Friday, September 23, 2022
News & Notes
Registration open for Gubernatorial Forum
WEA is pleased to be hosting the Regional Growth Gubernatorial Candidate Forum on Monday, Oct. 10 from 6-7 p.m. Forum topics include Business, Workforce, Transportation and Housing.

  • Register here for the online event.

  • Got a question for the candidates? Please submit them in advance of the event, as no live questions are allowed. Send questions to [email protected].


For more information, contact Elizabeth Mazzara Myers: [email protected].
For questions about registration, contact KC Reinhart: [email protected].
ODOT Tolling Plan Update
ODOT presented an update on its statewide Tolling Plan at the Sept. 14 Transportation Committee meeting. Oregon faces an annual shortfall of more than $510 million to adequately maintain infrastructure.

Work is underway on the first two tolling corridors, I5 and I-205, with the Abernathy Bridge project the first to begin tolling in late 2024. Next steps include studying the variable-rate tolling on all lanes of I-205 between the Abernathy Bridge and the Tualatin River Bridge. Additional tolls are set to begin in late 2025.

Committee Chair John Howorth said members asked ODOT several questions, including the impact of tolling on the economy and low-wage jobs, and how the cost of tolls will be passed onto the end products/services as companies pay more for employees and deliveries. The committee said it wants to have a seat at the table to discuss the tolling methodology and rate setting as that committee is just getting underway. Any interested parties should apply to be considered.

For more details, read the meeting summary notes, view the slide deck and listen to the full recording.  
Weigh in on Metro RTP 2023 + Funding Decisions
Metro is updating its Regional Transportation Plan that guides where investments are made to address current and future transportation needs. It's the region's vision for the ways people and businesses move around. The Plan, updated every five years, was last completed in 2018. Weigh in by taking the RTP survey by
Oct. 17.    

Share your input in on which walking, biking and moving freight transportation projects should be funded with an estimated $43 million in federal funds. See Metro's project list and take the survey by Oct. 7.
Member News – New Feature!
We've launched a new section in the Newsletter to highlight member news and updates. If you have content to share, send it to [email protected].

  • The Hillsboro School District, City of Hillsboro, Jireh Semiconductor, Tosoh Quartz, Intel, and other industry partners have launched the Hillsboro Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship program, Oregon’s first-of-its-kind, industry-recognized youth apprenticeship program. This new program provides high school students with an equitable pathway to hands-on, paid training toward a career in advanced manufacturing. Intel’s support of the program has been important for capacity building and communications. Learn more about the program.

  • NW Natural is partnering with Washington-based Modern Electron to create clean hydrogen directly from natural gas and blend it into its existing natural gas distribution network. The cutting-edge energy technology is set to go live in early 2023.
Upcoming Events
Senator Wyden Featured Guest at Oct. 14 Forum
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden will join us for a special Friday, Oct. 14 Breakfast Forum. The Senate has been quite busy this year, successfully passing key legislation on behalf of our region and the entire state, with Senator Wyden playing a key role.

Join us on Oct. 14 Breakfast Forum from 7:30-9 a.m. at Tigard Embassy Suites (9000 SW Washington Sq. Rd).

Register here. For more information, contact KC Reinhart: [email protected].

Thanks to our Forum Series Sponsor Legacy Health and the presenter for this forum Kaiser Permanente.
U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici headlines Oct. 27 Breakfast Forum
Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici is the featured guest at the Thursday, Oct. 27 Breakfast Forum.

Rep. Bonamici has supported important legislation that's helping businesses, seniors, young people, women and more.

Join us as she highlights the 2022 legislative session and gives an overview of the top bills that were signed into law.

The Oct. 27 Breakfast Forum will be held at the Tigard Embassy Suites (9000 SW Washington Sq. Rd). Registration details will be available in early October.

For more information or to register, contact KC Reinhart: [email protected].

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Committee & Board Meeting Schedule

Wed. 10/12: Transportation Committee
Wed. 10/19: Land Use and Housing Committee
Wed. 10/26: WEA Board of Directors

For more information or to register, contact KC Reinhart: [email protected].
Odds & Ends
  • Hillsdale Food Cart Park celebrates its 10th anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 25 from 12-4 p.m. with free food and live music. Event at corner of SW Capitol Hwy and Sunset Blvd.

  • Celebrating October as Hispanic Heritage Month. Each year, Hispanic-owned U.S. businesses contribute more than $800 billion to the American economy. During Hispanic Heritage Month, learn about resources to help Hispanic entrepreneurs start, grow, expand and recover businesses. Visit U.S. SBA. 

  • Beaverton is looking for volunteers to serve on its boards and commissions. Apply by Oct. 3.

  • Have a community event or news item you want to feature in the Newsletter? Contact us at [email protected].
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