As your new mayor, I’ve been intentional about spending time listening and learning from the people who serve our community every day. Since taking office in October, I’ve begun dropping in on the city’s board and committee meetings to meet the volunteers who give their time to strengthen our community, as well as holding office hours with Tigard leadership to hear directly from employees about their work, their challenges, and what they need to succeed.
January’s Martin Luther King Jr. Days of Service was a meaningful reminder that building a strong community is a shared responsibility, reflected in the many ways people show up for one another.
That same spirit of service guides how we manage public resources and make decisions on behalf of our community.
Dollars and Cents
One of City Council’s core responsibilities is adopting a budget that reflects our community’s priorities. Tigard’s budget supports essential services like public safety, street maintenance, parks, and utilities, while also investing in programs that strengthen community connection.
Right now, the city is finalizing budget proposals and working closely with the Budget Committee, with the goal of adopting a budget for the next fiscal year beginning in July. As we do this work, we remain mindful of rising costs and planning for long-term sustainability, balancing today’s needs with responsible planning for the future.
Stewardship in Action: Tigard Public Library
To responsibly care for city facilities and use taxpayer dollars wisely, the Tigard Public Library will temporarily move its services to Tigard City Hall beginning February 6 while crews complete HVAC and roof updates. The library building will close February 1 and is planned to reopen by May 1.
Completing both upgrades at the same time allows the city to improve efficiency, reduce overall costs, and minimize disruption compared to addressing these projects separately. During this period, an express library will operate at City Hall Friday through Sunday, with phone assistance available seven days a week. This allows essential library services to continue while making prudent, long-term investments in the city’s infrastructure.
You Ask, We Answer
I hear thoughtful questions from residents every week, and I appreciate the engagement of our community.
One topic I’ve heard questions about recently is the city’s updated Time, Place, and Manner ordinance, which took effect January 16. The updates are intended to improve safety, accessibility, and neighborhood livability, while complying with state law.
The changes include adjusting allowable camping hours, increasing the required sidewalk clearance, limiting camping on the Public Works lawn to the fenced area only, and adding a limited emergency provision that allows the city to temporarily pause camping when there is an urgent health or safety risk, such as flooding. The site is also closed to public use from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., meaning no tents or structures are allowed.
City staff will continue outreach with an emphasis on clear and consistent communication. City Council has asked staff to provide additional information on implementation of the ordinance, including regular updates and a broader public review within six months to assess consistency.
I also want to take a moment to acknowledge something else I’ve been hearing from community members, many of whom are feeling anxious about recent federal immigration actions in our region and beyond. While immigration enforcement is not within the city’s authority, Tigard remains committed to being a community rooted in dignity, respect, and inclusion, where all residents can access city services and participate fully in civic life.
Thank you to everyone who serves, volunteers, and stays engaged. Service, stewardship, and shared responsibility are what keep Tigard strong, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside you.
