Nickolas Hash

I’ve recently joined the city of Portland to help Parks and Recreation restructure and standardize their policy framework, centering equity and efficiency in our processes and our outcomes to better serve all Portlanders and our honored guests.

Conduct qualitative and quantitative research on systemic disparities in workforce areas, focusing on the underrepresented communities across Oregon and the greater Pacific Northwest region, utilizing tools like regional gap analyses that integrate national data, case studies, and equitable career pipeline recommendations. Lead strategic planning, writing, and stakeholder engagement for public health and workforce development contracts, including work on The I5 Bridge Replacement Project and APANO’s Construction Workforce Development Initiative. Serve as a lead contributor on workforce research and documentation for the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) Program, translating complex policy frameworks into accessible public-facing materials and implementation guidance. Synthesize advisory and oversight group proceedings into cohesive progress reports, identifying core themes and advancing actionable recommendations for equitable transportation and workforce outcomes across Oregon and Washington. Draft cross-jurisdictional apprenticeship documentation aligned with state and federal equity goals, including Section 106 consultation context and compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity Plans (EEOP).

Spearhead strategic planning and operational growth for a local consulting and media startup focused on underrepresented businesses, arts, entertainment, and culture overlooked by mainstream media. Author compelling articles and features to spotlight local stories, amplifying diverse voices in Portland’s community. Design and execute targeted social media and marketing campaigns, driving engagement and brand visibility. Develop and manage content campaigns, integrating storytelling with strategic outreach. Conduct interviews with community leaders and creatives, fostering authentic connections and insights. Build partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations to expand the platform’s reach and impact. Design and lead funding campaigns, securing resources to support sustainable growth. Direct community engagement initiatives to build trust and participation within diverse audiences. Oversee resource management and operational frameworks to ensure smooth day-to-day functioning and alignment with organizational goals.

Engaged in comprehensive qualitative analyses of regional environmental policy implementation plans, examining policies and regulations to assess their effectiveness in addressing environmental justice concerns. Evaluated existing policy outcomes to provide recommendations to improve equity outcomes through environmental initiatives across Region 10. Synthesized complex information, identified trends and patterns, and presented findings in clear and actionable formats to inform decision-making processes. Represented the DOI and facilitated communication between various stakeholders, including government agencies, advocacy groups, and community members. Gathered feedback, and addressed inquiries regarding environmental policies, regulations, and initiatives to develop informed and inclusive environmental strategies tailored to the needs of the region. Brought together representatives from multiple agencies, including the DOI, EPA, and state environmental departments to develop action plans, track progress, and evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing environmental justice efforts.

Provide expert consultation on policy and legal matters pertaining to the development of foundational documentation for the establishment of an educational community garden and food security non-profit organization (501c3). Develop strategic guidance on regulatory compliance, legal structures, and governance frameworks to ensure the successful formation and operation of the organization. Engage in board committees and planning groups to create media and programming that finance operations through service provision. Provide hands-on support at the garden site, contributing to various projects ranging from basic maintenance tasks to more extensive initiatives. This encompassed actively participating in garden upkeep activities, conducting community seminars to promote awareness of sustainable food practices, and collaborating with stakeholders to plan and execute large-scale garden overhauls and building projects aimed at enhancing food security and local community resilience in the Lents neighborhood.

Conducted comprehensive research & analysis on the changes introduced by the US Department of Justice to the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act (Title II, 504, 508) that served as the foundation for an agency-wide implementation strategy for OHA, ensuring the agency’s alignment with the new federal digital accessibility regulations. Formulated implementation plans at both the agency and division levels within OHA to ensure compliance with ADA standards. These plans were designed to address the specific needs and requirements of each department within OHA while ensuring uniform adherence to regulatory guidelines. Developed comprehensive processes and procedures aimed at creating, remediating, and managing accessible digital content to facilitate related to government health services. These procedures covered content creation, modification, and maintenance, all geared towards enhancing digital accessibility for all users. Created training materials, including digital templates, user guides, executive summaries, and other support materials, tailored specifically for OHA staff and leadership. These resources were crafted to ensure digital accessibility compliance and equitable access for individuals utilizing assistive technologies. Spearheaded cross-divisional collaborative initiatives aimed at establishing robust policies and procedures within OHA. Developed and implemented sophisticated project management systems now instrumental in facilitating progress tracking, resource allocation, and effective prioritization of tasks. Managed relationships between various policy workgroups by fostering open communication channels, resolving conflicts, and cultivating a collaborative environment. Implemented robust progress and outcome measurement mechanisms to effectively track the implementation of digital accessibility initiatives within OHA utilizing tools such as SiteImprove, Google Analytics, and Smartsheet.

*Graduate Summer Fellowship* In response to the urgent need to implement Measure 110, I undertook the task of formalizing functional processes related to Coordinated Care Organizations (CCOs), Behavioral Health Resource Networks (BHRNs), contract matters, and auditing responsibilities. Collected existing documentation, solicited input from staff and subject matter experts (SMEs), and conducted systematic research on relevant administrative rules to ensure adherence to compliance standards. Conducted comprehensive research and documentation of pre-existing ad hoc processes and performance metrics associated with the implementation of Measure 110. This endeavor aimed to create a comprehensive "process landscape" that provided insights into existing procedures and metrics, laying the groundwork for further refinement and enhancement. Led the establishment of new processes, performance measures, and comprehensive documentation for internal procedures necessitated by the implementation of Measure 110. Through collaborative efforts and consensus-building, I facilitated the development of robust frameworks that aligned with the objectives of the measure while ensuring organizational efficiency and compliance. Coordinated meetings and spearheaded workgroups to deliberate on and finalize the newly established processes. By fostering open communication, soliciting diverse perspectives, and guiding productive discussions, I facilitated the consensus-driven refinement and approval of operational procedures critical to the successful implementation of Measure 110 initiatives. Implemented effective systems for tracking work progress using platforms such as Smartsheet, SharePoint, and Microsoft Teams. Leveraging these tools, I ensured transparent monitoring of project timelines, milestones, and deliverables, facilitating seamless coordination, collaboration, and accountability across multidisciplinary teams involved in Measure 110 implementation efforts.

Organized and managed the daily operations of a small 7-acre CSA farm on Sauvie Island, a short distance from Portland, OR. We specialized in regenerative organic agriculture to foster sustainable local food and financial systems. Planned and tracked crop progress using proprietary GPS and spreadsheet-based field management systems that we developed internally. Planned and tracked all accounting and financial related matters including credit and tax accounts. Recruited and managed seasonal employees to carry out labor tasks on the farm that were beyond our internal capacity. Created branding and marketing materials as well as promotional content (that was often educational in nature. This included video and social media content as well as outreach and direct market engagement through farmers markets and similar opportunities. Maintained and repaired various aspects of the farm, along with its tools and equipment. Tasks ranged from plumbing water lines across fields, constructing necessary structures, fixing tractor engines and parts, to creating any specialized tools required Developed and carried out educational sessions where participants were taught how to grow and prepare culturally appropriate foods in ways that they could take home and do at their own houses or with their families and local communities.

Led and assisted in daily classroom activities for the school-aged children (K-5th Grade) that attended our programs. This included large group facilitation as well as frequent small group or 1-on-1 mentoring with students. Designed curricula that supported our students’ learning achievements using integrated sustainable practices and applied scientific methods. In addition to integrating hands-on eco-agrological pedagogy practices, place-based learning methods, and material “lifecycle” science into the daily classroom activities, I led a special project (with institutional and personal support from the Executive Director) to adopt a participatory governance program for and by the students. They were allotted a $1500 budget which they got to decide how to use by learning participatory government project structure and then carrying it out. (Sadly, the onset of Covid halted this from reaching fruition) Additionally, I managed the commercial kitchen to ensure that food stocks, safety regulations & policies, dietary restrictions & allergy precautions, dispersal times, and budgetary restrictions were properly adhered to. In response to Covid shutdowns, I coordinated rapid-response resources (including food, toiletries, and helping secure and disperse a grant for $10,000 in supplies) for families and community members that were no longer able to access our regular services due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Provided expert consultation on organizational policies and regulatory requirements to facilitate the establishment of a 501c3 non-profit entity dedicated to community education and food security initiatives. By navigating complex legal frameworks and regulatory landscapes, I ensured compliance with pertinent regulations while laying the foundation for the organization's mission-driven endeavors. Secured financial support for inaugural public participatory budgeting projects in Portland by actively engaging with donors, governmental institutions, and grant funding bodies. Through strategic outreach and compelling advocacy efforts, I cultivated meaningful partnerships and secured vital resources to support community-driven initiatives aimed at promoting equity, inclusion, and civic engagement. Led the coordination and execution of the inaugural participatory budgeting project "kick-off" event in 2018, engaging minority communities and community-based organizations in East Portland. By fostering inclusive dialogue, facilitating collaborative decision-making processes, and empowering marginalized voices, I helped catalyze community-driven efforts to address pressing socio-economic challenges and promote equitable resource allocation. Leveraged media platforms to raise awareness and foster community participation in the participatory budgeting process. Through radio and TV interviews with local stations, I promoted the mission of PBP Portland, amplifying community voices, and galvanizing public support for inclusive governance and equitable resource distribution.

- Political Science/Public Service major - Sustainability minor - Student Government Representative - Student Activist, Lobbyist, and Rights Advocate - Honor Student/Dean’s list

- Associates of Arts degree - Graduated 2016, transferred to Portland State University