If I Were Mayor...
What would you do if you were the mayor? Tell us about your creative ideas, and earn a chance at a prize for you and your classroom! See below for details, resources, and previous winners.
This contest is currently closed. Be sure to check back in for future opportunities.
The 2025-2026 'If I Were Mayor' Contest is an opportunity for students to share their creative leadership ideas--and a chance to win some prizes! Be sure to refer to the Oregon Mayor's Association for current rules.
Submission Guidelines (All Grades)
The City of Aumsville invites local students to tell us what you would do if you were mayor! Each year, the Oregon Mayors Association (OMA) holds a contest for elementary, middle, and high school students around Oregon. Winners of each local contest will be entered into the state contest for a chance at a grand prize worth $500!
- Submissions must include a complete OMA Entry Form. (Click here to download the form in English.) (Haga clic aquí para descargar el formulario en español.)
- Submissions must be emailed to kheimbuch [at] aumsville.us (contests[at]aumsville[dot]us) by March 6, 2026 at 5:00 pm. (See details below for the specific requirements for each grade-level.)
- Students must submit their projects to the City where they are enrolled in school. (Home-schooled students may submit their entries to the City where they reside.)
- The Mayor of Aumsville will select a contest winner for each age group, as applicable.
- The winning submission from each age group will be submitted to the state contest for a chance to win a price worth $500!
- Questions? Call us at 503-749-2030, or email your questions to contests [at] aumsville.us (contests[at]aumsville[dot]us)
Grades 4-5: Create a Poster
- Creative Poster: Be creative! You may use any art medium (paint, felt pens, colored pencils, pastels, crayons, 3D art, etc.) to show us what you would do if you were mayor!
- Required Format: .PNG, .JPEG, or PDF file. Scan, or take a photo of your poster, and email it to us along with a complete registration form.
- Prize: The winner will receive a $50 prize, plus $50 for their classroom!
Grades 6-8: Write an Essay
- Essay: Write an essay of 500 - 1,000 words to tell us what you would do if they were mayor. (1.5x - 2x spaced lines is preferred)
- Required Format: Microsoft Word or PDF. Email your essay to us along with a complete registration form.
- Prize: The winner will receive a $100 prize, plus $100 for their classroom!
Grades 9-12: Create a Digital Presentation
- Digital Presentation: Create a 1-3 minute long presentation telling us what you would do if you were mayor.
- Required Format: MP4 video, or a link to the presentation/video (i.e. YouTube, Vimeo, Prezi, Canva, etc.)
- Prize: The winner will receive a $150 prize, plus $150 for their classroom!
Learn More
- Need some ideas to get started?
- To find out what a mayor does, see "What Does A Mayor Do?" in the attachments below.
- To learn more about local government in Oregon, visit the OCCMA (Oregon City/County Management Association) Civic Education Toolkit webpage here.
- For more details on the statewide contest, visit the OMA If I Were Mayor webpage here.
Need Some Ideas? Start Here!
- Aumsville Mayor & City Councilors
- Aumsville City Charter
- Past City Council Meetings & Minutes
- What Does A Mayor Do?
- OMA Statewide Contest Information
Contests for Other Cities Nearby
2024-2025 Winner
Monse’s video entry stood out for its inspiring energy, eloquence, and innovative vision for Aumsville. Through her articulate presentation and thoughtful ideas, Monse demonstrated not only her love for this city but also her creative ideas for making it an even better place for all. A big thanks to Monse for her hard work and creativity, and congratulations on becoming this year’s If I Were Mayor Contest winner!
2023-2024 Winners
Elementary School Winner: Asher Van Dorp
Middle School Winner: Monse Juarez