Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cornelius public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues with high priority
Water Reservoir Condition Assessment
A resident presented a 200-signature petition and evidence packet about peeling lead paint on the reservoir, which sits near a daycare, playground, and dog park. She's asking for temporary containment, independent soil testing, and a public cleanup timeline. Staff will respond June 15.
Washington County Police Services Contract Costs
Chief Coley reported steady crime numbers for the first four months of 2026 — 761 traffic stops, 1,213 public-demand calls, 260 arrests — and credited the sheriff's office for 400 hours of investigative help after last year's tragedy. DHS reports dropped 20% countywide.
Pavement Management and Street Conditions
Cornelius' road condition score is sliding from 70 toward 59 over a decade on the current $725,000-a-year paving budget. Holding steady would cost $2.6 million a year and fixing everything $8.7 million — council agreed the status quo isn't working and wants to explore options, possibly with a town hall.
South Cornelius Water & Sanitary Sewer Design
The council approved a $159,000 design contract with AKS Engineering for the South Cornelius water and sanitary sewer project — design is a small slice; the big cost comes at construction.
Tualatin Valley Highway Transit and Safety Project
TriMet's 16.2-mile BRT line from Beaverton to Forest Grove is now pegged at $284 million, with diesel buses instead of electric because the Merlo garage can't handle them. Service could open in 2030 with 12-minute headways and safer, better-lit stations.
Council seat vacancy — Vaughn resignation
There's an open seat on the city council, and the council agreed to keep applications open five weeks so more residents can throw their hat in the ring.
Family Peace Center services and survivor support
The Family Peace Center served 3,479 people in its first eight months in its new Hillsboro building, including 109 Cornelius residents — a 137% increase. The biggest gaps are permanent housing for survivors and dedicated elder abuse services. Cornelius residents can walk in 8:30–4 weekdays or call the 24-hour line.
November 3 election and council vacancy process
Seven people applied for the vacant council seat. The council agreed to interview everyone on May 18 — even the ones with thin applications — with the winner seated June 1.
Sanctuary law compliance and immigration enforcement
Council members spoke emotionally about ICE arrests in the community and elsewhere, urging residents to stay safe, use the city's resource website, consider signing up with Equity Corps of Oregon, and call 988 in a mental health crisis.
Council Creek Trail maintenance agreement
The East-West trail connecting Cornelius, Hillsboro, and Forest Grove is designed and permitted, but construction is stuck waiting on a Federal Highway Administration amendment. An online open house on the 23 road crossings is planned for April; councilors asked for in-person and Spanish-language options so everyone can participate.