On February 17, the City Council voted to refer a bond measure to Tigard voters this May. This measure would fund a modern, integrated public safety facility to replace our aging police, public works, and emergency operations buildings. Those spaces were not designed for the Tigard we are today or the service demands we will face in the decades ahead. This decision was not made lightly. It reflects years of planning, analysis, and careful consideration of what our growing community needs to remain safe, prepared, and resilient.
Our current facilities were built decades ago, when the city was much smaller. Since then, Tigard’s population has tripled. Service demands have increased, emergency response expectations have evolved, and modern public safety standards have changed. Independent assessments have concluded that the existing buildings are beyond their useful life and no longer meet operational needs.
There comes a point when repairing aging buildings is no longer the most responsible choice. Much like a well-worn pair of shoes, repairs may work for a time, but eventually replacement becomes the more cost-effective and practical option.
For example, when the police department building was constructed in the 1980s, Tigard had about 25 police officers. Today, more than 70 officers and 16 professional staff serve our community, placing significantly greater demands on a building that was never designed for that level of staffing.
The proposed project would create a modern facility designed to improve coordination between public safety, public works, and emergency management teams. During major events such as severe weather, flooding, or fires, these departments must work closely together. Operating from a shared location improves communication, speeds decision-making, and helps teams respond and recover more effectively.
The project would also provide secure evidence storage, appropriate spaces for victims and witnesses, and on-site training areas so police officers can complete required training locally instead of traveling long distances. That means officers can remain closer to the community and be available to respond when needed.
Financial responsibility has been central to this proposal. With a park bond scheduled to roll off property tax bills this year, the estimated tax impact would be about $13.60 per month for the average homeowner. The bond would be repaid over approximately 30 years, which is typical for long-term public infrastructure. Even with this investment, Tigard’s overall property tax rate is expected to remain competitive with or lower than many neighboring cities in Washington County and across the region. Independent audits and oversight would ensure funds are spent transparently and consistently with voter intent.
This project is not just about buildings. It is about preparedness, coordination, and ensuring that Tigard can continue providing high-quality services for the next 40 to 50 years. It is about making sure our first responders have the facilities they need to protect us and planning responsibly for the future.
In the coming months, you will hear more information so you can make an informed decision when your ballot arrives. I encourage you to learn more, ask questions, and stay engaged in the conversation about our community’s future.
Together, we move Tigard forward.
