Before the session ended, the Legislature passed $200 million "Future Ready Oregon" |
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The Oregon Legislature ended its short session today, and Governor Kate Brown, Portland Community College, and others are celebrating the passage of SB 1545.
This bill is also known as "Future Ready Oregon 2022."
Focusing on historically underserved communities, the bill provides a $200 million investment package in education, training, and provides other resources to help people get on a career path to good paying jobs.
“This is a game changing investment, and it couldn't be better timed. With the COVID crisis easing, Oregonians are looking for new job opportunities that require new skills. This opens a pathway to more rewarding, better paid jobs, and it makes Oregon more competitive in the bargain,” said Duncan Wyse of the Oregon Business Council.
To read more about the bill, visit some Westside legislators' recent opinion piece in Pamplin Media.
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Cornelius "State of the City" - Mayor Dalin says the future is bright |
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The cities of Cornelius and Forest Grove literally show the meaning of partnership, as they teamed up to deliver their "State of the City" addresses during a luncheon this week.
Mayor Dalin started the in-person event by highlighting the efforts to serve those who need it most - the food insecure and houseless.
The Cornelius Mayor shared how the city is growing its housing base thanks to efforts such as Plaza Los Amigos, a 113 affordable housing unit project expected to start construction this year; Calida Group's proposed 350 apartments, which is going through the approval process; and the Laurel Woods neighborhood, where there is a broad range of new home types.
He also provided updates on commercial and industrial activities in the city.
Dalin boasted about the city's Aquifer and Storage Recovery, which has exceeded expectations.
The Cornelius Mayor said, "This project provided a much higher return on investment. For comparison, a 2 million gallon above ground tank would have cost $1.25 per gallon. The ASR project is in the $.04 per gallon range."
There was also recognition for City Manager Rob Drake, who will be retiring at the end of June.
To hear more details from the "State of the City" addresses, turn to TVCTV's broadcast.
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Turning the microphone over to Mayor Truax of Forest Grove |
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When Mayor Dalin was done with his "State of the City" address, he introduced Mayor Pete Truax of Forest Grove for his speech.
Truax said, "It is partnerships such as this that allow us to move forward. As partners, we accomplish much more than if we tried to do things separately."
He too thanked Cornelius City Manager Rob Drake for his service.
"Rob has served Cornelius with distinction in his tenure as city manager, and indirectly, he has also served Forest Grove. We share more than a common border, and the cooperation between our two cities is due in large part to the collegial attitude instilled by Mr. Drake," said Truax.
The Forest Grove Mayor went on to share the accomplishments of his city in 2021, including gaining funding for the Council Creek trail between his city and Hillsboro.
He said, "The aim of this project is to improve access to jobs, schools, housing, and providing a safe alternative to foot and bike traffic along the Tualatin Valley Highway."
Truax also turned to the discussions around House Bill 2001, which focuses on middle housing.
He touched on affordable housing by mentioning the Valfre, where more families can find a home.
On his next trip to Washington, DC, the Mayor said he will be advocating not only multi-modal transportation, but the need to talk about freight movement in the region.
He highlighted Forest Grove as being the only city with its own light and power company.
The Mayor said businesses moving to the Grove have found it has affordable electricity.
Late last week the Forest Grove City Council also made a proclamation in recognition of those in Ukraine.
To hear more of the Mayor's speech, turn to TVCTV.
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Late Night in Tigard - Mayor Snider's State of the City |
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Yes, it was a popular week for "State of the City" addresses, as Tigard rounded out the communities providing a recap of its year.
Tigard Mayor Jason Snider addressed his city virtually with an entertaining version of "Late Night in Tigard."
The Mayor talked with a business owner, nonprofit leader, and youth in the community.
Dr. Vernon Baker oversees Just Compassion, which offers overnight shelter space and a day camp for the houseless.
Israel Martinez provided a look into his coffee and pastry business, El Cuadrilatero, located at the Tigard Library, and students Aishiki Nag, Grace Schroeder, and Henry Taylor-Goably, referred to as the Climate Champions, explained what's in the Community Resiliency Plan.
Snider also did his Mayor Walking segment during the virtual event, where he talked with people on the street about how they perceived the city and asked for advice for the Mayor.
The Mayor ended his "State of the City" with a top 10 list of the city's accomplishments.
These included:
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A new mural in the city - 300+ people helped an artist to create this work of art,
- The hiring of eight new police officers,
- Streets for people - connecting streets to trails,
- Eight Gold Graduates - a diverse student cohort learned about their community,
- Body cameras for the Tigard Police officers,
- New city website,
- Code Red subscribers increasing to 1,000 - this is a public safety emergency alert system,
- Tot Lot - a new playground at Cook Park,
- Continued support for those affected by the pandemic - 396 businesses were supported with $3.5 million in aid,
- There were 27,000 new items added to the library.
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2021 sponsors given more time/opportunity to sponsor this year's annual fundraiser |
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The WEA Golf/Fundraising Committee has extended the first right of refusal to March 15 for last year's Westside Golf Scramble sponsors.
If your company sponsored the fundraiser in 2021, please let WEA staff know if you'd like to be a part of this entertaining and worthwhile event again.
"This is WEA's only fundraiser, and it provides great value to its membership. Sponsors play an important role in making it a success, and we would like to see all of our members get involved," said event organizer Teresa Dunham.
Thank you to those sponsors already committed to supporting this year's fundraiser:
- 3J Consulting
- AKS Engineering & Forestry
- Beaverton E-Suites
- David Evans & Associates
- Hathaway Larson
- Kaiser Permanente
- KG Investment Properties
- Kittelson & Associates
- LRS Architects
- Melvin Mark Companies
- Barney Worth & Murraysmith
- Otak
- Perlo Construction
- PGE
- Providence St. Vincent Medical Center
- NW Natural
- Robinson Construction
For more information about this year's July 25 tournament at Langdon Farms, contact Teresa Dunham.
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Hope is on the horizon as OHSU released its most recent COVID-19 forecast. Hospitalizations were down to 404 yesterday in the state, which is just above the goal of 400 health officials have had for relaxing restrictions. The mask mandate is being lifted on March 12, which is also the day we change our clocks, and it will mark two years since the world felt like it came to a standstill as things began to be canceled in the sports world due to the pandemic.
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In Westside commercial real estate news, the Portland Business Journal reports the Sunset Esplanade in Hillsboro (home to Target on TV Highway) has been sold for nearly $66 million to an Illinois real estate investment company.
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Washington County is looking for feedback on middle housing. To learn more and weigh in, visit the county's website.
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Beaverton is taking feedback on its Downtown Loop Project. This is a pedestrian project in the downtown core of Beaverton.
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Metro is looking for feedback on the Regional Transportation Plan. Click here to learn more.
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Wed. 3/9 at 7:30 a.m. - The Transportation Committee will meet virtually to hear about the I-5 Rose Quarter project. For more information, contact Gail Greenman.
Wed. 3/16 at 8:00 a.m. - The Government Relations Committee will meet virtually with Vision Action Network for a Legislative Recap. All members are welcome to attend. To register.
Wed. 3/16 at 12:00 p.m. - The Land Use & Housing Committee will meet virtually. All members are welcome to attend. For more information, contact KC Reinhart.
Wed. 3/23 at 7:30 a.m. - The WEA Board of Directors will meet virtually.
Tu. 3/29 at 12:00 p.m. - Beaverton will host a virtual "State of the City" address. Click here to learn more.
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