Investing in Place, Tourism, and Local Business Success

City Council reached consensus on two initiatives designed to strengthen downtown vitality, support local businesses, and enhance Forest Grove's appeal as a destination community.

For downtown placemaking, Council prioritized exploring improvements focused on the 21st Avenue corridor between Main Street and College Way, along with enhancements to both the north and south sections of College Way. Council also expressed interest in utilizing the Central City parking lot and alley connection between Pacific Avenue and 21st Avenue as a community event space.

At the same time, Council discussed future use of Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) resources, including continued support for tourism programming and modifications to event sponsorship opportunities that encourage recurring "event series" programming.

These conversations share a common goal: creating economic activity by attracting visitors, strengthening community identity, and supporting local businesses.

Strategic placemaking investments help create vibrant public spaces that encourage residents and visitors to spend more time downtown, while tourism investments can generate restaurant sales, retail spending, winery visits, overnight stays, and repeat visitation.

An important question moving forward is how we measure success. Beyond attendance figures, meaningful outcomes include supporting and retaining small and locally owned businesses, increasing customer traffic, encouraging private investment, and generating new spending within the community.

Together, these efforts directly support the goals outlined in the Forest Grove 2040 Vision and help position our community as a destination while reinforcing the businesses and organizations that make Forest Grove unique.

Economic Development is a Collaborative Effort

As concepts move from discussion to implementation, collaboration with community partners will be essential. The City is engaging organizations including Pacific University, the Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Association, the Economic Development Commission, event organizers, property owners, and local businesses to help shape priorities and identify opportunities.

Successful placemaking and tourism initiatives are most effective when they reflect community interests, leverage existing assets, and create shared benefits for residents, visitors, and the businesses that contribute to Forest Grove's character and economy.

Stay Informed

City Council Meeting Synopsis | June 22

Work Sessions:

Transient Lodging Tax (TLT) - read article above
Downtown Placemaking - read article above
Police Facility Bond Ballot Language - concensus on ballot language

Regular Meeting:

Presentations:
Parks & Recreation Commission Annual Report
Parks & Recreation Projects Update
Public Hearings, Ordinances, and Resolutions - all adopted unanimously
Amending Comprehensive Plan Map
Fixing Water Rates
Sewer Utility Rates
Surface Water Management Rates
Clean Water Services Rates
Council Communications
EDC: initial orientation of Enterprise Zone policy questions
CCE: focused on public awareness for the Police Facility Bond

How to Participate:

🔗Agenda Packet
🎧 Video on Demand

Out & About ... What's Going On

Pedestrian Improvements

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is improving pedestrian safety on Oregon 8 (Pacific Avenue) near Rose Grove in Forest Grove: a new mid-block crosswalk with a pedestrian-activated beacon, also known as a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon , or RRFB, to alert drivers that someone is crossing the street.

The crosswalk will also include a pedestrian refuge island halfway across. The location for this crosswalk was chosen because this section of OR 8 has long distances between crosswalks, and reduces the distance pedestrians must travel for a safe crossing. RRFBs are a critical part of our efforts to maintain a modern and safe transportation system.

This improvement means a safer and more accessible pedestrian network, improved nighttime visibility and more responsive traffic signals.

What you need to know

Anticipated traffic impacts: Intermittent single lane closures on Pacific Ave.

Daytime single lane closures on OR 8 between Mountain View Lane and OR 47 from 6/22-6/26. One lane in each direction will close during daytime hours.
Sections of sidewalks along OR 8 near A and B Row are closed for several weeks. A signed ADA-accessible detour route is in place.
Bus stops for TriMet Line 57 near A and B Row are temporarily impacted for several weeks. Check TriMet.org for more details.

🔗Learn more and stay updated

Chamber Luncheon | Education

I recently joined local business leaders and community partners for an important conversation about the state of education and the future of our local schools.

During the discussion, Forest Grove School District Superintendent Dr. Suzanne West provided a comprehensive overview of the district's budget outlook, year-end accomplishments, and the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Her presentation reflected thoughtful leadership, a commitment to student success, and a willingness to engage openly about the realities facing public education today.

Dr. West shared valuable data and insights that reinforced what many educators, employers, and community leaders have observed: Oregon's education system continues to face significant challenges.

Student achievement, attendance, funding pressures, and increasing expectations on schools are creating complex demands that require both stable funding and new approaches to how we support student learning.

At the same time, the presentation highlighted important accomplishments across the district and the dedication of educators, staff, students, and families who continue to work toward positive outcomes.

Strong Schools, Strong Community

These conversations matter because the impacts extend far beyond the classroom. Education is closely tied to workforce development, economic vitality, and the long-term success of our community. The students in our schools today will become the employees, entrepreneurs, skilled tradespeople, business owners, and civic leaders who shape Forest Grove's future.

Strong schools and strong businesses go hand in hand. Employers depend on a prepared workforce, and students benefit from a community that invests in educational opportunities and career pathways. Understanding the challenges and priorities facing our school district is critical for anyone invested in the health and prosperity of Forest Grove.

As we look ahead, continued collaboration between schools, businesses, local governments, and community organizations will be essential to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed and that our community remains a place where families, employers, and generations can thrive.

Join the Forest Grove Police Department for Coffee with a Cop on Saturday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Forest Grove Police Station. Meet the new Police Chief, ask questions about the proposed police facility bond, and take a guided tour of the current facility. Stop by to learn about the future of public safety in Forest Grove!

Please note: These tours are geared toward adults. Children are welcome; however, parents and guardians should be aware that participants may hear and see information that may not be suitable for all ages.

🔗Police Facility Bond information page

Let's Chat ...

Reach out with a date, time and preferred location to meet for individual or groups conversations.

An open invitation to ask questions and share your experiences about what's going on in the Grove.

Stay tuned for information, updates and events

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Reach out directly: bschimmel@forestgrove-or.gov