Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cornelius public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
8 issues in public safety with medium priority
Quarterly Police Report
Police Chief Mitch Coley will present the quarterly report on crime trends and department activity.
E-bike and mini-bike safety rules in the works
Police Chief Cole is drafting a municipal code covering e-bikes, e-scooters, and mini bikes, coordinated with Hillsboro and Forest Grove so rules match along the Council Creek Trail. New state age limits drop to 14 on January 1, 2027.
County public safety levy, jail expansion and courthouse replacement
Commissioner Jerry Willey previewed three big county projects: a 2027 public safety levy for unincorporated Washington County, a jail expansion (the county has the smallest per-capita jail in Oregon), and a courthouse replacement that could cost around $1 billion by the 2030s.
Natural hazard mitigation planning cost share
Cornelius adopted its first standalone emergency playbook, replacing the plan it once shared with Forest Grove, clarifying who does what during floods, wildfires, and other disasters.
Supportive Housing Services Funding Model Debate
Mayor Dalin described regional debate over the metro supportive housing services tax, with cities arguing money should flow directly to cities rather than through counties. He noted street counts haven't improved since pre-COVID despite billions spent, and cited the shelter sited next to Walmart without city collaboration.
Wildland fire deployment agreement
The renewed ODF agreement lets city personnel, including Fire Chief Morris, deploy with the state's Type 1 incident management team on wildfires and other major incidents — with the state reimbursing 100% of payroll and vehicle costs.
Traffic and Pedestrian Safety in Construction Zones
With bulb-out construction and heavy pedestrian activity, council members urged drivers to slow down — the corridor past Coastal is 35 mph, not 55 — after several recent accidents.
19th & Davis roundabout crash data
Deputy Brian Appel reported that crashes near the 19th and Davis roundabout haven't increased since it was built, even with the busy new plaza nearby. Once considered one of the city's most dangerous intersections, it appears safer now.