Bennett, Cascade Locks split

CASCADE LOCKS — The Cascade Locks City Council, led by Mayor Brenda Wood, came to a mutual separation agreement with the city’s administrator, Jordon Bennett, in a special meeting held on Monday, Jan. 6.

Prior to assuming the position in October 2022, Bennett previously worked for Eastern Washington University, Spokane Public Facilities District, Harney County, and the Burns Paiute Tribe. He had received criticism from the council, particularly since January 2025 when several new councilors and the mayor were seated, and was working in collaboration with several council members to create a formal work plan on hopes of addressing those shortcomings.

According to City Attorney Ruben Cleaveland and Mayor Wood, the council voted to approve a severance agreement following the conclusion of an executive session on Jan. 6. Bennett was placed on paid administrative leave for the rest of his work tenure, which ends in February. An interim city administrator has not been named.

The Cascade Locks City Council next met after press deadline, Jan. 13.