Friday, April 22, 2022
News & Notes
President Biden makes a stop at PDX
   Oregon leaders and the Port of Portland welcomed President Biden to the Pacific Northwest yesterday.
   WEA member IBEW had the honor of having one of its apprentices (Lauren Heitzman) introduce the President during his press conference at PDX.
   The President highlighted the passage of his recent infrastructure package, and he stressed America's need to invest in itself.
   "There is a belief that we can't do big things anymore, but we can. We've proven we can, and we must build a better America, and a good place to start is right here in Portland. Folks, look. Portland International Airport is a perfect example of both the need and the opportunity and the ability to make progress. I don't have to tell you that it's essential to the economic engine for the entire region, not just Portland."
   Biden spoke about Oregon's delegation and their work to get millions of dollars in funding to create a more resilient runway at PDX.
   During his visit, Biden also toured some of the construction happening at PDX, including the new unique mass timber roof that is being constructed on-site for the $2 billion main terminal renovation project.
   Some Westside leaders also had the chance to shake hands with the President, including WEA Board member and Metro Councilor Juan Carlos González.
Land Use & Housing Committee learns about the growing community of North Plains
   The WEA Land Use & Housing Committee met with North Plains' Bill Reid and Andy Varner this week to learn about the city's economic and community development efforts.
   Reid said North Plains is seen as a bedroom community, but it needs to to grow its economy and rebalance jobs and housing.
   In its assessment for growth, North Plains has found it needs almost 170 acres for housing and nearly 700 acres for employment land.
   Reid said right now there are 20 people who live and work in North Plains; 1,120 residents who commute to other areas of the region for work; and 935 workers who travel into the city for their jobs.
   North Plains currently has a planned community development being constructed that is expected to add about 1,500 residents, which will be a 33% increase to the city's population.
   There are also plans underway to develop a 5-acre site with WEA member Rembold Development, so residents will have a place to shop nearby for groceries and other supplies.
   North Plains is also looking to revitalize its downtown by looking at opportunities for housing, a city hall expansion, and to have more library space.
   To see Reid and Varner's slide deck presentation, click here.
Sherwood attracts new manufacturer to its industrial area
   NSI has announced it's planning to develop a new 62,000 square foot state-of-the-art headquarters and manufacturing facility in Sherwood. 
   "Our new location will allow us to dramatically increase our throughput to meet our customer’s growing needs,” said Kyle Kimmerle, president of NSI.
   NSI supports the growth of fab expansions in the semiconductor and solar industries by supplying complex, ultra-high purity gas and chemical delivery systems.
   "We particularly want to thank NSI for selecting Sherwood for their new advanced manufacturing facility," said Sherwood Economic Development Manager Bruce Coleman in a statement.
   The new facility will be located in the Tualatin-Sherwood Corporate Park (TSCP) near Tualatin-Sherwood Road and SW 124th Avenue. 
Odds & Ends
  • Congratulations to these WEA members who were named Executives of the Year by the Portland Business Journal:
       - Comcast's Megan Bishop;
       - Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center's Laura Byerly;
       - Legacy Health's Trent Green;
       - And Kaiser Permanente's Wendy Watson.
Events coming up
Wed. 4/27 at 7:30 a.m. - The WEA Board of Directors will meet in-person in the Beaverton City Council Chambers.

Th. 4/28 at 7:30 a.m. - An in-person Breakfast Forum with the candidates for Washington County Chair at Embassy Suites (9000 S.W. Washington Square Rd., TIgard, OR 97223). To register

Wed. 5/11 at 7:30 a.m. - The Transportation Committee will meet. All members are welcome.

Wed. 5/18 at 12:00 p.m. - The Land Use & Housing Committee will meet. All members are welcome.