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Tara Kroft Deepens Staff Expertise on Infrastructure and Transportation Issues

Tara Kroft, who has Capitol Hill experience working on infrastructure and transportation issues, is now part of the CFM Federal Affairs team in Washington, DC.

“CFM represents a number of Pacific Northwest clients with interests in transportation, environment and climate-related issues,” says CFM Federal Partner Joel Rubin. “As a legislative assistant, Tara will add to our existing staff strength in supporting current and future clients who care about infrastructure policy and programs.”

“From the beginning of my career, I’ve had a passion for investments in transportation and infrastructure that boost the economy and address the needs of working class families,” Kroft says. “The way a government invests in physical space and infrastructure reveals the way it values the people living there.”

Kroft joins CFM after serving as a research assistant for the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. She previously worked as a legislative intern for Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley in his Washington, DC office where she tracked environment, energy, transportation and infrastructure legislation.

Before moving to DC, Kroft was a Legislative Fellow for the Oregon Department of State Lands where she prepared background memos and became an expert on the clean-up and removal of derelict vessels. She also was a Communications Fellow for former Governor Kate Brown, a role that required her to develop a website, write articles and post on Twitter and Instagram.

Native Oregonian and Willamette Grad
A native Oregonian, Kroft graduated from Willamette University with a major in Politics, Policy, Law and Ethics. She received Ford Foundation and Jason Lee scholarships.

“As a first-generation college student raised by a single mother,” Kroft says, “I first got involved in politics at Portland Community College where I helped lead student efforts in lobbying and getting out the vote. I saw the power in making smaller voices heard in government. Ever since, I knew what I wanted to do. I’m very excited to continue that work for the community I grew up in.”

When Kroft isn’t working, she enjoys live comedy, reading a good book and spending time with her cat Bibble.

She also has a special skill-set that could prove useful to visiting CFM clients and family members. “I worked as a part-time Segway tour guide,” Kroft explains. “I have a lot of great recommendations for how to spend your time in DC.“ She also can provide safety tips for riding a two-wheel electric scooter for adults in a big city.