During a recent Tigard City Council meeting, community members voiced their concerns and suggestions regarding the formation of a new task force aimed at addressing homelessness in the area. Gabriel Beeler, a veteran and advocate for veteran homelessness, emphasized the importance of including local residents on the task force, arguing that those with a vested interest in the community would provide invaluable insights. Beeler expressed his willingness to volunteer for the committee.

Anna Murphy, another resident, raised concerns about the proposed task force's composition, suggesting that it primarily includes individuals from nonprofits and government agencies, which may not adequately represent the diverse perspectives of the community. She called for ongoing town hall meetings to foster direct communication between city officials and residents, as well as the inclusion of community members with differing viewpoints on the task force.

Lindsay Voorhees echoed these sentiments, advocating for the addition of 2 to 3 community member positions on the task force to ensure that local voices are heard from the outset. She highlighted a history of residents feeling excluded from decision-making processes and stressed the need for collaboration in tackling the local homelessness crisis.

The meeting also touched on the selection process for a new city manager, with resident Michael Antonelli urging the council to maintain transparency and public involvement throughout the selection process. He supported the idea of keeping the process open from beginning to end, reinforcing the community's right to participate in significant decisions affecting their lives.

The discussions reflect a growing demand for transparency and community engagement in local governance, particularly concerning critical issues like homelessness. The council is expected to consider these public comments as they move forward with the task force and other initiatives.