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03/19/2014 - Mayor Cook’s Statement on Ballot Measure 34-210 imCity of Tigard Press Release 13125 SW Hall Boulevard Tigard,Oregon 97223 www.tigard-or.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 19, 2014 Contact: John Cook,Mayor City of Tigard 503-718-2476 MayorCook@tigard-or.gov Mayor Cook's Statement on Ballot Measure 34-210 Last week's narrow passage of ballot measure 34-210 tells us voters want to have more control over how and where high capacity transit might be built in our city, and that they want to cast another ballot someday on the construction of a future light rail or bus rapid transit project. We now have an opportunity to have more dialogue about how high capacity transit might fit into our city's future. Last week's election was very close. In talking with my fellow councilors and neighboring partners about the charter amendment and its possible impact on the Southwest Corridor project, I voiced concern that Tigard not be left behind, or left out. If others are planning transit through our town, I want to be able to represent Tigard's interests in that continued planning. If others are pooling resources to improve mobility,I want Tigard businesses and residents to share in those benefits and Tigard's vision to be included. None of that changes with the passage of that ballot measure,nor will it address the congestion problems that we face. I think our voters understand that we will continue to grow and need transit options. This is what the Southwest Corridor project is about, and why I believe Tigard needs to stay involved. I do not think that voters approved this measure to stop planning for high capacity transit here, and the ballot measure doesn't legally require that we stop planning. But I want to be sure. So last night the City Council discussed an advisory or clarifying ballot measure this November to confirm that Tigard will continue to be part of planning on the Southwest Corridor project.We will develop an issue to put before voters for these reasons: first,I want to be sure we can collect the information about road capacity and project costs that are now required of the city under the new charter amendment. Next, I want to see the Southwest Corridor project developed so Tigard voters have an actual project to vote on. The Council also agreed on the need to broaden our community dialogue about the future of our transportation system. And finally, putting the question to voters will give us a broader cross-section of community opinion at an election with no expense to the city. I know that my fellow Tigard City Councilors agree that we were elected to do the will of Tigard voters and to safeguard the community's future. The people of Tigard will have a say on the construction of high capacity transit in Tigard,if we ever have such a project to vote on. Page 1 of 2 High capacity transit will only become a reality in the southwest corridor if a project can be designed in a way that makes sense to a coalition of governments at the local, regional, state and federal levels. And it will only get on the ballot in Tigard if we continue to participate in the necessary planning to develop the right proposal for our community that is feasible, that will carry thousands of daily riders, and that enhances the interconnectivity of our city. In November,I hope to hear from our voters again about whether Tigard should continue planning for high capacity transit here, or to excuse ourselves from that discussion. I believe that our planning must continue. The passage of ballot measure 34-210 reinforces my view that decision- making about the future of Tigard's transportation system has to be made here at home. Page 2 of 2 "Discussion of next steps &calendar for the SWC Corridor in light of the Tigard vote." Mayor Cook sends his apologies he couldn't be here today. The Steering Committee meeting and discussion about HCT is very important to him and council—but as you all know he is a CPA and in the thick of tax season. I'm here to day to represent the mayor and council. I'll first present Tigard Council's commitment to HCT planning. Then end with a lifestyle needs perspective all should not lose sight of. You all know by now, the Tigard Community surveys in 2011 and 2013 show that the majority of Tigard citizens like HCT,including light rail options. However ballot measure 34- 210 vote tells us the Tigard citizens want to be more engaged. We want to respect the voters' intent but also realize the passing of the measure was by a narrow margin. With that being said, 1. We need to find better ways to communicate with our citizens, to help them understand the best HCT options and opportunities and learning what priorities they'll support. 2. Mayor Cook and council agrees the best approach now is to define citizen HCT priorities and planning that'll be determined and supported through a November advisory vote. 3. The purpose of the advisory vote will likely clarify that ballot measure 34-210 wasn't intended to stop Tigard from planning for HCT. And the ballot measure doesn't legally require that we stop planning. This vote from our citizens will tell us with clearer direction what they will most likely support. Therefore it is essential Tigard continues to be involved in the planning of the Regional Southwest Corridor project to ultimately implement the will of the voters in resolve of our congestion problems. We believe our voters understand that our city will continue to grow and have need of multi-model options that include HCT transit as part of the solution to our congestion problems and regional connectivity to live interconnected lives. a) Meanwhile,we don't want to lose the momentum from all of the work"all" have done throughout these last few years. b) Tigard plans to stay committed to the regional planning and a communicative effort that better engages voters about Southwest Corridor planning and HCT transit options they will support. For these reasons Tigard will stay involved working with its partners in this regional planning effort. Woodard Statement- Generational lifestyle needs perspective. For me personally, HCT won't have a dramatic impact on my lifestyle, But one communicative message I think city government needs to get better at and stay mindful of"It's not necessarily about our generation." My generation [baby boomers] and Generation X [80's on up to the millennial] grew up dependent on cars,large homes and back yards. Our lifestyles are pretty much set and many of us April 7, 2014—Metro Council Steering Committee (Woodard Presents in Absence of Mayor Cook) "Discussion of next steps &calendar for the SWC Corridor in light of the Tigard vote." may never want to experience the benefits of HCT until we have need to do so. But the millennial generation [generation Y] and their demographic cohort [generation Z] march to the beat of a different lifestyle drum. Generation Y [the millennia's] and their"Z offspring"will soon be an economic powerhouse and I believe will support and sustain the "boomers and generation X's" way of life,which includes us aging in place. But to be successful at sustaining all lifestyle choices will require a balanced and informed effort by all to get there. I understand as well as you;many of these young people and their future families aren't as likely to prioritize or value big houses and yards and big cars. Instead a majority will likely prefer multi-modality choices to get around and smaller dwelling space. This is why Tigard's priorities focus on the following vision statement. "The most walkable community in the Pacific Northwest where people of all ages and abilities enjoy healthy and interconnected lives." The millennial generation and their children will soon represent large families and a work force that want to live interconnected lives within a 21't Century regional marketplace that includes efficient transit connections central to their living space, place of work and places they spend their leisurely and play time. We must keep in mind it will be years before High Capacity Transit could be constructed. But that's okay;planning now is for the future and we must not lose momentum. That's why the city must continue planning to resolve our congestion problems while it's cost effective to do so and grab our share of badly needed transportation resources for other road improvements that will also help relieve traffic congestion. We must keep generational perspectives, expectations and voter support included within our planning and PR's mindset. Especially when significant changes are needed now in land use to meet all generational lifestyle needs and expectations. This means Tigard city council will take a different leadership perspective and approach in how we communicate w/ our voters, stakeholders and regional partners. The advisory vote to be put forth to the citizens of Tigard is part of that"different communicative approach" and what I like to refer to as a needed communicative PR correction to engage HCT options voters will support. Thank you for the opportunity to speak on behalf of myself, council and the Mayor. April 7, 2014—Metro Council Steering Committee (Woodard Presents in Absence of Mayor Cook)