Mayoral Report—2006

A Good Year in Review!

As in the past, the January issue of Your City is a summary of the previous year’s highlights and events. Our City continues to grow in population and size, successfully faces challenges and maintains a high level of livability. Each of our City departments has included interesting information and operational statistics for your review.

Beaverton has been recognized and honored in several key areas this past calendar year. We were named one of 30 cities nationally as an All–America City Finalist this past spring. This recognition is a result of a national competition that scrutinizes and evaluates all aspects of a community. The award is about the overall community and not just the city. It is an honor that should be proudly shared by all residents. We have great community pride, exhibit strong teamwork and display an outstanding “can do” attitude that is prevalent at all levels of our community. That is evident in how we function as a community and was acknowledged by the US Civic League in awarding Beaverton the All–America City Finalist award.

Our City continues to be recognized for its strong public safety programs and overall safe community. This is quite an achievement to be honored consistently several years in a row. Our successes are a result of our Community Oriented Policing Program and the valued partnership we have with our citizens. The Morgan Quitno Press 12^th Annual Safest City & Safest and Most Dangerous Metropolitan Area Awards program ranks Beaverton the 2^nd safest medium/large city in the northwest. We are ranked second only to Bellevue, WA. The rankings are derived from standard FBI statistics that evaluate multiple categories of crime reporting. We enjoy a strong working relationship with our citizenry that translates into a strong two–way communication between citizens and the Beaverton Police Department. People quickly report suspicious activities and watch out for one another. Consequently, crime is often nipped in the bud. Not all communities function this well and don’t enjoy the high quality of life our strong law enforcement efforts help preserve and promote!

Our Beaverton City Library continues to be a strong center of civic pride–this past year our individual library performance was highly recognized and ranked by the Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings program. The Beaverton City Library was again ranked #1 for Oregon libraries serving populations from 100,000–249,999. Ours is by far the busiest library in Washington County. In spite of the funding and service challenges the last several years, our City staff personnel have continued to provide a high quality of service to our patrons. I’m proud of our efforts and the professional support provided to the community.

Lastly, our downtown redevelopment efforts are proceeding effectively and producing positive results. The bulk of the Hall St/Watson Avenue beautification work between Canyon Road and Broadway St. south of Canyon Rd. is completed. The area has a new, fresh look and has dramatically improved the appearance of “old” downtown Beaverton. The Round development in downtown alongside the Westside Light Rail route has continued its positive progress and is completing construction on the new 400–car parking structure. The new structure will allow for easier access to shopping and utilizing merchant services. Just next to The Round, the City recently purchased the old Westgate Theater property to provide right–of–way land for a new roadway and help spur new development on the site. The City and Metro have joined forces to purchase the property, which will be sold to a private developer in 2006. The city will recoup its investment upon the sale to the private developer.

While we have had some significant challenges in the past year, I hope you will agree that our community is heading in the right direction. I have enjoyed serving each of you and look forward to another successful year! Thank you for your support and confidence in me.

Previous Reports

Current Report

Previous Reports

Open Letter to Residents