CCCNews Podcast: Gambee Emphasizes Housing Strategy, Wildfire Readiness, and better use of reserve funds in Commissioner Race
The Dalles, Ore., April 1, 2026 — Wasco County commissioner candidate Lisa Gambee said the county must focus on transparency, infrastructure and long-term planning as it navigates growth driven by new revenue and development.
Gambee, who is running for Position No. 1 in the May 19 primary election, outlined her priorities during a recent CCCNews podcast interview, pointing to housing affordability, wildfire preparedness and responsible use of public funds.
Gambee faces John Grant, Nichole Biechlet and Robb Van Cleave for the seat that is being vacated by current commissioner Scott Hege.
The race comes as Wasco County faces increasing pressure from population growth, rising housing costs and the impacts of large industrial projects, including data centers.
On housing, Gambee said increasing supply is important but questioned whether projects like the proposed Basalt Commons development fully address affordability concerns. She noted the project would add rental units but may not serve residents already struggling with rising costs.
“I think having additional rental units is good because the rental market is tight,” Gambee said, while adding that she would prefer to see stronger affordable housing components in projects receiving public support.
She also raised concerns about the county’s role in financing private development, including potential risks if projects are not completed.
Gambee pointed to land availability as a key factor in addressing affordability, saying the county could play a more direct role by making publicly owned or tax-foreclosed land available for housing development.
She highlighted the community land trust model as a way to maintain long-term affordability by separating land ownership from the value of the home.
On wildfire preparedness, Gambee described the issue as a top priority, shaped in part by her personal experience with a fire near her property in 2020. She said recent fires, including the Rowena fire, underscore the need for stronger planning and coordination.
“It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when,” she said of future wildfire events.
Gambee outlined several areas of focus, including water system reliability, evacuation planning, emergency communication and fuel reduction efforts. She said both pre-fire planning and post-fire recovery must be considered to reduce long-term risks to communities.
She also addressed the challenges facing rural fire and water districts, which often rely on volunteers and unstable funding sources. Gambee said the county should play a stronger role in coordinating resources and supporting long-term funding solutions.
“These districts were never meant to be based on bake sales and volunteer help,” she said.
On economic development, Gambee said revenue from data centers and other large projects should be reinvested in the communities most affected by their impacts, particularly in infrastructure and water systems.
She also called for greater transparency in how tax incentives and revenues are structured and used.
“I think there’s been kind of a lack of transparency,” she said, noting that complex tax agreements can be difficult for the public to understand.
Gambee said diversifying the local economy will be critical to long-term stability, pointing to opportunities in small business development, outdoor recreation, renewable energy and value-added agriculture.
She emphasized the importance of supporting downtown vitality and creating spaces where residents and visitors can gather, saying those investments contribute to both economic growth and community identity.
On education, Gambee said building a new high school is an important investment but acknowledged concerns about cost and public trust. She said county leaders can play a role in bringing partners together and identifying funding sources to reduce the burden on taxpayers.
Throughout the discussion, Gambee emphasized collaboration and communication as key elements of effective leadership.
Support Local News!
Available for Everyone; Funded by Readers.
