Message from the Mayor
February, 2012
The number one concern expressed by Tigard residents is always traffic congestion, especially on Pacific Hwy. This is because 99W is a major commuter and freight route to and from Portland. Over the past several years, the city has devoted a lot of time and energy to finding a solution that makes useful changes.
Just this past year, a $12 million project was completed that improved the intersections at Hall Blvd. and Greenburg Rd. and replaced the traffic signal control system with a state-of-the-art, reactive and interactive system that responds to traffic levels and time of day by adjusting the timing and duration of traffic lights.
There are plans for an improvement project at the intersection of Gaarde and McDonald but we are seeking additional funding before we can proceed with construction. Future plans call for a widening of Pacific Hwy., north of Hwy. 217, which will be paid for by anticipated development in the Tigard Triangle, adjacent to Costco and Winco Foods.
Another reason for congestion on Pacific Hwy. is the lack of alternatives for getting around the city. We have plans to improve the connectivity and condition of Tigard’s streets so residents are not so dependent upon one main route. These include improvements to Walnut St. and 121st on the west side and a major expansion of 72nd Ave. from Pacific Hwy. to Hwy. 217 on the east side.
The third leg of the transportation system stool is how we make public transportation more convenient and useful to Tigard residents.
The Southwest Corridor Plan is looking at future land use and how High Capacity Transit (HCT), in the form of light rail or bus rapid transit, fits into that model. One thing I feel strongly about is that potential rail transit in the corridor must not impinge on the 99W right-of-way or reduce its capacity. Ideally, the line would come into Tigard from Portland through the Tigard Triangle, either parallel but apart from Pacific Hwy. or along 72nd Ave. into Tigard’s downtown, and south from there. I would actively oppose a rail line that takes away capacity from Pacific Hwy.
All of these plans will take time—in the case of HCT, ten years or more—and money. But as we move forward, we do have a plan and will work to make it a reality.
Craig E. Dirksen, Mayor
craigd@tigard-or.gov
January, 2012
Happy New Year, Tigard!
I know that some people are predicting that the world will end this year, but if it’s all the same to you, we at City Hall are going to go on planning and providing city services based on the assumption that that is not the case.
Late last year the city completed its biennial Community Attitudes Survey. The survey gives us valuable information about the issues that Tigard residents think are important and tells Council and staff where they should be focusing the city’s attention and resources.
Based on this year’s survey results, I am going to use this column to comment on the issues you’ve
identified and share the city’s plans and activities in those areas. I’m going to call it,
“Quality of Life: What Makes Tigard ‘A Place to Call Home’?”
In each installment, I’ll take an issue like transportation, neighborhoods or community development and write about what makes Tigard special in that area. I’ll let you know how your city is working to protect and enhance what works, and how we plan to meet the challenge to improve what doesn’t work.
I think it will be fun and informative, and I look forward to hearing your response
to my articles. If you’re interested, view the latest survey results here.
December, 2011
Hello, Tigard!
Mayor Dirksen generously
shared this space so that I could introduce
myself to you as I begin serving as your City
Manager on December 1. I look forward to
becoming part of the Tigard community and
was drawn to its great quality of life and focus
on forming regional partnerships that will set a
strong course for the future.
I grew up in Bellevue, WA and have lived
most of my life in western Washington. I’m
joining Tigard after serving as the Assistant
Chief Administrative Officer in Renton, WA.
A student of Political Science and
Public Administration, I have practical
experience in state and local projects in the
areas of local government fi nancial planning,
annexation, community outreach and economic
development.
I’m looking forward to joining the City
of Tigard team. I arrive with my bicycle, two
cats, golf clubs, a love of travel and my Seattle
Sounders scarf in tow! I see many parallels
between my hometown and Tigard, including
the challenges and changes that come with
managing a growing community. Because what
we do affects your daily life, I am committed to
providing high-quality service that responds to
the needs of Tigard residents.
Recently, the city conducted its biennial
community attitudes survey. Survey results will
be used to shape budget and services for the
future. Your input is important! I welcome your
feedback as I become part of Tigard’s team and
continue building upon the strong foundation
the city is constructing. The door’s open—stop
by anytime!
Martha “Marty” Wine, City Manager
marty@tigard-or.gov
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Mayor Celebrates Sunrise Property Purchase
The 20-acre property purchase marks one of the larger acquisitions made possible
through the passage of a $17 million park bond approved by Tigard voters in 2010.
More Sunrise property details here.
Community Closeup:
"How to Keep the City Moving"
Featuring Tigard Mayor Craig Dirksen
Watch the video.
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