CLF also awarded a special life-time achievement award to Mary Kyle McCurdy for her long-time work in the community and with 1000 Friends of Oregon.

The Robert L. Liberty Regional Leadership Award is named after the co-founder of the Coalition for a Livable Future. Past award recipients include Congressman Earl Blumenauer, Wilsonville Mayor Charlotte Lehan, Jeri Sundvall, Executive Director of the Environmental Justice Action Group, and Jim Labbe, Urban Conservationist at the Audubon Society of Portland.

This year's nominees included:

Fred Bruning, Center Oak Properties.
Fred has been instrumental in developing Gresham Station, a successful mixed-use project that few people thought could be pulled off. He moved his company from California to Gresham and invested himself and his capital in the community.

Lenny Dee, Onward Oregon
By developing Onward Oregon, a political grassroots online movement, Lenny has connected and mobilized thousands at both the local and state level.

Cassandra Garrison & Angela Martin, Oregon Food Bank
Cassandra and Angela were instrumental in mobilizing thousands of Oregonians, forcing the House and Senate to focus on the need to limit the payday loan industry.

Greg Higgins, owner Higgins Restaurant
A leader in supporting sustainable food practices, Greg is committed to sustainable cuisine through education, supporting local farmers and inspiring the public to choose good, clean food. 

Diana Lobo, citizen activist in Damascus
Diana has been community leader for many years, working to ensure there is a strong voice for active and meaningful citizen participation in regional planning.

Mary Kyle McCurdy of 1000 Friends of Oregon 
Winning case after case on behalf of Oregon’s citizens and natural resources, Mary Kyle is a true leader, working to ensure the future livability of our region.

Martha McLennan, NW Housing Alternatives, Executive Director

Involved in community development in the Portland region for nearly 30 years, Martha is an experienced leader in facilitating affordable housing development activities in suburban areas.

Mayor Tom Potter and Multnomah County Commissioner Serena Cruz
By initiating Project Homeless Connect, Mayor Potter and Commissioner Cruz, succeeded in highlighting the need to end homelessness in our city through respect, connection to community and bi-governmental cooperation.

Bob Stacey, 1000 Friends of Oregon Executive Director
Demonstrating exemplary leadership, Bob helped bring about a significant (albeit temporary) win for livability in the metro region by spearheading the lawsuit that found Measure 37 unconstitutional.

Patty Whitney-Wise, Director of the Oregon Hunger Relief Task Force
Playing a key leadership role, Patty helped simplify Oregon’s Food Stamp program application process ensuring that we were no longer the #1 hungriest state in the nation.