Cathie Camargo Rigby is passionate about building stronger and more resilient communities through practical solutions and meaningful partnerships. As Grant Manager for the City of Newport, she oversees funding that supports local projects, infrastructure, and services that directly benefit residents. Her work centers on making public resources more accessible and effective, expanding program capacity, and ensuring that investments truly serve the people of Newport.
Cathie has served in a variety of public service roles, including juvenile probation, affordable housing programs, economic development, business retention, and small business support.
These experiences strengthened her commitment to people-focused and trauma-informed service, and gave her a grounded understanding of how local government decisions shape community wellbeing.
She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Master’s Degree in Public Policy – both from University of Utah. She also serves on the Lincoln County Fair Board of Directors, the Cape Perpetua Collaborative Board of Directors, the Leadership Lincoln Advisory Board, and the Oregon Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. In addition to her municipal work, Cathie founded Beacon of Hope for TBI Families, a nonprofit that supports families navigating the challenges of traumatic brain injury. Her advocacy is rooted in compassion, accessibility, and community-driven care.
Cathie is the daughter of immigrants from Peru, a wife, and a mother of six. Her family life fuels her dedication to building a resilient, equitable, and opportunity-rich future for her community. After years of public service, she is energized by the opportunity to be the first woman of color to serve as Lincoln County Commissioner.
A little about me and my ideas for the future of Lincoln County.
Stay tuned… this content will be updated throughout the campaign.
Grounded, determined, and responsible.
The ocean has always been a constant in my life. For years, my family and I dreamed about making a home in our favorite vacation spot for 18 years. Living in Newport has given me what I had been missing for years: a community that sees people for who they are, not what they have.
I’ve carried a piece of art with me to every home since becoming an adult: a lighthouse perched on a cliff, waves crashing against the rocks. Coming to Lincoln County felt like stepping into that image, which has been a steady reminder in my life that guidance and strength can always be found, even in times of chaos.
I love the way the natural beauty and the community spirit are woven together in Lincoln County. The coastline, forests, and open space are stunning, but it’s the small town feel—the way people look out for one another and show such commitment to this place—that makes it truly special. You can find pride and a real sense of belonging in every corner of the county.
A fishing trip on a charter boat in the early morning with agate hunting on the beach in the afternoon. Chatting with other locals about where the best gravel can be found. My husband cooking fresh fish for dinner. A sunset walk on the beach or dancing the night away at Primaltones.
To me, being Oregonian means honoring the incredible natural beauty we’re surrounded by and taking responsibility for protecting it. It means valuing community, showing up for one another, and having a strong sense of belonging. That commitment shapes how we live, work, and support each other.
I was raised by immigrant parents who taught me that gratitude is an active word. My family’s legacy is a powerful and guiding force in my life. I want to preserve and advance a legacy that my grandchildren can be proud of, like my parents gave me when they sacrificed everything to come to a new country and start over, so their children could have more opportunities in life.
The greatest challenge facing Lincoln County right now is the lack of affordable housing, and it touches nearly every other issue we face. When people can’t find stable, attainable housing, it affects our workforce, our schools, our health care system, and the overall well-being of our communities. It’s not just an economic issue; it’s a human one.
I have the right experience and approach to make a difference. I understand the issues at hand, and my approach centers on asking good questions that lead to good, actionable answers.
