Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tualatin public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
28 issues with medium priority
New Library Director Leadership
The city has a new library director, Magdy Carrillo-Sotomayor, and the committee will formally meet them. Library leadership shapes everything from programming to staffing priorities at the Tualatin Public Library.
Family Peace Center Services
The Family Peace Center, which the city helps fund through outside agency grants, reported a 34% increase in survivors served since opening its new 60,000-square-foot building in January. Tualatin residents served rose from 54 last year to 73 this year.
In-pipe Hydropower Project
Tualatin is now the first city to generate clean power directly from its own water pipes using an in-pipe hydropower system. It’s a small but notable sustainability win that turns existing infrastructure into an energy source. The big question is whether it saves money or mainly serves as a pilot project.
Transportation project prioritization
Staff unveiled a tiered system for ranking roughly 100 transportation projects, which will drive the next five-year Capital Improvement Plan starting around December or January.
Resident-Led Community Spaces and Code Enforcement
A resident told the council that repeated complaints — some tied to a rainbow painted on her fence — have brought city enforcement against her volunteer community gathering space, and asked the city to stop punishing residents who build community.
Sub-regional transit service study
Tualatin will lead a $160,000 study with Lake Oswego, Sherwood, and West Linn on how to improve transit service — a response to long-standing dissatisfaction with bus service in all four cities.
Food cart pods downtown and citywide
New rules allow destination-style food cart pods in commercial zones with restrooms and covered seating — but a fight is brewing over whether small 2-4 cart pods should get a cheaper, lighter tier. The council will revisit at a work session.
Phase three consultant team and Riverfront Park
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.
Lee's Kitchen building redevelopment (Rec. 5.6)
A proposal would pursue acquisition and redevelopment of the building east of Vet's Plaza that houses Lee's Kitchen, Rosie's Kitchen, and La Barca Guerreo, because it doesn't connect well with the lake. Members asked about responsibilities to the three active businesses.
Education and civic campus proposal (Rec. 5.5)
A member proposal would recruit a higher education or healthcare institution to build a downtown campus, potentially driving student housing and redevelopment and supporting workforce training. Members worried about declining college enrollment and the hit to urban renewal if a big tax-exempt landowner anchors downtown.
CERT emergency preparedness at 10 years
Tualatin's volunteer emergency response group reported 143 active members, a new solar-powered communications trailer, a planned 30-member rapid response team, and free neighborhood preparedness trainings — with federal FEMA funding uncertain.
2027 Legislative Agenda
Staff floated a wish list of state and federal funding asks — Riverfront Park, trail connections, a railroad crossing, a microgrid, and more. Council wants more vetting on a couple before picking priorities.
Republic Services 2025 performance and Metro rate increase
Metro is raising the regional waste fee 10% and the regional excise fee 5%, on top of a reported 92% in garbage rate hikes since 2020. Councilors pushed back, and the food scraps technical assistance program lost its funding.
Homelessness services intergovernmental agreements
The Metro homeless-services tax has housed 2,871 people and prevented 3,335 evictions in Clackamas County since 2021, with both ten-year goals already exceeded. Tualatin residents are served, and the city's food pantry got a $250,000 HVAC grant.
Backyard Habitat Certification Program
Councilor Brooks reported 1,019 Tualatin trees are at risk from the emerald ash borer and asked for a work session with the Soil and Water Conservation District. The Council agreed.
2027 Legislative Funding Requests
The council weighed in on which big projects — Riverfront Park, trail connections, a microgrid, and more — the city should ask state and federal lawmakers to fund. Final priorities come later.
108th Ave. Sewer Project contract
The council approved hiring WSP USA for engineering and construction management on the 108th Avenue sewer project, moving a key infrastructure upgrade forward.
Washington County public safety levy and sheriff services
Sheriff Massey reported the November 2025 public safety levy passed, funding jail operations, mental health response, and outreach. The jail will fully reopen in June with 572 beds, and a drone-as-first-responder pilot is showing promising early results.
2026 Legislative Session Outcomes
The state cut about $128 million from its budget, but Tualatin protected its seismic valving project funding. Transportation funding is likely headed to voters, and the state's budget will dominate the next session.
First responder mental health (Struggle Well)
Fire Chief Derek Weiss described the Struggle Well program, which has helped firefighters with PTSD return to work, and asked councilors to advocate for state funding to train every first responder in Washington County.
EMS demand and 911 system sustainability
70% of fire calls are medical, and call volume keeps climbing. The district is testing nurse navigation, community paramedics, and an ARM car with a nurse practitioner to keep 911 sustainable.
Domestic Fowl Ordinances (Chickens, Ducks, and More in Backyards)
After a split 4-3 vote, Tualatin residents in low-density residential zones can now keep up to four domestic fowl under new city rules. Supporters say it aligns the code with neighboring cities and adds enforcement teeth; opponents worry about noise, sanitation, and rodents affecting neighbors.
Ride Connection Senior Transportation Services
The grant-funded nonprofit provided about 8,000 rides in Tualatin last year, including shuttles, door-to-door rides for seniors, and a new grocery shuttle from Plambeck Gardens starting in late March.
2026 City Council Priorities Review
The council reviewed its updated vision and priorities document across seven areas, with Councilor Brooks pushing for clearer legislative coordination language.
Juanita Pohl Center Services Growth
The senior center served 16,525 participants in 2025 — up 27% — and its meal program grew 400%, with restroom and door upgrades planned this year.
Water reservoir seismic valves grant
The city accepted a state grant to install seismic valves on its water reservoirs — emergency shutoffs that protect drinking water in an earthquake.
IDEA Committee annual report and recommendations
The IDEA Committee asked council to fold accessible transit, affordable housing, and gathering places into downtown revitalization plans. Its report also drew sharp public debate over a former member's non-reappointment.
School District Property Tax Measures
Voters in Tigard-Tualatin and two other local school districts are deciding whether to approve property tax measures for teachers or building upgrades. If passed, your property tax bill could go up and local school funding could change—so the vote directly affects both your wallet and local schools.