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Message from the Mayor
July 2009
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Grants and Economic Stimulus
Benefit Tigard
Tigard has been awarded federal recovery funds for a variety
of projects.
Details here!
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Stimulus Funding...some citizens think it is a good idea while some think our grandchildren will be stuck paying for it.
Whatever you think about American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding, our community will see a direct benefit. Already, Tigard has been awarded grants and ARRA funding in the amount of $3.8 million dollars from state and federal sources. Our partners at the county and state are also receiving funding to support a number of worthy programs. These project-specific funds will help us create new jobs, improve infrastructure necessary to meet the needs of an expanding population and promote a healthy business community.
Not only will these funds allow us to address long-awaited road improvements, but we’ll be able to invest in our long-term water system with a seismically upgraded reservoir, equip traffic patrol officers with a performance enhancing e-ticket system and support literacy through new and continuing library programs.
The Tigard City Council and staff have been hard at work searching for new and creative ways to fund improvements that are critical to meeting the needs of Tigard citizens—even if that includes looking beyond our city limits and further than the pockets of local taxpayers.
Craig E. Dirksen, Mayor
craigd@tigard-or.gov
June 2009
It’s June again, and with the arrival of warmer and drier weather, more people will be sharing the road with bicycle and motorcycle commuters on their way to work and doing errands. Especially this year, with tough economic conditions and the high cost of fuel.
Included in that ridership are many of our school-age children on vacation for the summer. With this increase in two-wheeled traffic comes greater danger of accidents as we reacclimate ourselves to the presence of different types of vehicles on the street with us. So, I ask everyone to:
“Be aware, and the road share;
Bikes and cycles are everywhere!”
May 2009
In March, I had a unique opportunity to travel to Washington, DC to meet with Oregon’s legislative delegation as part of Metro’s Joint Policy Advisory Committee for Transportation (JPACT).
Although the timing was just after the passage of the Stimulus Package, our purpose was to discuss activity after the package.
In the coming year, Congress will consider a federal transportation funding bill for the coming decade. The citizens of our region pay millions of dollars in federal taxes, and it is reasonable to expect that an appropriate amount of that money should return to us as funding for much-needed highway and transit projects throughout the metro area.
One of our messages emphasized the need for dependable, on-going funding for preservation and upgrades to our existing highway infrastructure—the very definition of “sustainability.”
Another point expressed the need for a national program of improvements to create the balanced transportation system we need to support a healthy economy in the 21st century, including funding for “Mega Projects” like the Columbia River Crossing.
Even though we were successful in communicating our message to all our Senators and Congressmen, with the economy in turmoil it is anybody’s guess how well that message will play out on the floor of the House and Senate. Only time will tell.
April 2009
In celebration of Arbor Day, the City and the Tigard-Tualatin School District (TTSD)
will be planting over 100 trees at the Alberta Rider Elementary School campus.
This expanded planting effort has been made possible through close collaboration
with Darin Barnard, the Principal of Alberta Rider, parent volunteers,
TTSD staff, and City of Tigard staff and local contractors.
The planting
palette includes mostly native trees chosen for their low water and
maintenance requirements. The trees will be provided with automatic
drip irrigation until the roots become established.
Due to funding shortages, the landscape budget was cut during the development
of the Alberta Rider campus. This tree planting partnership will provide
beauty, wildlife habitat, stormwater management, and shelter from the sun
and wind for students and neighbors of Alberta Rider Elementary.
These and other efforts throughout the year continue to demonstrate why Tigard
is recognized as a “Tree City USA.”
March 2009
One of Council’s goals for 2009 is to prepare to go to Tigard residents in 2010 for a
bond measure; money to buy land for parks and open space.
It’s no secret that we don’t have enough parks in Tigard to provide the standard number
of acres for a population our size. In the past, when land was plentiful and cheap, the
need for preservation was less apparent. The opportunity to proactively create a
park system necessary for a more urban Tigard was lost. Now we find ourselves
at a time when the remaining open space is scarce and expensive, and is in danger
of being lost forever if we fail to act soon.
Since 2000, I’ve been part of a City Council that has done all they could with
the resources available to acquire and improve park land. In just eight years,
park acreage has increased from 313 to 394.
Despite the state of the economy, the time to act is now. Recent surveys and polls
of citizens indicate that there is considerable support for land purchase, and we
are entering a time when state and federal money may be more available than in the past.
Most state and federal grant programs require a local match, and that is what a
2010 bond measure would provide. This spring, our Parks Master Plan update will
be completed. It will tell us where and how much additional park land is needed,
and will guide how much money the bond measure will need to raise.
Stay tuned for news as the process continues.
February 2009
On January 6, 2009, City Council met to discuss goals for the city in 2009. Using input
from Board and Committee members, we agreed on a list of goals for the coming year,
as well as goals we believe will be attainable in five years and long-term. We hope you agree.
The goals listed below were adopted January 13 at the Council Business meeting.
1. Implement Comprehensive Plan
- Update Tigard zoning maps based on Comprehensive Plan Update
- Update Tree Code to meet Comprehensive Plan
- Continue to lobby for light rail in 99W Corridor
- Develop a 50-year aspirational goal in support of Urban/Rural Reserves Program
2. Implement Downtown Urban Renewal
- Move forward with Burnham Street Project
- Complete land use regulations and design standards for the downtown
3. Prepare for 2010 Bond Measure for Parks, Open Spaces and Trails
- Complete Parks Master Plan
- Pursue Fanno Park and downtown plaza property acquisition
4. Continue to support the legislature in addressing the financial needs of state
and local governments in Oregon
View the long term City Council Goals.
January 2009
Another year has come and gone, and another election, perhaps like no other, has also come and gone. While events at the national level have dominated the media and the public’s attention, their impact on our daily lives is, at most, secondary. Meanwhile, closer to home, the results of a local election will have immediate and lasting impacts on us all. I’m talking about the vote that decided the disposition of two City Council seats right here in Tigard.
On November 4th, Tigard residents chose to re-elect Nick Wilson to his second term on the Council, and elected Marland Henderson to the seat which is being vacated by Councilor Tom Woodruff, who chose not to run for a second term. The coming year will see the City address several exciting challenges. I’m glad voters chose to return Councilor Wilson for another four years, and look forward to working with him as the City moves forward. Marland is a small business owner in Tigard with a long history of volunteer involvement. From the farmers market to the City’s efforts in improving our downtown, I know his passion for Tigard and his business perspective will be a great addition to the Council. On behalf of the rest of the Council and the City staff, I welcome Marland to the Council, and welcome Nick back for another four years.
December 2008
A big congratulation goes out to the citizens of Tigard! Dozens of involved residents devoted hundreds of volunteer hours to achieve the Council goal of a complete update of the Tigard Comprehensive Plan. I want to formally acknowledge the efforts of the Planning Commission, Policy Interest teams and city staff who were intimately involved in the work. We knew it would be a big task since the Plan, adopted in 1983, had never undergone a complete update. It did not reflect community conditions, current values and aspirations of the citizens. The importance of reaching this goal cannot be overstated. The updated Plan is a vital tool for the community and decision-makers.
The Tigard Comprehensive Plan acts as the city’s “constitution.” It provides a policy basis for Tigard’s land use planning program and outlines the community’s vision for the future. It aims to organize city actions and programs to best address the community’s livability, economic vitality and other issues important to Tigard’s citizens.
The next step is updating city codes to ensure they reflect the language and vision outlined in the new Comprehensive Plan. Citizen involvement again will be a key component of this effort and I am confident Tigard’s citizens will again provide their support.
November 2008
The recent economic news has been unsettling to everyone. The city, like businesses and individuals, is also impacted by the current economic climate. Fortunately, most of the city’s key revenue sources are stable, and the city has conservatively managed its finances to protect against bad economic times. History has shown that in tough times, citizens rely more heavily on essential city services.
The city has a strong and effective police force staffed by dedicated officers. They continue to work with businesses to reduce the threat of crime with our recently created Commercial Crimes Unit, and the force also works closely with residents and schools to ensure your safety.
The library is a great resource for citizens. We have seen an increase in patrons checking out books, CDs and DVDs, using the free computers to access the internet, and participating in programs for children, youth, and adults. If you have not visited the library lately, check it out!
Tigard also has a great system of parks and open spaces that allow people to play and reconnect with nature. The City has secured a long-term source of water, and we continue to provide clean, fresh water to all homes and businesses.
We all hope that the economy improves quickly, but whatever happens, the city is able and willing to continue providing essential services to our residents and businesses.
October 2008
Have You Registered to Vote?
It’s Council election time again (though not for me yet—2 more years!) Three candidates
will appear on the ballot for City Council in November: Marland H. Henderson, Jeremy T. Vermilyea, Nick Wilson.
The two candidates receiving the most votes will be elected to the Council positions currently held by Tom Woodruff and Nick Wilson, whose terms expire December 31, 2008.
The successful candidates will be elected to serve a four-year term, January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2012.
The right to vote is a privilege granted to us as U.S. citizens. I encourage you to exercise your rights on November 4th and if you’re not yet registered to vote, there’s still time. Registration forms are conveniently located at US Postal Offices, libraries, and the DMV.
You can also download one from the Oregon Secretary of State web site.
If you have questions or would like more information, please call Elections Official, Cathy Wheatley at
503-718-2410 or by email at cathy@tigard-or.gov.
September 2008
Another summer has ended—can you believe it’s already back-to-school time? Speaking of which, I have some exciting news to share. The Tigard-Tualatin School District has been awarded a Safe Schools/Healthy Students Grant by the US Education Department and the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Our school district was one of only 58 districts nationally to receive this coveted funding.
What does this mean for our kids? The grant will provide funding for a second after-school program led by the Tigard Police Department Youth Services Unit—this time at Fowler Middle School. Seeing the benefits of the current program, district administrators asked the Youth Services Unit if they could replicate the program. Given beneficial activities after school in a healthy environment, kids showed improved academic performance, decreased disciplinary referrals and developed meaningful relationships with adult mentors. This program also encourages increased collaboration between social service agencies like Head Start and the Washington County Juvenile Department. With this grant, the school district can commit to funding a three-year partnership with the Tigard Police Department for after-school programs in both schools.
Let’s give our kids all the help they need to become successful, productive adults later on. To learn more about the grant, contact Youth Services Officer Sheryl Huiras at 503-718-2578 or 19104@tigard-or.gov.
August 2008
Summer is here and the growing season is in full swing. This is the time of year we all look forward to the opportunity to enjoy our yards and gardens. Unfortunately, along with the growing season comes all the unwanted grass and weeds that grow in all the places we don’t want them. Here in Western Oregon, if you don’t keep on top of it, that stuff can drive you right off your property. And don’t even get me started about all those blackberries…
For whatever reason, the high grass and weeds in parking strips and flowerbeds seem worse than usual this year. And nothing can so quickly make our community look less desirable than unkempt lawns and streetscapes.
Congratulations to all of you who have continued to keep your landscaping looking great. I want to encourage everyone to do their best to maintain their property, including the parking strips adjacent to your homes and businesses, the way we would want our neighbors to keep things neat. With a little effort we can keep Tigard a beautiful place to call home that reflects the spirit of our community pride.
July 2008
It’s July and summer is here (finally! Snow in June – what was that about?).
With the coming of hot weather, it’s an appropriate time to talk about water.
As you may know, Tigard is in the final stages of determining a long-range
water source. We have been in talks with the City of Lake Oswego for some
time, and if all goes well we will be signing an agreement in the near
future to form a partnership
to supply both our cities from the Clackamas River.
Water is one of our most precious and limited resources and is
often taken for granted. The Tigard Water Service Area provides for the
needs of about 50,000 people. During the summer, when water usage doubles
over the amount used in the winter, we can consume up to 13 million gallons
every day.
Tigard citizens are very water conscious, and have a great
track record of conserving water. But even with the abundant snow pack
last winter, we should all strive to be conservation-minded and only use
what we need. All Tigard water users will soon receive our annual
Consumer Confidence Report in the mail. It’s packed full of timely
and important information about the water Tigard provides to its
customers. Please take the time to review it. There’s also a wealth
of conservation tips and information available on
the City’s web site.
June 2008
Where does all the money go?
If you’re like me, often near the end of the month you find yourself asking that question. But do you ever wonder where all the City’s money goes?
The City’s Budget Committee, made up of the five city councilors and an equal number of private citizens, has been working with the City Manager and department heads to finalize next year’s budget, which will take effect July 1, 2008.
How much do we have to pay for water? How much can we afford to spend this year to repave and improve city streets? What about parks and open space?
The tentative budget will be coming before the City Council for presentation and final approval at our regular City Council meeting on June 10th at 7:30 p.m. Come down to City Hall to see in person, or tune in to cable channel 28 to see a live broadcast, and find out what the City Council plans to do with your tax money over the next 12 months.
Both the current budget and a summary of the tentative budget are available for viewing at City Hall or on the City’s web site.
May 2008
I’d like to take this opportunity to clear up any misconceptions regarding the city’s use of
eminent domain which may have been created by a recent news story in the Tigard Times.
Contrary to story’s headline, the City of Tigard will not be “seizing” anyone’s property,
now or at any time in the future. What the story was reacting to was the city’s
announcement that we will use eminent domain if necessary to purchase the additional
right-of-way needed to widen and improve Burnham Street.
All property owners impacted by the improvements will be compensated at fair
market value as determined by an independent appraisal. Authorizing the use of
eminent domain allows the city to move forward in an efficient manner with
property purchases and street construction, prevents a property owner from
holding up the process by refusing to negotiate or demanding an unreasonable
price for their property, and also gives the affected property owners certain
tax advantages when claiming the income from the sale of the property. All
these things save the city (and the taxpayer) money and help the project be
completed on schedule and on budget. When completed, Burnham Street will
provide an enhanced street environment with wide sidewalks on both sides,
“green” street features, on-street parking, landscaping and easy access to
Fanno Creek Park and the future plaza.
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