Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tualatin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
34 issues with high priority
Climate action and downtown revitalization
Two big downtown projects — Riverfront Park and the downtown design framework — will be designed together so the park and downtown feel connected, with contracts approved for Walker Macy and Berger Partnership.
Downtown Tualatin urban design framework and design standards
PSU students studied the east-west stretch of Boones Ferry Road and recommended separating pedestrians from vehicles, narrowing travel lanes, adding space for artwork, and community identity elements, plus better connections to the Tualatin River Greenway Trail.
WCCLS Centralization Project
The council reluctantly approved new five-year agreements keeping Tualatin in the county library system — 67% of the library's budget depends on it. The mayor and most councilors blasted the county's rushed, top-down process.
Hazardous Materials Emergency Response and Code Enforcement
After the Lam vote, several councilors said they're uneasy about how consistently the city enforces its noise and livability codes, and want a work session on hazardous materials and emergency response — especially around schools. The city manager noted enforcement is complaint-driven because of limited staff, and more proactive enforcement would cost more.
Lam Research Building B Addition Appeals
Neighbors appealed the approval of a 3,900-square-foot addition to Lam Research's Building B, citing noise and chemical safety worries. The Council unanimously denied the appeals, saying environmental rules are operating standards, not architectural review criteria — but agreed to a future work session on hazardous materials and emergency response.
Tualatin-Sherwood Road / Rail Crossing Study
The rail crossing at Tualatin-Sherwood Road causes major congestion — one freight train blocking the crossing can take traffic 45 minutes to recover. Four options are on the table: widen the crossing, go over the rail, go under it, or do nothing, but the advisory committee, Planning Commission, and public all prefer different things. Council hasn't picked a direction yet and wants more info on safety, bike/ped facilities, and funding.
Outside Agency Grant Allocations for FY 2026/27
The Council worked through how to split $50,000 among community organizations for next fiscal year. Councilor Hillier stepped aside for the discussion, and the final awards will come back as a resolution at a future meeting.
Building Division fee increase
Building permit fees rise 15% now and 5% a year afterward because rising costs left the program short of covering its expenses. Tualatin's fees stay on the low end compared to nearby cities.
City Council Election
Councilors debated whether the $750 tech stipend and $20 utility credit — unchanged for decades — should adjust for inflation, and whether the IDEA Committee should study barriers to running for office. Staff will return options on the stipend and credit only.
Tualatin Station Bar and Grill public safety concerns
A resident documented 50 police dispatches in 11 months at the bar — mostly between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. — including assaults, DUIs, and an overdose, and asked the city for directed enforcement, an OLCC/nuisance review, and enforceable security protocols.
Sole-source water supply vulnerability
August's transmission line leak showed Tualatin runs on one pipeline from Portland with no backup that can meet full daily demand. Public Works wants to start serious planning for a backup supply identified in the 2023 Water Master Plan — a big, costly decision coming within the next year.
Housing affordability findings from the Contextualized Housing Needs Analysis
New data shows a typical Tualatin home costs about six times household income — well above the healthy 3-4 ratio — and over half of renters are cost burdened. The findings will feed future housing policy decisions.
Lam campus operational noise
Neighbors appealing the Building B approval say the campus already creates noise and chemical-safety risks, including silane gas stored 800 feet from homes. The city says those issues belong in code enforcement, not architectural review, and deliberations continue October 12.
Housing Needs and Capacity Analysis
New data shows a typical Tualatin home costs about six times household income — well above the healthy 3-4 ratio — and over half of renters are cost burdened. The findings will feed future housing policy decisions.
Downtown floodplain and stormwater management
Most of downtown drains into Nyberg Creek, and last year the main drainage outlet sat three feet below the creek's elevation — meaning water had to flow uphill to drain. A new project could add floodwater capacity and let downtown developers skip building costly on-site stormwater facilities.
New Clean Water Services operating agreement
Tualatin's 2005 sewer and stormwater deal with Clean Water Services was outdated, so the city helped negotiate a new five-year agreement covering who owns and maintains what, how enforcement works, and billing. The city can now charge CWS an administrative fee for billing services it long covered itself, and CWS will make an annual presentation to the council.
Stop sign safety at 103rd Avenue and Ibach Street
Residents have raised concerns about cars and bicyclists not following the rules at this intersection. Councilor Hillier asked staff to look for forward-thinking safety solutions.
Camping ordinance update for vehicle camping
Resident Gina Schlatter described ongoing looting, drug activity, and camping near her home on SW Tualatin Road, saying she was never notified of the public camping designation and that hours aren't enforced. She urged the council to find alternative solutions.
E-bike and e-scooter safety
A community coalition is building a school-based education campaign after a state law lowered the e-bike riding age to 14 and injuries spiked. They'll host a listening session October 27 at Hazelbrook Middle School and asked for a council work session afterward.
Clear and objective housing code limits on neighbor input
State law requires cities to use clear, measurable standards for housing approvals. Tualatin is auditing its development code, and the council agreed to focus on an adjustment process for multifamily development rather than allowing multifamily by right in lower-density zones for now.
School Resource Officer Program renewal
The SRO program has paired Tualatin police officers with Tualatin schools since 1988, focusing on mentorship and relationships rather than just security. The Council unanimously renewed it for another school year.
Utility Fee Rate Increases for Water, Sewer, Stormwater, Road, and Parks
Your utility bills are going up. The rates follow the city's master plans and the road fee's index, but one councilor wanted no increases and another abstained wanting more answers.
FY 2026-27 City Budget Adoption
The $177.5 million budget is set for the year starting July 1, keeping the property tax rate at $2.2665 per $1,000. Councilors also want a future conversation about their own pay and travel budget.
Sidewalk Maintenance Backlog
A resident flagged that there's no crosswalk on Boones Ferry Road between Tualatin View apartments and the ODOT building, even though the 76 bus stops there. Jurisdiction is murky — Tualatin, Durham, the county, or ODOT — and staff promised to check and follow up.
Recycled water ('purple pipe') for Tualatin Community Park
The city will use Clean Water Services recycled water instead of drinking water for park irrigation, saving about 80% on water costs. The catch: a pipeline has to go under a railroad, so service may not start until summer 2028.
Eviction Prevention Funding Cuts
Rent assistance funding from every source — federal, state, Metro, and private — has been cut by 50 percent or more, and the main pathway to help now requires going through eviction court or already being a Community Action client. Council is weighing whether to refocus Outside Agency Grants toward eviction prevention.
Library Cooperative Funding Agreement with Washington County
The Library Advisory Committee warned that if the local option levy or WCCLS funding lapses in five years, the library could look dramatically different. They asked the council to start planning alternative funding sources now, and raised concerns about WCCLS collaboration on the shared collection.
Food insecurity and Tualatin Food Pantry capacity
The pantry served nearly 50,000 people last year — over 24,000 from Tualatin — with four straight years of double-digit growth. New coolers and HVAC will help, but transportation to the pantry remains a barrier for residents without cars.
Rising basic needs at Tigard-Tualatin Resource Center
Food and utility assistance requests surged this year, and the Resource Center lost two staff positions to school district budget cuts. Councilors flagged gaps in Clackamas County resources for a third of Tualatin and offered to help organize a one-day community donation drive.
Honey Bucket zoning in Light Manufacturing district
Honey Bucket's operation isn't allowed in its Light Manufacturing zone, and the council had to choose between rewriting the code for the whole zone or steering the company to a zone change. They picked the zone change path — narrower and less risky for surrounding neighborhoods.
TriMet Budget Reductions and Proposed Service Cuts
Regional mayors are discussing a joint letter to TriMet pushing back on service cuts. Tualatin agreed to sign on.
PGE transmission lines on Stafford Road
Residents of the rural Stafford Road area say PGE is installing 100-to-140-foot industrial transmission poles along a designated scenic road, even while their appeal to the state Land Use Board of Appeals is pending. They cite fire risk, property value losses, and a county approval process that left the cities sidelined. The city attorney is reviewing options.
Pili Group attendance decline amid immigration fears
A support group for Hispanic women has seen attendance drop from about 20 to 10 as community members stay home out of fear of immigration enforcement. Council members offered to help publicize the group and reinforce a sense of safety.
Immigration enforcement and community safety
Councilor Brooks asked for a work session on what the city and its police can and can't do amid federal immigration enforcement, citing frightening incidents in the community. Council agreed to share training materials first, with possible further discussion later.