09-06-2018 Council Newsletter oilProl,i�aed to the Tigard Cit C ouncxl on:i aa�ee,�ll v-,pis to stub a iecrst of rrtmw cr.'tj•issmee:
September 6, 2018
1. Washington County Indicators Tuesday, Sept. 18 Workshop Meeting
The Oregon Employment Dept. provided the latest 6:30 p.m. —Town Hall
economic indicators for August 2018. Tuesday, Sept. 25 Business Meeting
2. Business License Filings 6:30 p.m. —Town Hall
Liz Lutz provided a list of new Tigard business
licenses for August. Tuesday, Oct. 2 Business Meeting
6:30 p.m. —Town Hall
3. Volunteer Recruitment for DLCD
The Oregon Dept. of Land Conservation and Tuesday, Oct. 9 Business Meeting
Development is looking for applicants to serve on 6:30 p.m. —Town Hall
their statewide Citizen Involvement Advisory
Committee. They're accepting applications from
everywhere in the state.
4. Construction Project Update
Mike McCarthy attached an overview of road, trail and
construction projects underway in the city.
5. Thanks!
The city received the attached thank you notes for
social service grants.
6. Public Works Update
This week's update on Public Works activity is
attached.
7. Press Release
Staff issued the following press release this week:
- Tigard library adult programs highlights
8. News
• Disaster preparedness event slated for Tigard
• City to move forward with plaza but has
questions
• Opinion:Accessing the internet is key to Oregon
students' success
• Opinion:Beaverton,King City right to plan for
growth
9. Council Calendar
Tuesday, Sept. 11 Business Meeting
6:30 p.m. —Tovn Hall
(Tigard's 57"'birthday)
13125�-W Hall Blvd.Tigard,OR 97223 1 Web •,x�x -u tiWd-ot goy Phone. ii�3.c:39 4171 �KA.A- 503 684-297 1 TDD 503 684.2-72
Item# /
Newsletter:
Washington County State of Oregon
Economic Indicators Employment Department
August 2018 (July Data) QUALITYINFO.ORG
Washington County's unemployment rate de- Unemployment Rates in Washington County Cities
creased to 3.2 percent in July 2018, a 0.4 percent- July 2018,not seasonally adjusted
age point drop from last year. City unemployment Local Area Unemployment Statistics
rates remained below 4.5 percent (not seasonally 4.2%
adjusted). 3 7%
The county added 5,300 jobs between July 2017
3.3% 3.4% 3.5% 3.5% 3.5%
and July 2018. Transportation and warehousing led
industry employment growth, and manufacturing
added the most jobs over the year. A decline in
government employment is due to a legislatively
mandated.reclassification of home care workers
from state government to private health care. This
affected about 1,300 workers in the county.
Unemployment Rate Hillsboro Tigard Cornelius Beaverton Tualatin Sherwood Forest
July 2008 to July 2018,seasonally adjusted
Local Area Unemployment Statistics Grove
12%
10%
8%
Oregon
3.9% —Washington
4% County
2% 3.3%
0%
Jul-08 Jul-10 Jul-12 Jul-14 Jul-16 Jul-18
Transportation and Warehousing Leads Industry Net Job Growth in Washington County
Employment Growth Net change,July 2017 to July 2018
sg
Percentage change,July 2017 to July 2018
Current Employment Estimates Current Employment Estimates
Total iIIIIIIII 1.8% Total 5,300
Transportation&Warehousing 7.7%
Manufacturing 1,900
Education&Health Services 5.5% Education&Health Services 1,900
Manufacturing 3.9% Leisure&Hospitality 1,100
l ° Professional&Business 800
Leisure&Hospitality 3.9/o
Construction 3.6% Construction 600
Professional& Business 1.5% Transportation&Warehousing 400
Retail 0.9% Retail 300
Financial Activities -0.6% 1 Financial Activities -100
Information -2.6% Information -200
i
Wholesale Trade -3.0% Wholesale Trade -400
Government-6.4°/� Government-1,500
Have questions?Want to subscribe?Contact me! Emilv.A.Starbuck(a)oregon.gov
Emily Starbuck, Washington County Workforce Analyst 503.360.2421
# +
August 2018 New Business Licenses Item !/
Newsletter:
ADDRESSBUSINESS NAME
Errands Unlimited 8321 SW Spruce St Tigard Or Maintenance And Yard Services 1
N1c Laser Support 12115 SW 123rd Ct Tigard Or Printer/Computer Services 1
Serenity Vapor Lounge 13815 S\X'Pacific Hwy#60 Tigard Or Retail Store 5
Harmony Adult Foster Home 15100 SAX'98th Ave Tigard Or Adult Foster Home 2
Michael J Devenney 13165 SW Katherine St Tigard Or Personal Sen ices 1
Luminous Cleaning Services 10706 SAX'Capitol Hwy#46 Tigard Or Cleaning Services i
Jane Bratten 9887 SAX'74th Ave Tigard Or Management Consulting 1
BP Oil 13125 S\X'Hall Blvd Tigard Or Construction 1
Perry's Precision Concrete Inc 13125 SW Hall Blvd Tigard Or Construction 1
Sparrow Cottage Designs 11580 SWWood Duck Place Tigard Or Design Retailer 1
Legacy Contracting Inc 41850 Kingston Jordan Rd Stayton Or Street Construction 4
CIC-Portland LLC 6958 SW Varns St Tigard Or Outpatient Care 3
Steven P Gabel NID PC 12115 SW 70th Ave#200 Tigard Or Physician's Office 6
Mary Ann Kovacs LMT RN LLC 14350 SW Barrows Rd#1 Tigard Or Personal Services 1
Ashley Furniture Homestore 10329 SXX'Cascade Ave Tigard Or Furniture Store 8
Specialized Automotive 9730 SAX'Shady Ln Tigard Or Auto Repair 2
Power Distributors LLC 12725 SAX'66th Ave#203 Tigard Or Business Services 10
Hellabella Athletics LLC 13177 SAX'Nicole Ln Tigard Or Athletic Coaching&Nutrition 2
Pampered Pooches 9960 SAX'Kable St Tigard Or Pet Services 1
Therapeutic Assoc.Physical Therapy 16083 SAX'Upper Boones Ferry Rd# 320 Tigard Or Physical Therapy Services 10
Acceptance Nov 60156 10329 SAX'Cascade Ave Tigard Or Furniture&Furnishings Store 3
Alpha Construction LLC 3000 Market St Plaza Ne#515 Salem Or General Construction 5
Natural Grocers 13115 SVS'Pacific Hwy Tigard Or Food Store 18
Acumen Executive Search 6860 SW Atlanta St Tigard Or Personal Services 5
TOTAL EMPLOYEES 93
Item#
�'a F 4 Newsletter: _4-/(�
1 gon Department of Land Conservation and Development
N..
635 Capitol Street NE,Suite 150
i�,nn�Bnxt•i�,t;a�•cr�;nr P
,tam . Salem,Oregon 97301-2540
Phone: (503)373-0050
Fax: (503)378-5518
NEWS RELEASE wwiv.oregon.gov/LCD
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 5, 2018
CONTACT: Sadie Carney(503) 934-0036, Sadie.Carney&state.or.us
Statewide Citizen Involvement Committee Seeks Applicants
SALEM—Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development(DLCD) and the Land
Conservation and Development Commission(LCDC)are seeking a volunteer to serve as a
member of the state's Citizen Involvement Advisory Committee(CIAC) representing the
citizens of Oregon in Congressional District 4, and in an at-large capacity. The CIAC is
appointed by the Land Conservation and Development Commission(LCDC)to advise LCDC on
citizen involvement in land use planning.
CIAC is a permanent committee established by state law(ORS 197.160)and its work centers on
Statewide Planning Goal 1: Citizen Involvement. The committee furthers citizen involvement in
land use planning through activities such as:
• Advising LCDC on all matters concerning citizen involvement in Oregon land use
planning and the statewide planning program
• Advising local governments about ways to enhance citizen involvement in communities
• Writing and distributing materials to educate and inform Oregonians about citizen
involvement in land use planning
• Reviewing local government plans and programs concerning citizen involvement
CIAC is comprised of up to eight volunteers, one from each of Oregon's five Congressional
Districts and three at-large positions. Committee members must be available for quarterly
meetings. Regular travel is not a requirement of this position and meetings are often held via
videoconference. Travel once annually to Salem for the joint meeting of the CIAC and LCDC is
encouraged of all members.
LCDC appoints committee members to four-year terms. The open positions fill currently vacant
seats. Interested individuals are welcome to contact any of the current CIAC members for further
information about duties and activities.
Completed applications must be received at DLCD by 5 D.M. on October 5,2018. The
department and CIAC will interview finalists and will make a recommendation to LCDC for
action at its November 2018 meeting.
Application Materials:
• Resume;
• One letter of recommendation;
• Three references; and
• Answers to the three questions below.
i
CIAC Recruitment
September 5, 2018
Page 2 of 2
Application Questions:
1. Please explain why you are interested in this position.
2. Please describe your experience with community planning or community involvement
committees.
3. Please describe any involvement you have had with state, regional, or local advisory
boards.
Please send application materials to:
Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development
Attn: Casaria Taylor
635 Capitol St.NE, Suite 150
Salem, Oregon 97301
Or you can submit your application by:
Fax: (503)378-5518
Email: casaria.t4ylor@state.or.us
Oregon's statewide land use planning program—originated in 1973 under Senate Bill 100—
protects farm and forest lands, conserves natural resources,promotes livable communities, facilitates
orderly and efficient development,helps coordination among local governments, and enables citizen
involvement.
The program affords all Oregonians predictability and sustainability to the development process by
allocating land for industrial, commercial and housing development, as well as transportation and
agriculture.
The Department of Land Conservation and Development(DLCD)administers the program. A seven-
member volunteer citizen board known as the Land Conservation and Development Commission
LCDC guides DLCD.
Under the program, all cities and counties have adopted comprehensive plans that meet mandatory
state standards. The standards are 19 Statewide Planning Goals that deal with land use, development,
housing,transportation, and conservation of natural resources. Periodic review of plans and technical
assistance in the form of grants to local jurisdictions are key elements of the program.
Construction Project Update — September 5, 2018 Item#
Newslett r:
Dirksen Nature Park
Construction has started on an Interpretive Shelter/Restroom and Nature Play area in Dirksen Nature Park south
of Tigard Street. The Faimo Creek Trail is closed dirougli October;users are re-routed on a soft-surface trail
through the park during construction. Detour routes are signed on soft-surface trails through Dirksen Park,and a
longer paved detour via the Tigard Street Heritage Trail.
Fanno Creek Trail—Woodard Park to Tiedeman Ave
The Fanno Creek trail v-ill be closed starting next week to build a new bridge and trail to connect the Fanno Creek
Trail straight from Woodard Park across the creek to the existing crosswalk on Tiedeman Avenue. Detour routes
are provided via Johnson Street and via the Tigard Street Heritage Trail.
Fanno Creek Trail Remeander
The Fanno Creek trail is closed for the next month from.Main Street througli (�tnd including) the Ash Ave trail
crossHig. This project is restoring Fanno Creek to a more natural flow path and realigning the trail. The contractor
is removing the existing bridge and trail and excavating the restored creek alignment.
River Terrace Area Construction
• River Terrace subdivisions are under construction particularly on the east side of Roy Rogers Rd south of
Scholls Ferry Rd. If you have any questions,please contact Mike White at 503-718-2464.
• A contractor is building a new subdivision on the west side of 150"Ave south of Hawksridge.
• Bull Mountain Road Widening and Traffic Signal Construction: Work is underway to widen Bull
Mountain Road (from 164' to Roy Rogers Rd) to 3 lanes with bike lanes, sidewalks, a roundabout, and a
traffic signal at Bull Mountain and Roy Rogers Road. Visit GetUsThere.org for information and updates.
Bull Mountain is open from 164'Ave to Roy Rogers Rd.
• There are other significant road, sewer and water projects underway or planned in the area. Visit
GetUs'fhere.org for information and updates.
HmW 217 Auxiliary Lanes
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)is designing a project to add an aui.=iliary third lane on Hwy
217 southbound from Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy to Hwy 99W,and Hwy 217 northbound from Hwy 99W to Scholls
Ferry Rd. More information is on the project website at hvay217.org.
Wall Street(south of Hunziker)
Wall Street is under construction south of Hunziker Rd. Access is available to local properties (including Potso Dog
Park) but drivers should expect delays.
Interstate 5 (Hwy 99W to I-205) Paving and Auxiliary Lane
The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is adding a southbound auxiliary lane on Interstate 5 from
Lower Boones Ferry Rd to I-205,improving on- and off-ramps, and repaving Interstate 5 (both directions) from
Hwy 99W to I-205. Expect some nighttime lane closures through fall 2019. www.tinyurl.com/I5ODOTProject
113th Avenue south of Durham Road
A contractor is building a new subdivision along 113`h Avenue south of Durham Road. Daytime delays likely.
97th Avenue south of McDonald Street
A contractor is building a new subdivision along 97'Avenue south of McDonald St,including connecting View
Terrace to 97th. Daytime delays possible.
Faring Creek Trail OWoodard Park to Bonita and Hall Blvd to Tualatin)
Design work is in progress on a project to build the remaining segments of the Fanno Creek Trail from Woodard
Park to Bonita Road and build a new connection from the end of 85`h Avenue (Hall Boulevard) to the Tualatin
Bridge. Contact Mike McCarthy at 503-718-2462 or mikem@tieard-oror.gov-with questions, or if you would like to
Join the Citizens Advisory Committee for this project.
Oak Street near 90`'Avenue
A contractor is working on Oak Street near 90`h Avenue for a new apartment complex. Daytime delays likely.
76`' and 79`h Avenues south of Bonita Road
A developer is constructing the Elderberry Ridge subdivision on the south end of 76`'Ave east of 79`h Ave south of
Bonita Road.
Tiedeman Avenue and Tigard Street
A developer is constructing a new subdivision on the south side of Tigard Street east of Tiedeman Avenue.
68'Parkway south of Hwy 99W
A developer is building a new self-storage facility on the west side of 68`h Parkway south of Highway 99W. Some
delays possible.
School Construction
Construction continues on Templeton Elementary School, and on the nein Durham Center education services
building near Durham Elementary School. Tigard High School construction is in progress,with periodic sidewalk
closures (with pedestrian detours) while the contractor is working in the immediate area.
Durham Road and Upper Boones Fe=Road Traffic Signals
Tigard is working with Washington County to improve communications between the traffic signals along Durham
Road and Upper Boones Ferry Road, and install newer technology allowing the signals to adapt in real time to
changes in traffic demand. This project included new traffic cameras and travel time sensors that can now be
viewed on tripcheck.com.
Summer Paving and Slurry Seal
The major summer paving and slurry seal work is complete. This work has resurfaced 22 miles of streets—about
15% of Tigard's street network. The contractors are striping the slurry seal streets and completing finishing items
and cleanup. Street sweepers are removing the loose sand that comes off the slurry seal as it cures. Thank you for
your patience this construction season
Item#
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Eai/l ^e��O0me c PO Box 584
(L/�`, I/l�[ia7 Hillsboro,Oregon 97123
Phone: (503)995-9023
August 30, 2018
To City of Tigard
Dear Toby,
We would like to take this opportunity to say Thank You for your generous support last year in the
amount of$1,200.00. It is the direct result of such gifts that has allowed Fairhaven to grow and prosper
as we have over this past year, adding two additional homes (currently at 8). Through which we are
able to help an additional 15 people at any given moment, on their path to a new life unhindered by
addiction and touched by Christ.
If the amount mentioned above does not reflect your records accurately please let us know so that we
can correct our records if necessary. Also please confirm that our contact information is current so we
may continue to keep you informed of our successes, newsletters, fundraisers and other Fairhaven
updates that you may be interested in.
We look forward to our continued connection with you and a growth together to help others in need.
God Bless and Best Wishes,
Lindy Rocha
Treasurer
Fairhaven Recovery Homes
Fairhaven Recovery Homes 02012 EIN:80-0455845 1
Public Works Update 8/23/18 item#
Here is a summary of the work happening in Public Works. Newsletter:
Watch This Fun Video to Learn More About the City's Water Flow Testing
Water flow testing checks the water pressure from fire hydrants to make sure it is adequate for the fire department
to put out fires. It also tests the city's infrastructure to ensure everything is working correctly and can keep up with
water demand during emergencies. The video at www.tiWd-or.gov/city hall/hydrant flushingphp shows how-the
city checks the system and explains more about the process.
September is National Preparedness Month
Disasters don't plan ahead, but you can.
The City of Tigard wants to make sure residents are prepared and safe if an emergency happens.This week's
preparedness focus is on having a plan and practicing it with your family, friends and community. Learn more about
the work the city is doing to be prepared and how to get help if disaster strikes at wwww.tigard-or.gov.
Keep Your Students Safe and Prepared for an Emergency During -
School
Make sure your children are prepared and know what to do if an emergency happens
while they are at school. Send a small backpack with water,nutrition bars,pictures of
their family=and information about what they should do,to keep at school. Disasters
are scary, especially for kids,help them adapt to situations so they know what to
expect and can stay safe. _l _
Find important tips and resources to make sureou are organized at Read ov.
Y � vg
o ti:a�
Walnut Bird Cage Maintenance Keeps Water Flowing
City employees worked with contractors to remove a buildup of silt blocking pipes
and keeping water from flowing through a culvert under the road. The major project included replacing a structure
that looks similar to a bird cage and prevents sticks and debris from entering the culvert,with a larger one.A
contractor using a backhoe with an extended arm,removed the silt and re-established a settling pond near the
culvert to get the water flowing again.
i' Z ■os
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Item#
Tigard Public Library
Press Release
13500 SNX'Hall Boulevard I Tigard,Oregon 97223 J wu.-w.tigard-or.gov/library
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 30,2018
Contact:
Paula M. Walker
Communications Coordinator
City of Tigard
503-718-2508
paulaCtigard-or.gov
Tigard Library Adult Programs Highlight
Adoption, Meditation and Conservation in September
September programs for adults will cover the four Rs at the Tigard Library: Readin',
"Ritin'," Relaxin' and Reusin'. On Tuesday, Sept. 25,at 6 p.m.,local author Rudy Owens will tell his
story as an adoptee who endured years of red tape and rejection trying to obtain his original birth
certificate. He will discuss his book You Don't Know How Lucky You Are:An Adoptee's Journey,through
the American Adoption Experience.
The Library will kick off its September adult program schedule with "Three Rs To Close the
Loop, a program about Reducing,Reusing and Recycling. On Wednesday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m., the
presenter will provide information on easy ways to prevent waste,preserve natural resources and
save money by reducing consumption and reusing or repairing items.
On Wednesday, Sept. 26, at 6 p.m., a health and wellness coach w ll teach participants hour
to relax using the basic principles of meditation. They also sxU have the opportunity to practice and
participate in group discussions. Attendees should bring a pillow to the class.
Adults and teens may find a great match for their interests and take home an interesting
book at the Match Book program on Thursday, Sept. 20, at 5 p.m. Books with diverse characters,
sensational plodines and complex worlds are aimed at enticing readers to try out something new.
All programs will be held in the George and Yvonne Burgess Community Room. The
Friends of the Tigard Librar;-generously sponsors several library programs throughout the year. For
more program information,log on to htW://www.tigmd-or.gov/programs/adults.phl2 or
call 503-718-2517.
Page 1 of 1
Item#
Disaster preparedness event slated for Tigard Newslet`fer:
The Times Saturday, September 01, 2018
Washington County's annual Quake Up! offers tips on how to prepare, respond to crisis events
FILE PHOTO-Area residents read up on safety materials at a
past Quake Up! in Hillsboro.
�► Quake Up!, the annual Washington County event to promote
awareness of earthquake and disaster preparedness, has
moved to Tigard.
This year's event takes place as part of the Tigard Street Fair, 11
a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, in Downtown Tigard.
QuakeUp! brings together civic, governmental agencies and
businesses to organize preparedness events throughout the
county. The first Quake Up! event took place in 2015 at the Hillsboro Farmers' Market. Others have been held since
then in Beaverton, Cornelius and North Plains.
The program partners with National Preparedness Month and Oregon Shakeout.
"Quake Up! is about preparing individuals, families, neighborhoods, businesses county-wide so everyone is better
able to manage a major natural disaster," said Stan Houseman, Quake Up! team lead. "It's what we do before that
will make all the difference in getting back to normal quickly."
Vendors and exhibitors include the American Red Cross, NW Natural, Tualatin Valley Fire& Rescue, Washington
County Office of Emergency Management and many more.
Speakers will be at Cafe Allegro, 12386 S.W. Main St. Speakers include Brian Dobecki, of the Beaverton
Community Emergency Response Team; Stacy Metzger, who will discuss how households should prepare for an
emergency; Mike Stump, who will discuss how people without medical training can treat a bleeding, life-threatening
injury; and Cynthia Valdivia, who will make a presentation in Spanish on how families should prepare for disasters.
Speakers' presentations will be recorded for future cablecast by Tualatin Valley Community Television. A schedule
and links will be posted in advance at www.QuakeUpNW.org.
Here's an archkestual rendering or how a downtown plaza might look. COURTESY OF RESOLVE ARCNIIECTS ]
City to move forward with lana but has atiestions
"gown Center Development "Remember, this is still a Reese explained that her ex- the City Center Urban Rene*-
■ Town Center
Development
Board, directed city concept plan," said Sean Far- perience with similar projects al District tax increment
Development staff and designers to continue relly,the city's redevelopment was just the opposite.noting along with$1.3 million from a
planning for what'•s being project manager,"There's still that "the more restaurants, previously. approved parks
Agency Board called Universal Plaza,a large a long way to go." the better " bond
"l plaza that likely will be built on Lauren Scott, Woodard point- Other concerns included
wants to maintain a 1.18 acre piece of property on Tigard's commu tfJ Z J Do ed out that the how to justify maintenance
Burnham Street already owned nity engagement area doesn't expenses in lieu of recent
large plaza by the board.While the site is coordinator, told quite have the budget cuts that tighten main-
currently occupied by Fergu- the board that a survey of more needed density for such. a tenance in general at the
ay my PI1Z son Plumbing,the city hopes to than 600 people showed inter- venture. , city's parks and recreation
t Pamplin Media Group relocate the business before its est in creating a space that m Although Mayor John Cook spaces-
lease expires in 2021 eludes food carts, said he loved the de- If we solve this issue, we
The city of Tigard it hop- On Monday, the beard re- ample parlong and a sign of the plaza, can motive forward,"Cook said-
ing to move forward with ceivedanupdate from city staff splash pond among "ReMfimbr' whose tentative Councilor Jason Snider
plans to build an expansive and Resolve Architects about other features •.i plans call for a sp gg y
ace su ested.that the cit look at
�thlS IS Suit
plaza in downtown Tigard plans for the plaza, a public " Michelle Reese, that could hold 900 -engineering the plaza so it
but first wants,to makes space that could be used for an urban strategist, C,CCCCept people for special would need less maintenance
sure a securre,funding source such events as concerts,mov said downtown Ti- plaa�" events along with and Councilor- John Good- 9
for maintenance of the facill- res and farmer markets. The gard had chatiged room for a farmers house suggested finding,a ;
ty iglu,place and that the plaza, still run the preliminary significantly since —SMFVOIIy market containing creative way to finance the
space is widely used. - planning stages,would be built the council first up to 80 booths; he project other than looking
On Tuesday night, the Ti, adjacent to the Fanno Creek looked at building a had concerns about solely at using the city's gen-
gard City Council,acting as the Trail. plaza in 2011. She said food- how to activate the site. eral fund.
type businesses nearby would He also expressed concerns Kenny Asher-,the city's com-
enhance the project, about trying to get the public munit) development director,
While Councilor .Mark to understand how the project said hip department would
Woodard aalced about the po- �wo.}lilc��¢g�i}�dedj;es�eFiaal,ly come up with a business plan
tentaal,thpt;food,oRrts draw t r;vq�yr19 r�ctre� .J tto�see,how the laza coup�gen-
busme3s.awdy�r+anf U,4mllud Ating levy as . ay. e,ung gate,revenue a�id'get li�ae to
brick and nwtarrrestaurauts, ;�4&source wqula�see t*g,* the board. -
lfiew of PEaza from water feature toward Burnham Street
+ril�rrprel�ye FIRE element
medaatians intQrpreU�re sculpture
seY wrihin
I=kRE Path
AiFi elBrnent splash pad 1
Canopy 1 hlia2e kinetic fcunlam feature
Court scs�lpfure * ', �ntarpret:va sculptural
rack sealing slang * along
cvminun�ty rack seating bf4CksONath WATER Patft .
` foul-Sharing � atcn�EARTH Path . .
a lip
Tigard Universal Plazci
i { p.pvlklon _ � ,•gin
r-
�cept Design
Opinion: Accessing the internet is key to Oregon
students' success
Updated i:,0 AN); Posttod 7:00 AnA September 6, 2018 "a-11-LI rt��
By Guest Columnists Lou Ogden, John Cook and Peter Truax
Last spring, a high school student in Tualatin faced a decision she shouldn't have had to make: leave a
mentoring session early, or fail to finish her homework. It wasn't that she had an unreasonable workload,
or an early curfew. She needed to do her work online, and because her family didn't have internet at
home, she needed to work at the library. The library closed at 9 p.m.
While many of us think nothing of reaching for our phone or sitting down at our laptop or desktop
computer, some of our neighbors, friends, colleagues and classmates don't have that option.
We still send our kids to school with paper and pens and pencils, but the world has moved online.
Success today requires internet access. Kids need to be online to keep up and complete everyday
assignments.
Even with expanded computer labs and laptop checkout programs, our libraries struggle to meet the
growing demand for computer time and internet access. (And budgets aren't likely to grow enough to
keep up either.) We're isolating people from connections to the outside world and the modern classroom
and office.
Removing barriers and opening up digital infrastructure is every bit as important to our communities as
maintaining and improving roads, bridges and sidewalks. It ensures that all of our citizens have an equal
opportunity to learn and compete. Zip codes and family income should not determine who thrives in the
digital age.
Unfortunately, city budgets are limited. The need for other resources continues to grow. And we can
only keep libraries open for so many hours.
This is where internet providers can chip in, and some are already helping to connect students and
families through programs and resources targeted to those who need them the most. Programs like
Internet Essentials from Comcast, which offers low-cost internet access and subsidized computers for
veterans who receive state or federal assistance, and anyone who qualifies for HUD housing assistance
or the National School Lunch Program
Internet Essentials is just one program. But since it began, more than 140,000 low-income Oregonians
have received internet access at home. It is exactly the type of initiative that can make a difference to
people living across the metro area and throughout our local communities.
But there's still so much more that needs to be done.
As mayors, we can only do so much. We need more private companies to step up and provide low-cost
options for families who qualify. We need help spreading the word about these programs through
schools, nonprofits and other government agencies so families and students know what options are out
there and can access additional opportunities to increase student success.
With the beginning of school, many of you received a supplies list for your children. Internet access was
not listed, but it should be. Because when access to digital tools is limited, it limits what's possible -
both today, and well into the future.
--Lou Ogden is the mayor of Tualatin; John Cook is the mayor of Tigard; and Peter Truax is the mayor
of Forest Grove.
Opinion',
A#Ye<_,Xike that deMand,too:
A8 Thursday,September 6,2018 The Metro leaders likely*ill want assurances
that the new developments have accessIo"com=
plete neighborhoods,"meaning easy access,by
foot or by mass transit,to jobs,schools,parks
� ,
shopping,etc.,with plenty of sidewalks and green
BeavertonE spaces,
�
(� We'd make that demand;too,
The Metro leaders likely will want the cities to .:
take a sharp pencil to the infrastructure:do they
City right .,to' I know how to pay for water,waste water,storm
water,sidewalks and.streets,etc.?
an We'd make that demand,too.
plfor
rgowth Beaverton and King City have done the right
thing by acknowledging that growth is happening,
and getting ready for it.There is no way to stop
u ���i the growth.We cannot put up walls to keep peo
ple from moving here from other states,or to keep
'e applaud the executive of the re. Portlanders from moving into the suburbs.ft can't
gonal government,Metro,for OK'ing be done.
Plans by four cities to expand and toi There's either smart,well-planned growth.Or
build more homes. chaotic growth.And the request by these cities
This week,the Metro elected officials took up 1 represents the former over the latter.
the same topic,and they followed suit. ..- A note about the urban growth boundary:R like-
Last week,Martha Bennett,chief operating offs- ly isn't the villain responsible for the high housing
cer at Metro,gave her endorsement to plans by 1. prices in the metro area. ,
Beaverton,King City,Hillsboro and Wilsonville to 7 That's because home prices are skyrocketing
expand the urban growth boundary at each site, ` throughout the West.According to a June 2018 ar-
The boundary is the invisible barrier around Bort- ticle on"CNN Money,"Seattle,Las Vegas and San
land and its suburbs,beyond which urban devel Francisco are leading the way with annual double-
opment is not allowed.'Metro—which also han• digit home price gains.Denver's.right there in the
dles such a wide array of responsibilities as solid mix,too.As of that month,Seattle had seen nearly
waste and The Oregon Zoo—controls the bound six years of positive annual price gains,with 27 . .
ary,called the UGB. r consecutive months of double-digit gains
The four cities want to push the boundary west None of those cities have urban growth bound
ward.Beaverton has a plan to expand by 1,232 to- aries.
tal acres(not all of which is buildable land)forThe UGB was created by Republic, is the
3,760 new homes.For King City,it's 528 acres and 1960s and'70s to protect forest and farmland from
3,300 homes. urban sprawl.Yes,it has created density issues in
Hillsboro has asked to grow by 150 acres for 850 the metro area,including bad traffic.But compare
new homes.And Wilsonville wants 271 new acres that to the unending sprawl of places life Houston
for 1,235 new homes. -.:. or any Southern California megalopolis.In the
Metro's elected councilors indicated they will battle between density and unmitigated sprawl,
put some demands on the cities.We're fine with we'll take density,please, ;
that.Metro should demand assurances that the If we can't hide from growth,we'd best plan for
new sites will contribute more affordable homes; it.Beaverton's done that.So,too,King City.
not just more homes.The region doesn't need Bravo to them both.
more clusters of McMansions,stretched out as far
as the eye can see.What the area needs is"miss- , -
ing middle"housing:not for the poorest of the .
poor or the richest of the rich,but starter homes',
"empty-nester"homes and homes for low-income
working residents.Think cottages,duplexes and
a - ory-dwelling-units(sometimes called"gam-:
t� �''l