About this Video

• Video Title: January 27 2025 Forest Grove City Council Work Sessions and Regular Meeting
• Channel: City of Forest Grove Oregon
• Speakers: Mayor, Ashley, Jesse, Councilors (multiple names mentioned but not all identified), Mariah, Jess, Dave, Kelly, Molly Rogers, Jill Chen, Emily Roots, Brian, Miles, Greg Robertson, Roy Rogers, Jason Snider, Steve Callaway, Senator Merkley, and several unidentified individuals.
• Duration: 2:50:40

Introduction

This video records a Forest Grove City Council meeting comprising work sessions and a regular meeting. The work sessions focus on refining city goals and objectives, reviewing the Transit Lodging Tax (TLT) program, and reviewing ballot language for a police facility bond. The regular meeting includes public comment, a consent agenda, presentations on the TV Highway bus Rapid Transit project and Washington County Housing Services, council reports, and executive sessions on labor negotiations and real property transactions.

Key Takeaways

1. Goal and Objective Refinement: The council engaged in a detailed review and refinement of city goals and objectives, adding, removing, and clarifying various points. Several new objectives were added based on council consensus.
2. Transit Lodging Tax (TLT) Program Review: The council reviewed the TLT program, discussing potential adjustments to its allocation of funds among marketing, sponsorships, capital projects, and the arts program. A potential increase in the TLT rate was also discussed.
3. Police Facility Bond Ballot Language: The council reviewed and approved ballot language for a bond measure to fund a new police facility, making minor adjustments to the wording for clarity and impact.
4. TV Highway Bus Rapid Transit Project: A presentation outlined the project's goals, including improved safety and rider experience, along with funding strategies involving federal grants and local/regional contributions. The council expressed concerns about the reduction of bus stops and its impact on accessibility.
5. Washington County Housing Services Update: A presentation covered the department’s vision, mission, and values, highlighting achievements in housing placements and eviction prevention. Significant budget shortfalls were also discussed, along with the potential impact on services.

Yes, there is mention of Main Street, revitalization, City Club, and the Chamber.

• Main Street: There's considerable discussion regarding the Main Street program and its role in downtown development and partnerships, particularly in relation to the proposed objective of clarifying strategic direction for downtown redevelopment and partnerships. The Main Street program's potential involvement in a parking management plan is also discussed.

• Revitalization: The term "downtown Redevelopment" appears multiple times, specifically in the context of a proposed new objective to clarify strategic direction for downtown redevelopment and partnerships.

• City Club: The City Club's potential partnership in the parking management plan and its role in downtown revitalization are discussed. There is debate about whether a parking management plan should be a city objective or a City Club initiative. Concerns are raised about the City Club potentially receiving funding from the TLT, and whether that should be a policy decision before budget allocation.

• Chamber: The Forest Grove Chamber of Commerce is mentioned in relation to its management of the "Discover Forest Grove" website and its involvement in tourism-related matters. A "state of the chamber" address is also mentioned.