Looking Ahead: Building the Foundations of a Safe and Strong Tigard
December in Tigard is always lively, and this year is no exception. Universal Plaza fills with families for the holiday festivities, local shops are bustling, and neighborhoods glow with the snowman scavenger hunt and holiday lights walk. These moments remind us how special Tigard is when our community comes together. That same spirit shone through in our generosity. When the City offered a $10,000 match to Packed with Pride, donors met it almost immediately, and residents, faith groups, and businesses continued supporting food pantries across the city. These acts of kindness reflect the heart of Tigard.
As we close out 2025, I’m grateful for all we’ve accomplished. This year wasn’t just about projects; it was about the people who strengthen our neighborhoods and keep Tigard moving forward. Once again, we showed that Tigard is a community that supports one another, invests in its future, and works together to build a better city for all.
Across Tigard, we made improvements that enhance daily life. Alongside safety upgrades near major roads and schools, we expanded connections along the Fanno Creek Trail. It has been wonderful to see seniors on morning walks, cyclists enjoying new segments, and families exploring the trail together. Another highlight this year was opening the new boat ramp at Cook Family Park, giving residents easier access to the Tualatin River for recreation and quiet moments outdoors.
We also advanced important long-term priorities. Community engagement helped shape our newest community, River Terrace 2.0; our business-support programs strengthened small and family-run shops; and City Hall renewed its focus on communication, partnership, and rebuilding trust. Behind the scenes, we completed the Reservoir 18 project, which strengthens our water system for decades to come, and modernized internal systems through the Tyler enterprise software, allowing electronic permitting, online service requests, and more accurate, streamlined billing. These improvements may not make headlines, but they improve everyday experiences for residents and businesses.
Planning for Tigard’s new Police and Public Works Facility also made a major leap forward. The City selected both the architecture and construction manager teams to lead the design and planning work, the Oregon Legislature awarded Tigard $3 million to support resilient features such as an earthquake-ready Emergency Operations Center, and we launched a Community Voices Panel to ensure residents help guide the project. Together, these steps lay the groundwork for a modern facility that will help protect our community for generations to come.
What encourages me most is knowing that every milestone this year was fueled by the dedication of this community. As we head into 2026, I’m excited to continue this work together and grateful to be walking this path with you.
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a bright start to the new year.
