LUT Ambassador Program: Building Community, One Conversation at a Time

Every summer across Washington County at fairs, festivals, markets, and neighborhood celebrations, there’s a good chance you’ll meet a Land Use & Transportation (LUT) Ambassador.

They’re the friendly faces answering questions, sharing updates about LUT services from transportation safety to planning, permitting, and maintenance, and helping residents feel connected to the place we all call home.

What makes the LUT Ambassador Program unique isn’t just the information these Washington County staff members share, it’s the genuine community spirit behind each conversation.

A Program Built for Community

Eight years ago, Washington County’s Department of Land Use & Transportation began looking for new ways to meet community members where they’re at: local events, celebrations, and neighborhood traditions.

The Ambassador Program grew out of that goal to build a group of employees who enjoy talking with neighbors, listening to their experiences, and helping explain the work LUT does every day.

Today, Ambassadors attend dozens of community events each year, including the Washington County Fair, Big Truck Day, farmers markets, summer concerts, and cultural celebrations. At every booth or table, you’ll find an approachable LUT employee ready to chat about projects, answer questions, or simply say hello.

Meet the Ambassadors: A Family Tradition

One of the most powerful elements of the Ambassador program is the people who are part of it — employees who bring their personalities, language skills, and passion for the community.

A standout feature of the program this year is a father–son duo whose enthusiasm for public service is capturing attention.

Dalton Brown works as a Road Maintenance Worker in Operations & Maintenance. In his role, he fills potholes on neighborhood roads, distributes anti-ice during cold-weather events, and maintains gravel roads throughout the County.

His father, Bobby Brown, is an Engineering Technician in Capital Project Services, serving as an inspector on road projects, ensuring our transportation improvement projects are built safely and in compliance with approved plans and specifications.

Side by side, the Browns greet visitors, hand out materials, and share LUT’s story with a warmth that reflects their family bond.

Community members often pause when they learn the two are related, sparking conversations not just about County projects, but about a generational commitment to the Washington County community. Their presence is a reminder that public service isn’t just a job, it’s a shared value passed down and lived out by the people who work here.

Come See Us This Summer

If you’re out and about this summer, chances are the Ambassadors will be there too. Look for the LUT booth at events all summer long, including:

• THPRD Kickoff Concert – June 25
• Viva Tualatin – July 11
• Washington County Fair – July 24- August 2
• Big Truck Day – August 1
• National Night Out Banks – August 4
• National Night Out Cornelius – August 4
• Elephant Garlic Festival – August 7-9
• Tigard Street Fair – September 12
• Farmers' Markets and more seasonal events throughout the County

Whether you’re a longtime resident, a newcomer, or visiting with kids who love big trucks, the Ambassadors are ready to welcome you, answer questions, and help you learn more about the work happening in your community.

“At its heart, the Ambassador Program is about helping people feel more connected to the County they live in,” said program founder and longtime Washington County employee Diane Overstreet.

“When I see our Ambassadors laughing with neighbors, answering questions, and sharing those small moments, I’m reminded how this program brings people closer to their community. That spark, that genuine joy in connecting, is exactly what makes this program special.”