One written public comment was submitted regarding concerns with overnight construction activity at the intersection of Hall Boulevard and Hunziker Road.

Tigard Chamber of Commerce Board Chair Sara Tanner shared several updates. Leadership Tigard is headed towards graduation in June, and they are working on their class project, which is collecting toiletries for their Feeling Fresh is Fundamental project. More information about the project and how to donate can be found on the Leadership Tigard Instagram page. She thanked Tigard for creating a formal Economic Development Strategic Plan. The Farmers Market is ramping up for the 2026 season. Networking events are held every Thursday morning, where businesses can connect and build relationships. The Shining Stars Community Awards Celebration is coming up, and she announced the names of the awardees that will be celebrated that night.

Tigard Downtown Alliance Executive Director Kyle Knepper and President Bethany Pflug shared multiple updates. The TDA is looking forward to the next quarter of work dedicated to promoting and supporting a thriving downtown. They are actively working on building committees to widen the volunteer base of the organization and planning an open house for the downtown area. They are reviewing and working with the city on the new Economic Development Strategic Plan and identifying areas where they can better partner to move that work forward. They are working on creating a way to collect downtown business ideas and which types of businesses that the community would like to see downtown. They are working on creating an overhead banner policy for outside organizations to use the sign space above Main Street. The glass basket project, that has been ongoing for a long time, is still in the works and getting closer to completion. There are several events coming up, that  can be found on the TDA website for more information.

Envoy Khosravani reported that it has been a busy month at Tigard High School. Students are preparing for graduation and prom. They are hosting a dress and tux drive throughout the week for students who have gently used accessories and outfits to donate for students who cannot financially afford to go to prom. The annual multicultural night went well; there was cultural food and performances. For athletics, all of the following teams had games this week: lacrosse, basketball, golf, softball, tennis, and track.

Chief McDonald highlighted that staffing continues to improve in patrol, and we are seeing the results. We are staffing dayshift at a minimum, intentionally because we have additional people during the day that can help with higher priority calls. For swing shift, the busiest shift, we are adequately staffing the shift to make sure we have the best response for the community. Even though our calls for service continue to trend up, our response times have gotten better year-over-year.

Councilors reported on their city board and committee and regional liaison assignment meetings.

Mayor Hu proclaimed National Library Week and presented the proclamation to Library Director Halsted. He highlighted the important role libraries and librarians play in our communities and that we are looking forward to reopening our library building on April 28.

Library Director Bernard introduced the Library Board. She started by thanking all of the employees and volunteers who make our library what it is, however challenging the present moment has been and may be in the future, they remain committed to providing materials, programming, services, and spaces that engage, enrich, and support our entire community. The Library Board members shared several examples of the library answering the questions and needs of the community.

Mayor Hu gave an overview of the growing gap between funding and services for Parks and Recreation. He emphasized that parks are a core service and central to Tigard. Business Manager Barrett explained the urgent need for funding and the options that we can explore further. The options include revising the Parks and Recreation Fee (PARF), the General Fund transfer amount, fees and charges, and consideration of a Parks Operational Levy. Council expressed the most interest in receiving more information about revising the PARF and other fees and charges.

A legislative public hearing was held to consider adoption of an ordinance to amend Chapter 7.80 of the Tigard Municipal Code to prohibit camp materials on city property and right-of-way and declare an emergency. City Attorney Rihala shared that staff was directed by council to address the situation of personal property on the sidewalk next to the Public Works lawn. She explained that the ordinance we have in place specifically addresses camping. The current issue is not with camping or overnight stays on the lawn, it is with the personal property on the sidewalk during the day. The ordinance was presented as an emergency adoption based on the dangerous conditions created by the camp materials on the sidewalk and the complaints that we have received regarding Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) access on the sidewalk. Houselessness Liaison Cohen shared the outreach that has been done in preparation for this ordinance and the plan for implementation if passed.

One public comment was given during the hearing, asking council to consider that what looks like clutter on the sidewalk, is for many people, everything they own, which they would be required to carry everywhere they go if this ordinance passes.

Council asked questions about how the current situation is impacting police resources and expressed support for the ordinance. Ordinance No. 26-09 was approved.