CCCNews Podcast: Biechler Outlines Collaboration-First Approach in Wasco County Commissioner Race
The Dalles, Ore., March 27, 2026 — Wasco County commissioner candidate Nichole Biechler said she would focus on collaboration, fiscal responsibility and workforce development as the county navigates growth, housing shortages and rising revenues tied to data center development.
Biechler, who is running for Position No. 1 in the May 19 primary election, currently serves as a business manager at NORCOR, a multi-county correctional facility. She previously worked as Wasco County’s human resources director.
Her campaign comes at a pivotal moment for the county, as millions of dollars in new revenue — including payments tied to Google’s data center expansion — create opportunities and pressure to invest strategically in infrastructure, housing and public services.
On housing, Biechler said she supports projects like the proposed Basalt Commons development and believes the county should play an indirect but active role in addressing supply constraints.
“Housing was an issue and still is an issue,” Biechler said, noting that affordability and availability remain barriers for many residents.
She said the county’s role should center on land-use policy, planning and coordination with partners such as the City of The Dalles and regional housing agencies, rather than direct development.
“It’s not just the county’s problem, it’s the community’s problem,” she said.
Biechler repeatedly emphasized collaboration as a central theme of her approach, describing the commissioner's role as one that connects agencies, secures resources, and builds consensus.
That philosophy extended to wildfire preparedness, where she pointed to her own experience being evacuated multiple times as a county resident. She said improving coordination with state and federal partners, strengthening evacuation planning, and investing in fuel reduction efforts should remain priorities.
She also highlighted the need for more stable, long-term funding for rural fire districts, calling reliance on short-term grants “a band-aid” and advocating for more sustainable financial planning.
On economic development, Biechler said the county should continue diversifying beyond a small number of major employers while supporting existing industries such as agriculture, which she said has faced ongoing challenges.
She also addressed the impact of large industrial investments like Google’s data centers, saying the county must balance economic benefits with infrastructure demands and natural resource concerns.
“What we can do is be smart about how we’re investing in the future,” she said, pointing to potential uses for new revenue such as road improvements, public safety and long-term financial reserves.
Biechler said some of those funds should be reinvested directly into the community rather than held entirely in reserve, while still maintaining an endowment or “rainy day” fund.
She also voiced support for investing in local schools, including the potential need for a new high school in The Dalles, describing school quality as a key factor in attracting and retaining families and workforce.
“Schools are going to be a big draw,” she said.
Biechler said the county can play a supporting role by helping communicate financial impacts, providing data and working with community partners to improve public understanding of bond measures and funding options.
Throughout the interview, she framed the commissioner position as one focused on coordination and long-term planning.
“A large part of this position is connecting people to the right resources,” she said.
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