June 28, 2024 | View as webpage

The third-floor lobby for Building Services and Development Review/Current Planning in the Public Services Building will be closed for in-person services on July 1 so staff can update computer systems. Online and phone services and in-person appointments will continue, and staff will be working in the office.

LUT offices will be closed Thursday, July 4 for the holiday

Wardell named Assistant Director

Erin Wardell has been named Assistant Director of Washington County Department of Land Use & Transportation (LUT) effective July 8. 

"Erin has been in a series of leadership roles during her 10 years with LUT," said Stephen Roberts, Director, LUT. “She has demonstrated exceptional leadership and organizational skills that are highly valuable to LUT and Washington County as a whole." 

Wardell joined PDS as a senior transportation planner in LUT's Planning and Development Services Division in 2014. In 2016 she was promoted to principal planner, leading the PDS Transportation Planning section. She was promoted to PDS manager in 2022. 

"Under Erin's leadership, the Planning, Development Review/Current Planning and Building Services teams in PDS have had tremendous successes," Roberts said. "COVID, retirements and unprecedented hiring challenges created unexpected setbacks for some of our work groups. Erin was able to work with her PDS leadership to fill vacancies, develop service-level targets and implement process improvements to address those challenges head on. The PDS team has excelled under her leadership, and I look forward to Erin bringing that experience to the entire department." 

Wardell has a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Urban and Regional Studies from Cornell University and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree from Portland State University. She holds a certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners and is a graduate of both the Women’s Transportation Seminar LEAD Program and the Oregon City/County Management Association’s Northwest Women’s Leadership Academy. Prior to her employment with Washington County, Wardell worked for Parsons Brinckerhoff (now WSP) as a transportation planner. 

Travel safely over July 4th weekend

Plan ahead for heavy traffic if you are traveling for the July 4th holiday. If you're hitting road, you should:

• Avoid peak travel times
• Visit Tripcheck.com and wc-roads.com for the latest travel impacts
• Include extra travel time in your schedule
• Slow down and stay alert
• Drive for conditions on the road
• Keep an emergency travel kit in your vehicle

Some road closures are planned for July 4th community events. Visit wc-roads.com for details.

There is an increase in impaired driving crashes over the July 4th holiday period. Don't drive drunk, high or "buzzed". Remember these tips if you are at a gathering where there may be alcohol or drugs:

• Arrange a designated driver or sober ride in advance.
• Prepare to order a rideshare or call a cab if you need to travel while intoxicated.
• Make arrangements to sleep over after a party if you can’t get a sober ride.
• Ask for intoxicated party guests’ keys if it is safe to do so.

• Thompson Road from Anthem Lane to Circle A Drive; road closure, July 1-Aug. 25 for construction.
• Walker Road/Greystone Street intersection; traffic signal shutdown, July 1 for utility work.
• Walker Road/158th Avenue intersection; traffic signal shutdown, July 2-3 for utility work.

Visit wc-roads.com for more traffic impacts.

At Washington County, we believe our employees and services should reflect our growing and diverse community. We understand that taking care of our community means taking care of our employees.

Discover career opportunities with Land Use & Transportation! We're committed to building and maintaining a great transportation system and planning and protecting our community's land. Open positions include:

• Inspection Supervisor, full time regular

Learn what's going on in your area of Washington County. Attend your Community Participation Organization (CPO). CPOs are made up of community members who work together and are actively engaged in decision-making processes. Find out which CPO you live in and learn more.