Development News for Tigard, Oregon

Tigard City Council Discusses Federal Legislative Agenda, Including Grant Funding and FEMA Changes

The City Council received an update on the federal legislative agenda for 2026, including feedback on previous revisions and the addition of new items. Key items discussed were support for the 'Tankup' project's charging and cooling infrastructure grant, which is currently on pause due to a lawsuit by several states challenging the funding dispersal. The council also discussed support for Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), which are facing proposed cuts but are expected to be funded through the appropriations process. Additionally, they addressed the railroad crossing elimination program as a potential grant opportunity for mitigating rail-related issues, opposition to proposed FEMA disaster relief program changes that would shift more responsibility to local governments, and advocacy against cuts to programs supporting vulnerable populations like Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP. Feedback was provided on the vagueness of the 'affordable housing' point within the agenda.

Tigard City Council Approves HR Oversight for Compensation Study and Honors Student Envoy

The City Council discussed the classification and compensation study, with staff recommending that the Human Resources department provide oversight of the citywide compensation implementation process, aligning with the study's findings. Council members acknowledged the significant workload for the HR department and expressed appreciation for their efforts. Additionally, a resolution was passed unanimously to acknowledge Becca Kasarvani's exceptional service as the Tiger High School student envoy for the past year. The council also reviewed and approved the consent agenda, which included a contract for the Cooper Creek Afall stabilization project.

River Terrace 2.0 Annexation Discussion Highlights Future Considerations and Resident Concerns

The City Council discussed the proposed development of the River Terrace 2.0 annexation, noting that the annexation of the subject properties will be considered at a future date yet to be determined. A public hearing was opened and closed, with a confirmation that the public hearing will be noticed again for future public agency and stakeholder engagement before the Planning Commission. A resident, Larry Jacobs, who is under contract for the sale of his property to Riverside Homes, expressed concerns about delays in the annexation and community plan completion, as his contract payment schedule is contingent upon these developments. Another resident, Jeff Whis, requested that the city direct staff to anchor the centerline of the proposed Southwest River Terrace Boulevard to his eastern property line, citing potential harm and unfair burden under Tigard's development code regarding exactions and a lawful 50/50 split.

Clean Water Services Proposes Rate Increases and Outlines 10-Year Financial Plan

Clean Water Services (CWS) presented an update on their cost of service study and rate projections, detailing historical rate increases, the methodology for allocating costs between sanitary sewer and storm water programs, and regional versus local services. The study revealed that current local rates do not fully cover program costs. CWS plans to implement a 10-year financial plan to fund operations, maintenance, debt service, and capital needs, aiming to correct funding deficits in local service areas and maintain sufficient reserves. Projected rate increases for FY27 are $1.97 per month for regional services, with annual increases of approximately 4% for both sewer and storm water services over the next decade. Significant capital expenditures are planned, totaling over $754 million for sanitary sewer and storm water over the next five years. The presentation also highlighted upcoming next steps, including public hearings and board adoption of budgets and rates effective July 1st, and mentioned ongoing work on a utility billing feasibility study for income and emergency assistance programs.