[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6124886,"mediaKeyId","2679318-82d4fdc45946b2bf9dee8207d62d91fb","parentId",2679318,"title","Residents use public comment to debate DEI, town‑center plan, school funding and community character","audioSeconds",615,"startMs",2264000,"endMs",2879000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2679318-82d4fdc45946b2bf9dee8207d62d91fb&start=2264&end=2879","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2679318-82d4fdc45946b2bf9dee8207d62d91fb/thumbnail_2264000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6124886/Wilsonville/Clackamas-County/Oregon/Residents-use-public-comment-to-debate-DEI-towncenter-plan-school-funding-and-community-character","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6124886-d1c6fe80f327d32de26ca9db45fc4e32/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192086&Signature=N7oRnsDs2DPLcJf5wO9VuGefLg7Ce0Z-jn06UNDDjF1aqG~BqcHUtc7IWMkUjzHOU5tM6JtSowt0DigxA895JgmicxavsWFZOCDF~2~KUY-4K5CtNPzAsEm8WfBOgZy6W4ulyHVxwUc9YHL9d2cmIhIhGU5hvJ2kLGj31Te1NyxfpEtneMyLrmLlDEWNJWmbnA5eQL7wsPeRNHuSr9l4BkefWToTFRik4dGoc8NSfB7BNOTriA5o3hYFqU~yBMC-BsDRq~81yGnv0kKX2GLri0DMTkmK6hXaO6QsTkMO~y7cdYIxP6nxdKqX-IKa9UdyEJUgRBtux-1oj7cjmCj~aA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Wilsonville, OR","date","2025-03-18T15:44:18Z","article","During the March 17 community input period, a number of residents spoke to a range of topics, with repeated themes on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), the town‑center planning effort, school funding and community character.

Speakers who identified as critical of DEI said the city should focus on core municipal services and follow the charter; others defended DEI work as part of inclusion, citing practical community benefits and urging the council to continue support. Both sides used the public comment period to press councilors to consider how city messaging and programs reflect community values.

Several residents raised the town‑center plan and its outreach. One speaker questioned the plan’s trade‑offs — saying community requests such as a pool did not appear in the plan — and urged council to ask voters whether higher‑density mixed‑use development is acceptable in the town center. Another speaker praised the town center work and trails projects as steps toward a more connected community.

Speakers also highlighted local schools’ fiscal challenges and called for support for bills in the state Legislature addressing special education funding and child care. One parent and community member cited a projected $15 million shortfall in the school district’s next biennium budget and asked residents to pay attention to school board elections in May.

Other commenters offered positive testimonials about city programs, including SMART transit and parks and recreation staff, and one community organizer announced a new local group, Wilsonville Pride, to build visibility and support for LGBTQ residents.

Councilors listened and acknowledged the range of views; they did not take action during the public‑comment period but said themes raised would be factored into future council conversations and outreach planning.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Work Session and Regular Meeting, March 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Dozens of residents addressed the March 17 council meeting during the community input period, voicing divergent views on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), concerns about the town‑center redevelopment plan and its density, and appeals for more school funding and neighborhood amenities.","taxTitle","Wilsonville, Clackamas County, Oregon","taxId",70310,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6124891,"Council adopts staff interpretation of undergrounding code, limiting new transmission poles in city right‑of‑way",212,5643000,5855000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2679318-82d4fdc45946b2bf9dee8207d62d91fb&start=5643&end=5855","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2679318-82d4fdc45946b2bf9dee8207d62d91fb/thumbnail_5643000.jpg","/articles/6124891/Wilsonville/Clackamas-County/Oregon/Council-adopts-staff-interpretation-of-undergrounding-code-limiting-new-transmission-poles-in-city-rightofway","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6124891-416cfafb830eaed942c08a033ef79e4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192086&Signature=blC6kjiv74aIzH6iRneGO6fNVJTDgljqgJu121fS6XVzz4jdejyFpzqRdP8Dj~7etpHOXfVmYxPA1LX44Qe2w5hCrP8JM6izD3oAcuYRopQfkijei5AC1NZzcfgBRcLopaL0cLlJXiITS0THUKCXB6pAtouMHqkUVv7ocv5CAMEARuMqyny6UIzmC5i6oTy2c-hE-Si5D3iujR7akFOjGCWJD2FegXI55L2mYLEWYOwKjv7QZAgL5li~ELYM1DuHMkWVOGn9enmOhb-AEcNMB4xQjGmDMetXSEP97nhW~6IxTPtYqmgtmslWq9mrc0AR~UIehEP050cTLq2qeZxEIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wilsonville City Council voted unanimously on March 17 to adopt a staff memorandum interpreting city code provisions governing undergrounding of utilities, a vote that staff said clarifies that new high‑voltage transmission poles are not permitted in city right‑of‑way under the cited code sections.

City Attorney Amanda Guile Hinman presented a memorandum interpreting Wilsonville Code provisions 3.34 and 4.3–4.32, which generally govern undergrounding requirements. Hinman said Portland General Electric had applied for a right‑of‑way permit to install new high‑voltage transmission poles along Southwest Grims Ferry Road and had argued that an exemption applied; staff told PGE the code allows transmission lines to remain on existing poles but does not permit installation of new transmission poles in the right‑of‑way.

Hinman said PGE referenced a different code provision intended to exempt existing high‑voltage transmission lines from undergrounding when new development occurs, but that nothing in the code allows utility companies to install new transmission poles in the city right‑of‑way. Council directed staff to adopt the interpretation as presented and voted 5‑0 on a motion to do so.

City Manager Brian Cosgrove and the city attorney indicated staff would follow up with PGE about permit requirements and next steps under the adopted interpretation. The council’s action clarifies the city’s position on how its undergrounding rules apply to high‑voltage transmission projects in public rights‑of‑way but does not itself approve or deny any specific PGE permit application; staff indicated any permit application from PGE would be evaluated under the adopted interpretation.","Wilsonville adopted a staff memorandum interpreting city code to require undergrounding of utilities and to prohibit installation of new high‑voltage transmission poles in the public right‑of‑way; the formal interpretation was adopted by a 5‑0 vote after city attorney briefing.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6124896,"Wilsonville council outlines retreat goals; mayor summarizes recent legislative testimony and I‑5 Boone’s Ferry bridge funding concerns",824,4555000,5379000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2679318-82d4fdc45946b2bf9dee8207d62d91fb&start=4555&end=5379","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2679318-82d4fdc45946b2bf9dee8207d62d91fb/thumbnail_4555000.jpg","/articles/6124896/Wilsonville/Clackamas-County/Oregon/Wilsonville-council-outlines-retreat-goals-mayor-summarizes-recent-legislative-testimony-and-I5-Boones-Ferry-bridge-funding-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6124896-93ea62586d7a87a8876b6134e66d6f0e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192086&Signature=XvN2wCaGM4~oMnmJfB~N0tijLduXdl1T4c86R6hZ-Tp9pSORrXyCuujqOHAcvmbYnDmuS6gKPsbB20dILiWUj3pW985WrV6tIhxeOt60TxkqF0GyzA5-3rYx9gs1plV7cIWScjmlAYUZ2fN1C~xui1AOg0Kon~pvSR3a1Yv-jGWpfRWN-~8paXhV7TCQrjxokpa9uA3O-3Paim4lC7X8mXnMtGo5Wn9qhPtQ8H0FZXAp~WVxX6Q4jkwmCIpYlMlXl438s4ET-G9MMptnfkzt2PJGGO6DRS08xHBQ3GBiGkcW1Ryq-x0877V3FqfCfn918breLVZoHgljPBklUZlvgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor O'Neil told the council on March 17 that members spent their recent retreat setting two‑year goals under themes including public health and safety, fiscal sustainability, and community engagement. The mayor said staff from multiple departments assisted the weekend retreat.

The retreat goals the mayor described included streamlining code‑enforcement response, expanding on‑the‑ground mental‑health resources, evaluating public nuisance code, exploring a rental inspection program and funding options, pursuing cost‑sav‑ing and revenue strategies for utility funds, and developing community engagement strategies for town‑center planning and urban renewal.

O'Neil also reviewed written and oral testimony submitted on behalf of the city to the state legislature. He said staff supported several bills including measures addressing recreational immunity for landowners, housing infrastructure standards and funding, child care availability, restrictions on certain pesticides to protect pollinators, middle‑housing clarity, and workforce development for water/wastewater and building inspection trades.

The mayor raised particular concern about the I‑5 Boone’s Ferry bridge seismic replacement project. He said Oregon Department of Transportation officials told local electeds they lacked a final funding plan for the next phase, with preliminary estimates for design and near‑term steps between about $3 million and $8 million and final design costs potentially in the “tens of millions.” He warned that construction costs could be in the hundreds of millions and said the city would work with congressional and state representatives to seek funds.

Councilors later reiterated the retreat’s emphasis on clear communication with residents and the need to align statutory requirements from the state with available funding, particularly for housing initiatives. One councilor serving as the Housing Our Future Task Force chair said the group planned a final meeting and would bring recommendations forward, while asking the public to monitor state legislative developments that affect local implementation.

No formal council action was taken on the retreat goals at the meeting; the mayor framed them as direction for staff and council work over the next two years.","At the March 17 meeting Mayor O'Neil reviewed goals developed during a recent council retreat — including public safety, fiscal health, and community engagement — and summarized the city’s legislative testimony on several bills and concern about a funding gap for the I‑5 Boone’s Ferry (Boone’s) Bridge seismic replacement project.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6124900,"Council renews property tax exemptions for five low‑income housing complexes",3226,2324000,5550000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2679318-82d4fdc45946b2bf9dee8207d62d91fb&start=2324&end=5550","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2679318-82d4fdc45946b2bf9dee8207d62d91fb/thumbnail_2324000.jpg","/articles/6124900/Wilsonville/Clackamas-County/Oregon/Council-renews-property-tax-exemptions-for-five-lowincome-housing-complexes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6124900-4db26b5d33b65c3740143d9fbfbc868b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192086&Signature=WuiwGG2zCjUVGhfF0NV2yjmzXATDzr80Egh5fq51lhlzZLEPNVhTTxDTBraiRCSSKYTzBGPKNwGfoKQZZiuIfglccxKOFIYAPIZQuZ~kdTrlkf6~F9emdz5uVirhy5TfCeM9NMQavqFGqMMuELbeT9obCyQzFMn5XDmDI7X8qI3CIUaD65~9OmhWUtte7wbD5WihqjqUMkO4u~Fp2lECRpujTf5x~wO-ZXZQNFdNMX7fJ2La5Felftej-z0NJetcgRA9UEZ5zKaIZQbIPWd1Gar7sShuP-PQt1-WPuSGZ6e6j-cJzUitYCIcm1dBtDOqgd5D70zXktNyb~aaLzeonw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wilsonville City Council voted 5‑0 on March 17 to approve annual property tax exemptions for five low‑income housing developments, a housekeeping step staff said helps reduce operating costs for non‑profit affordable housing providers.

Assistant Finance Director Catherine Smith told the council the program is an annual process and that all participating properties must meet state and federal funding requirements, including annual physical inspections, annual audits of financial activity and program compliance. She said 365 units in the city are currently covered under the exemptions.

The consent agenda motion approving the packet — which included the five resolutions — passed without separate roll‑call discussion. Councilors later discussed field visits and resident feedback; one councilor said they had driven through each property and spoken with residents who reported satisfactory upkeep and prompt landlord responses.

The resolutions approved exemptions under Oregon property tax statutes for the following developments: Autumn Park Apartments, Charleston Apartments, Creekside Woods LP, Rain Garden Limited Partnership (a behavioral‑health focused property), and Weideman Park Apartments. Staff noted additional details appear in the council packet starting at page 70.

Council members emphasized the need to monitor the fiscal impact of tax‑exempt properties on city revenues and reiterated that compliance checks and inspections remain part of program oversight. A councilor said the units, including Rain Garden, play a role in long‑term local housing support for vulnerable residents.

The consent agenda vote recorded the council’s approval of minutes and the five resolutions; the council adopted the consent agenda 5‑0.","The Wilsonville City Council approved property tax exemptions under state statute for five affordable housing complexes as part of a consent agenda vote; staff reported 365 units covered and compliance requirements tied to state and federal funding.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6124905,"Wilsonville transit agency releases 2024 rider survey showing frequent use, growing vehicle-free households",993,819000,1812000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2679318-82d4fdc45946b2bf9dee8207d62d91fb&start=819&end=1812","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2679318-82d4fdc45946b2bf9dee8207d62d91fb/thumbnail_819000.jpg","/articles/6124905/Wilsonville/Clackamas-County/Oregon/Wilsonville-transit-agency-releases-2024-rider-survey-showing-frequent-use-growing-vehicle-free-households","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6124905-826ee52f9ea39d3cc0d445d35d453a6d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771192086&Signature=bEZdY81AHSzILkmQmquhlVnzH-Q0jiQrNaa7owVvDK08D2p7QLMEAvLpLqNPGusjzwOazAy424yU7HsyuUoQuQFBiDmL6M5-PS9XBcmINRYv4hih3gAXsJGc3wP4iBUC8wGZz7Nns6WasfDOgTPl23~9CiLIo8lQ6yo5TwcqALERM~5fqF7JO-ayvGwytPATu7h2qE12PedaIi8e8Rfkuh4TDF4hijV1QxY-6hnl8sk9kAWIXfrAaM0ZB6OXbDhZBJggXjOjm0EJWF75lIHqzelTjp91JTPPhKyHXpoQn5tw92mZhn1WNOj6uplJ1ctpidGU2yjJrdcyN2qPwqO0nw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","SMART transit officials presented results of the agency’s most recent rider and demographic survey to the Wilsonville City Council on March 17, reporting that most respondents ride several times a week and that a larger share of households reported no working vehicle.

The presentation was led by Dwight Brashear, SMART transit director, and Anne McCracken, transit management analyst. Brashear said SMART rotates survey types each year and that the 2024 effort focused on rider demographics and trip characteristics. McCracken said the survey was conducted over several days in September and was offered online to accommodate short trips.

Survey findings flagged several recurring patterns: roughly half of respondents were ages 30–65; about half identified as Caucasian with the next-largest group identifying as Hispanic/Latino; 35% reported no working vehicle in their household; and many riders said they use SMART multiple times per week. McCracken noted that the share of respondents who said they would “drive alone” if SMART were not available fell from about 29% in 2018 to 12% in the most recent survey.

Councilors and members of the public pressed staff on sampling and coverage. One councilor pushed staff to treat the falling “drive alone” response with caution, noting that an increase in households without vehicles means driving alone was not an available option for some riders. McCracken said the team can refine future surveys to separate riders who choose not to own a car from those who cannot afford one.

Council members asked for clearer reporting on student ridership. McCracken said Route 4 has heavy student use and that SMART tracks ridership categories daily, with a typical daily youth passenger count around 300–350; she added that SMART deploys extra buses on heavily used student trips so riders do not stand.

On last‑mile connections, presenters said SMART aims for stop distances within a half‑mile and would like to move toward quarter‑mile service where feasible; staff pointed to a dial‑a‑ride service that averages about 1,000 trips per month (approximately 12,000 annually) and remains highly rated by users.

Councilors recommended several changes before the next survey cycle: add questions about homeownership versus renting and multifamily housing, include a clearer breakdown of mode alternatives (walk, bike, carpool, rideshare), and pursue targeted outreach to students, including school‑based QR codes or incentives. McCracken said the upcoming satisfaction survey will include some of those items.

The presentation closed with councilors praising SMART’s role in reducing vehicle ownership costs and supporting students and seniors, and asking staff to add a one‑slide summary of student ridership to future reports.","SMART staff presented results of its biennial rider survey to the Wilsonville City Council, reporting most riders use the system several times a week, a rise in households without a working vehicle, and continued popularity of dial‑a‑ride service; councilors urged more targeted outreach to students and renters.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents use public comment to debate DEI, town‑center plan, school funding and community character

Council adopts staff interpretation of undergrounding code, limiting new transmission poles in city right‑of‑way

Wilsonville council outlines retreat goals; mayor summarizes recent legislative testimony and I‑5 Boone’s Ferry bridge funding concerns

Council renews property tax exemptions for five low‑income housing complexes

Wilsonville transit agency releases 2024 rider survey showing frequent use, growing vehicle-free households