opportunity and a risk if not managed strategically.
“If anybody thinks that technology is not going to change, you know, and data farms will change, we need to diversify our economy,” Van Cleave said.
Rather than targeting specific industries from the top down, he advocated for a collaborative model that brings together public agencies, private sector leaders and local communities to identify opportunities.
Van Cleave pointed to Central Oregon’s regional economic development approach as a potential model, emphasizing the need for a shared vision while allowing individual communities to maintain their identity.
On how to use growing revenues from data centers, Van Cleave said the county should balance investment with caution, avoiding overreliance on a single revenue stream while positioning funds to support long-term economic stability.
He said infrastructure — including roads, utilities and broadband — remains a core government responsibility, but added that flexibility is essential to respond to emerging opportunities.
“I think it’s all of the above,” he said of spending priorities.
Van Cleave said the county should also be prepared to support projects that have already secured significant investment but need final funding to move forward.
Throughout the discussion, he repeatedly emphasized listening to local districts, boards, and communities rather than prescribing solutions from the county level.
“I learned a long time ago I don’t have all the answers,” he said.
Van Cleave is one of four candidates running for Position No. 1 in a crowded primary field that reflects growing interest in how Wasco County manages development, public resources, and future growth.
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