Friday, Jan. 28, 2022
News & Notes
One big lovefest - Hillsboro's "State of the City" address
   The theme for Hillsboro's virtual "State of the City" address was "We love Hillsboro," and it lived up to it.
   Mayor Steve Callaway talked last night from the City Council Chambers to an online audience about the love the city's residents have for their community.
   Each city councilor spoke on video about what they loved about their city, including: parks, recreation, events, the downtown, the Hillsboro Hops, the people, its ranking as one of the best places to live, and being honored as the public employer of the year.
   Callaway also talked about the challenges and thanked those who have been part of the solutions or who have supported the city's efforts.
   This included those who helped with the recent fires the city experienced at the beginning of this month - first responders, public works, water supply staff, volunteers, and others.
   The Mayor also touched on the homeless issue and the city's shelter efforts, along with affordable housing.
   He also talked about planning efforts in transportation and community development, as well as water supply and job opportunities.
   To view the Hillsboro "State of the City" address, turn to the Hillsboro Facebook page.
WEA welcomes a new director to its Board
   KG Investment Properties' (KGIP) Regional Director Josh Shearer has joined the Westside Economic Alliance Board of Directors.
   Shearer is replacing Kyle Latta, who changed companies recently.
   As KGIP's regional director, Shearer oversees the company's operations in both the Portland and Seattle markets.
   He is the primary point of contact for KGIP's new business in both markets, plus he is involved in industrial development and renovations.
   In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family at the Oregon coast, playing golf, and experimenting with barbeque recipes.
   To learn more about the Alliance's Board of Directors, visit the WEA website.
An opportunity to be on WEA's most entertaining committee
  WEA is looking for members for its Golf/Fundraising Committee, which starts meeting virtually again next Friday (Feb. 4) at 12pm.
   The Golf Committee oversees WEA's only annual fundraiser, the Westside Golf Scramble, which will be hosted on Monday, July 25 at Landon Farms Golf Club.
   "This committee is where creativity and entertainment meet to develop one successful fundraiser," said WEA Marketing & Communications Manager Teresa Dunham. "It's a great way to connect with a jovial and welcoming group."
   No golf experience is required to be on the committee, but a "can do" attitude is appreciated.
   WEA wants to thank its current Golf Committee members:

  • Diego Arguea from Kittelson & Associates,
  • Betty Atteberry, former WEA executive director,
  • Byron Balogh from LRS Architects,
  • Hannah Bays from KG Investment Properties,
  • Teresa Dunham from WEA,
  • Todd Duwe from Perlo Construction,
  • Rich Foley from Umpqua Bank,
  • Gail Greenman from WEA,
  • Yvonne Inserra from First American Title,
  • Matthew Kahl from Jordan Ramis,
  • Samantha Ridderbusch now with Comcast,
  • Josh Shearer from KG Investment Properties,
  • Terry Song from Murraysmith,
  • KC Reinhart from WEA,
  • And Mayor Pete Truax from Forest Grove.
Odds & Ends
  • The Portland metro region saw more than $4 billion in multi-family sales last year. Real estate investors appear to be attracted to the region, despite limits on rent increases. Read more in the Portland Business Journal.

  • Elected and housing leaders celebrated the groundbreaking of a project in Tigard that will become affordable homes to many. The project will have 144 housing units with studio, one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments. Click here to learn more.

  • Washington County's Board of Commissioners will be looking to appoint a new state representative to House District 30 on Monday. The three candidates being considered are Barbara Johnson Smith, Nathan Sosa, and Lamar Wise. For meeting information, visit the county's website.

  • OHSU will be asking the legislature for $45 million in an effort to respond to workforce needs in healthcare. OHSU wants to expand its diversity efforts and graduate 30% more healthcare professionals by 2030. Read more on OHSU's website.

  • Next week is the beginning of the Chinese New Year - the year of the Tiger. For activities and to learn more, see this article in Pamplin Media.
Events coming up
Wed. 2/2 - Happy Groundhog Day - It's also known as Two's Day and a palindrome date

Wed. 2/9 at 7:30 a.m. - The Transportation Committee will meet virtually. All members are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Gail Greenman.

Th. 2/10 at 7:30 a.m. - The Government Relations Committee will meet virtually. All members are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Gail Greenman.

Wed. 2/16 at 12:00 p.m. - The Land Use & Housing Committee will meet virtually. All members are welcome to attend.

Mon 2/21 - Presidents Day holiday

Wed. 2/23 at 7:30 a.m. - The WEA Board of Directors will meet virtually.

Mon. 2/28 at 12:00 p.m. - The cities of Cornelius and Forest Grove will host its annual "State of the City" addresses. For more information, contact the Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber.