Tabitha: Rooted in Community
Tabitha Eck has deep roots in the McKenzie River valley. She and her husband were both born and raised on the river, and now their children are third-generation students of McKenzie High School. As the Executive Director of the McKenzie Community Land Trust , Tabitha is dedicated to rebuilding the Blue River area after the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire. For her, public transit isn’t just a ride, but a tool for restoration.
Recently, Tabitha found herself waiting for Route 91 at a bus stop in Vida. Standing there, she realized she had been in that exact same spot 20 years ago as a sixteen-year-old waiting to head to her first job.
Reflecting on the impact of the bus, she noted, “I realized that that bus provided that opportunity for me when I was 16 and is providing that opportunity for me now.” In an area where jobs are often far from available housing, the bus stands in the gap to keep the community connected.
Following the path of the scenic McKenzie River, Route 91 connects rural communities (Walterville, Leaburg, Vida, Nimrod, Finn Rock, Blue River, and McKenzie Bridge) to Eugene Station in Downtown Eugene. The LTD bus allows people to live where they love and still reach the places they need to go.
Tabitha believes that reliable transportation is essential to the continuation of the McKenzie River corridor. For her, that means taking some trips on the bus to get work done while she travels between Vida and Blue River.
As Blue River continues its community-led recovery, Tabitha and the McKenzie Community Land Trust are expanding possibilities for fire survivors, essential local workers, and multi-generational families living on the McKenzie River.
Public transit is the bridge that helps Tabitha and the Blue River community Connect to What’s Possible. Whether you are starting your first job or leading a community project, we are here to support your journey.
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