It’s hard to believe – the holiday decorations are coming out and 2023 is almost over!
What a year. For many of us, 2023 has brought blessings big and small.
But it has presented some challenge, too. I know from my own family’s experience, and from hearing from so many of you across Tigard, that people are feeling squeezed. Across our region, whether you rent or own your home, housing prices are high, and options are few. Too many of our neighbors are living unhoused. Families and small businesses are continuing to struggle to recover from the impacts of the pandemic. And across the world, communities are being torn apart by war. At times, it can feel overwhelming.
As the year comes to end, this is a perfect time to look back, reflect, and remind us that we have done so much. There’s still hope as we’ve worked to make life better for people in our community. I’m proud of what we’ve delivered so far in 2023.
To help make Tigard a welcoming and safe place for all, we adopted our first-ever Racial Equity Action Plan, and an accompanying Equity Declaration, actions that are import stances recognizing that our differences make us stronger.
Over the summer, we helped bring community together through City-hosted events like our Pride Parade, our Juneteenth event, our Pop-Ups, our annual 4th of July festivities, and our Concerts in the Park summer series. In August, dozens of our neighborhoods took over the streets for National Night Out, talking about safety and getting to know one another. We had a summer where we gathered and we connected.
In late October, we re-opened the Tigard Senior Center. And last month, we cut the ribbon right next door on the Alongside Senior Apartments, which will provide Tigard with much-needed senior affordable housing. Both examples of the progress we are making to serve everyone who calls Tigard home.
It’s also important that as a city, we also recognize where we didn’t quite hit the mark. We know we are not perfect, but we will always strive for excellence. That is our promise to you as one of our 5 E’s – Excellence, Economy, Equity, Engagement, and Environment. For example, I heard from you about the construction on Main Street and the impact it had. You spoke up, we listened, we learned, and we responded to your feedback. You made the project better.
This holiday season is a time to celebrate our community together. This past year has shown us that we are stronger together. And know we are grateful that you call Tigard home. I am especially grateful to be part of this community and to serve as your Mayor. Thank you for an amazing 2023. I believe 2024 will be even brighter.
My job is to listen to you. I need to hear about your priorities for the year ahead so we can keep Tigard moving forward. You can always reach me at 971-435-0964 or heidil@tigard-or.gov, or you can connect to the whole City Council at CouncilMail@tigard-or.gov.
