Friday, August 6, 2021
News & Notes
Unemployment rates continue to slide downward
   New data from the Oregon Employment Department shows Oregon's unemployment rate fell to 5.6 percent in June, recovering an additional 112,500 jobs since June of 2020.
   Employers in Washington County have added 11,600 jobs in the same time frame with an unemployment rate of 4.9 percent - 5 percentage points lower than a year ago, according to Workforce Analyst Brandon Schrader.
   Workforce Analyst Lynn Wallis reports Clackamas County's unemployment rate also dropped to 5.6 percent in June.
   Employers there have added 6,300 jobs since June of 2020.
   To see more, refer to Schrader and/or Wallis' reports.
Clackamas County to welcome community input on possible code amendments
   In an effort to provide more opportunities for housing development, Clackamas County is proposing amendments to its Zoning and Development Ordinance (ZDO) in its urban unincorporated areas.
   The county has been drafting language and researching changes.
   Now it's asking the public to weigh in on the proposed amendments at an upcoming Planning Commission meeting to be held virtually on Monday, August 23. 
   If adopted, the amendments would provide more residential development opportunities for property owners throughout most of urban unincorporated Clackamas County and help to address housing shortage and affordability problems. 
   The proposed amendments focus on:
  • Increasing the density bonus for affordable housing,
  • Amending minimum parking requirements for multifamily housing to better reflect market needs, and
  • Increasing allowed housing density in certain commercial zones.
   To learn more, visit Clackamas County's Planning Commission website.
Odds & Ends
  • The intersection at Roy Rogers Road and 99W in Sherwood is getting some improvements. Learn more about it on the Washington County website.

  • "Frozen in the Heat" was a recent Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation (THPRD) event held at the Cedar Grove Apartment's plaza and splash pad in Beaverton. It showcased a partnership between THPRD, which is incentivizing affordable housing with park placement, and Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH). To read more, visit Pamplin Media's Beaverton Valley Times website.

  • THPRD is also hosting vaccine clinics at some of its upcoming events. If you or someone you know is looking to get the shot, visit THPRD's website.

  • Providence Health & Services is hosting its Bridge Pedal on Sunday. To learn more and to register, visit the event's website.

  • The News & Notes newsletter is going on vacation, but will be back soon.
Events coming up
Wed. 8/18 at 12:00 p.m. - The Land Use & Housing Committee will meet virtually with Sherwood's Economic Development Manager Bruce Coleman. All members are welcome to attend. For more information, contact KC Reinhart.

Th. 8/26 - The Westside Golf Scramble will tee off at The Reserve Vineyards & Golf Club. Sponsorships are available as are $10 raffle tickets for golf getaways to Bandon Dunes and Sunriver. You do not have to present to win either of these prizes. For more information, contact Teresa Dunham.