This section provides an essential overview of the legal and ethical framework governing the Port of Cascade Locks as a special district. As Commissioners, you must maintain the highest standards of fiduciary duty, transparency, and accountability while adhering to mandates like open meeting laws and public records requirements. This information outlines the crucial ethical principles necessary for sound governance and preserving public trust.

Special District Board Member Handbook
A reference guide for newly elected or appointed board officials, providing essential information on their statutory responsibilities, governance basics, public meeting laws, and ethics requirements for serving a special district. 

What is a Special District?
An illustrated brochure from the Special Districts Association of Oregon explaining what special districts are, their services, advantages, numbers, example profiles, and a statewide map.

Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Chapter 198 – Special Districts Generally (2023 Edition)
The governing law detailing all aspects of special district formation, administration, boundary changes, and cessation.

SDAO Special Districts Fact Sheet – Ports
An overview of Oregon port districts, governance, roles in multimodal freight, and funding realities.

• Oregon Ports

Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) Chapter 777 – Ports Generally (2023 Edition)
The governing law for Oregon's Port Districts, defining the authority, responsibilities, and administrative structure for nearly all Port Districts in Oregon.

Oregon Government Ethics Law – A Guide for Public Officials
A comprehensive manual published by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC). Its primary purpose is to clearly explain the requirements and prohibitions of the state's ethics law.

Port Commissioner Training
List of mandatory and recommended trainings to ensure Commissioners are fully proficient in their legal duties and best practices.