A note from the Executive Director |
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As we get ready to head into Memorial Day weekend, all eyes remain on Salem as the Senate walk out continues. With critical policy bills in the balance, and a budget that needs approving, it is hard to know how this legislative session will end.
In a meeting with Senator Elizabeth Steiner, who is the co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means (aka the budget committee), she shared key budget items to be funded including record investments in K-12 education, maintaining core services for Oregonians already receiving state healthcare (such as Oregon's Bridge Health Plan and the Oregon Health Plan), and strategic investments in drought-stricken rural Oregon. Bond financing will also be used to support Oregon’s investment in the replacement of the Interstate 5 Bridge over multiple biennia. More details can be found in the Co-Chairs Budget Framework release at the beginning of the 2023 session.
Additionally, we bid a fond farewell to Randy Ealy (PGE) who stepped down as a WEA Board Director this past month. Randy, we thank you for your long and dedicated service to Westside Economic Alliance. We look forward to your continued engagement in our forums and other events.
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May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Visiting locally owned AAPI businesses is one great way to continue to engage with your histories and cultures of our diverse community. Click here to find businesses near you.
We hope you took some time this month to engage with your local community organizations to celebrate the wealth of diverse cultures being honored.
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Westside Mayors come together for annual forum |
On Thursday May 25 the Westside Mayors came together for an annual forum. With eleven mayors in attendance, and a packed room, WEA brought an updated program that included important policy and project updates, punctuated by a cowbell as a timer.
It was a first opportunity for many WEA members to hear directly from the new mayors of Forest Grove, King City, Tigard and West Linn.
Two common themes emerged: the need for continued economic growth and livability.
There was a clarion call across the panel of Mayors for action related around urban growth boundaries including industrial land supply and employment land designations, as well as the need for continued partnerships with the state and federal governments. While the cities on the westside are uniquely situated, they all share a desire to access the tools needed to grow their local economies.
Coupled with economic growth was a desire to make wise investments to increase the health and well-being of their residents. A point of pride across the Mayors were efforts to grow and retain their business sector, to increase walkability, and to build community through events and shared spaces.
Thanks to Comcast who served as our primary forum sponsor, along with Espousal Strategies, IBEW Local 48, TriMet, Intel, NW Natural and PGE.
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Thanks to the Mayors who were able to join! |
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Stephanie Jones (Banks)
Lacey Beaty (Beaverton)
Jef Dalin (Cornelius)
Malynda Wenzl (Forest Grove)
Steve Callaway (Hillsboro)
Jaimie Fender (King City)
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Teri Lenahan (North Plains)
Tim Rosener (Sherwood)
Heidi Lueb (Tigard)
Frank Bubenik (Tualatin)
Rory Bialostosky (West Linn)
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Sherwood West process continues |
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The City of Sherwood concluded its Technical and Community Advisory Committee this month, another important step towards their plans for an Urban Growth Boundary expansion.
Working from the basis of the 2016 Preliminary Concept Plan, Sherwood West provides land for new residential neighborhoods, employment opportunities, parks, schools, and natural areas. Recent studies have indicated a greater community need for employment and mixed-use commercial areas to help Sherwood achieve a balanced mix of jobs and housing. The City also needs to comply with the rules of Oregon House Bill 2001, which requires cities such as Sherwood to provide diverse housing types, including duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses and cottage clusters in all zones that permit single-family detached housing.
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A note from a WEA Member: North Plains
Our City Council will hear the proposed UGB for adoption in June. That will be the final step for City Council action before both Washington County and the State of Oregon take up our plan.
Over the nearly three-year duration of this process, we have worked closely with the Oregon Department of Land Conservation & Development (DLCD) and Business Oregon, involved our partners including Washington County Land Use & Transportation and the City of Hillsboro, and held numerous public meetings to discuss UGB rules and findings so that planning reflects the broader community.
Our process and our location attracted the attention of the Oregon Semiconductor Competitiveness Task Force. With their coordination, we have identified sites within our new UGB to help grow the semiconductor “ecosystem” in Washington County. The federal CHIPS Act seeks to grow and reshore the entire semiconductor ecosystem for national security reasons. For Oregon to be competitive, a variety of sites within a relatively short distance will need to be planned and made available for the regional ecosystem to expand. North Plains will contribute to this effort.
North Plains continues to seek partnership in its efforts to:
- Work with Hillsboro, Washington County, and the State to plan infrastructure need, including the Jackson School Road corridor and interchange for ecosystem growth; and
- Communicate that we do this to provide our community with a higher quality of life, starting with jobs and services closer to home, as well as fiscally sustainable City services.
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Are you a WEA Member? Do you want to get a message out about an important program or project? Contact [email protected].
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Preparing for wildfire season
As Oregon’s weather gets hotter and drier, wildfires can hit suddenly and grow quickly. PGE is hosting a community conversation in preparation of the 2023 fire season. Learn about the work their Wildfire Mitigation Program is doing and share your thoughts to help develop their 2024 Wildfire Mitigation Plan.
Dinner will be served. ASL and Spanish interpreters will be present. This event is open to all.
Engage with PGE experts and other community partners on topics like: • Emergency preparedness • Investments being made in your community • Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) • PGE will be joined by the Oregon State Fire Marshall's office, the Oregon Department of Human Services and Washington County.
Location: North Plains Elementary School, Cafeteria Tuesday, June 6th, 5pm – 7pm 32030 NW North Ave. North Plains.
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Locally owned since 1886, Lewis is committed to making a positive impact for their clients and the community. Lewis understands that in construction even the smallest of details affect the integrity of the work and the safety of their sites. That’s why their teams are tenacious when it comes to getting it right, day in and day out, to deliver quality buildings that stand the test of time.
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JE Dunn Construction Company is family and employee owned and has been a leader in the commercial construction industry since 1924. The company provides general contracting, construction management, and design-build services.
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Pride Disposal & Recycling Company is a family-owned and operated business that has served the Sherwood, Tigard, and Washington County areas for more than 30 years. Pride provides innovative solid waste and recycling services for home and business. Pride Disposal & Recycling works with Sherwood, Tigard, King City, Beaverton, Durham, Hillsboro, and Washington County communities to create safe, clean neighborhoods, and a sustainable environment for future generations.
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KJ Lewis is the Local Government Affairs Manager with PGE covering all of Washington and Columbia Counties.
Prior to joining team PGE, KJ served as the Municipal Relationship Manager for Republic Services where she was responsible for managing a $51M book of business and 21 municipal franchise agreements. KJ developed and maintained strategic partnerships with staff, elected officials and community leaders (NGOs/CBOs) in large metropolitan areas and rural communities, many of which are inside PGE’s service area.
KJ lives in University Park in Portland with her artist husband, David, two teens and a Bernedoodle puppy. In her spare time, you can find KJ watching women’s soccer, talking about soccer, or thinking about soccer. She also loves to travel. A lot.
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Upcoming WEA Meetings & Events |
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June 14: Transportation Committee
June 15: Government Relations Committee
June 28: Board Meeting followed by quarterly Member Only Reception
No Committee meetings in July.
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Join us for our quarterly Member Only Reception.
This is a great chance to get to meet your Board of Directors, mix and mingle with other members, and enjoy some beautiful Oregon summer sun.
Details and registration link coming soon.
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Thursday, July 27, 2023
12:30 pm start | North Course
The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club
The scramble format tournament is a fun afternoon with 144 players and sponsors with some of the greatest games, competitions and prizes. Enjoy lots of food, drinks and camaraderie throughout the day.
For those of you who want to have a little more fun on tournament day…. We are heading back to the future! Dress like it is 1986 to celebrate 37 years of the Westside Scramble. Decorate your cart, design your outfits, create a unique promotion for your sponsorship and win prizes for your creativity.
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Want to Volunteer?
Would you like to volunteer as an individual? Do you have a team at your office who would like to volunteer? We have slots open from registration to on-course promotions.
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Sponsorships Still Available.
Interested in a Westside Scramble sponsorship? We have hole sponsorships and other promotional sponsorships available.
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Limited Foursomes available.
A few remaining Westside Scramble foursomes will be available for purchase to members for $1,200. The Foursome includes lunch, dinner, and two carts per team - and a ton of fun.
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Reach out to Dani for Sponsorship, Volunteering and Team Registration!
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Ready to activate your WEA membership? |
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There are lots of opportunities to engage in WEA.
Membership Committee - The membership committee is reforming after a hiatus after Covid. Let's talk about optimizing your membership and add members to the WEA roster! The Membership Committee will meet monthly in person.
Policy Committees - Members may attend policy committees and hear from local policy leaders on initiatives impacting the Westside and the Region.
- Transportation - Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the Month on Even Months - at 3J and via Zoom
- Government Relations - Meets on the 2nd Thursday of the Month Every Month - in person
- Land Use & Housing committees - Meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the Month on Odd Months - virtual
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Want to get your organization out front?
Your sponorships matter! Thanks to our Annual Partners and Sponsors for supporting Forums, the golf tournamant and other upcoming projects. All of our Forums and Events rely on our generous corporate sponsors.
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