About Martha
Before entering public office, Martha Schrader was an entomologist, a schoolteacher and a librarian. From 1982 until 2012, she owned and operated Three Rivers Farm in Canby, growing and selling local organic produce. She is the proud mother of five children and three grandchildren. In her free time, Martha enjoys cooking meals for friends and kayaking on the Clackamas River and around Willamette Falls.
Martha was elected to the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners in May 2012 and was appointed vice chair of the board in 2014 and 2020. She previously served as Commissioner from 2003 to 2009 and was Commission Chair from 2005 to 2007. Martha represented District 20 as a State Senator from 2009 to 2011.
Martha holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University, a Master’s degree in entomology from the University of Illinois, and a Master’s degree in education from Portland State University. She has taken doctoral courses in public policy and administration from Portland State University. She is also a Fellow with the American Leadership Forum.
Martha Schrader is a no-nonsense leader with the knowledge and experience to serve Clackamas County.
Martha’s priorities:
- Housing: Clackamas County has taken creative strides toward addressing the housing crisis, but more work needs to be done. From transitional housing to intermediate and upmarket housing, we need to continue increasing the housing supply to ensure affordability while keeping people from becoming homeless.
- Economic development: Martha has always been focused on improving the business climate to attract investment and good, family-wage jobs to Clackamas County. Martha will continue supporting agricultural producers and manufacturers through trade and other initiatives while supporting our workers and workforce development.
- Environmental sustainability: Clackamas County is a leader in sustainability, both through its policies and the government’s own commitment to climate-friendly practices. Martha will continue to find opportunities, both large and small, to ensure clean air, water, and soil for generations to come.
- Good governance: The way our County government operates, each Commissioner is directly involved in the day-to-day governance and operations of county business. Therefore, it is important to elect County Commissioners with the knowledge and expertise to run the government effectively, efficiently, and with the highest possible ethics of public stewardship.
Martha serves on the following:
- Vice Chair of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Community and Economic Development Committee
- Vice Chair of the NACo International Committee
- Past president of the Association of Oregon Counties
- Willamette Falls Legacy Project, Willamette Trust Ambassador Council
- Co-Vice Chair of the Willamette Falls Locks Commission
- Tourism and Culture Liaison
Martha’s recent accomplishments in office include:
- Secured $160 million in bond allocations to acquire land for affordable housing
- Helped open the Veterans Village to provide housing and critical services for veterans in Clackamas County experiencing homelessness
- Passed county policies that promote healthy pollinators in county parks and rights of way
- Worked to secure high-quality health care centers, including mental health services for people in crisis
- Supported workers and businesses through international trade initiatives
