Beaverton Council seeks $3M for Meadowlark Senior Housing project to aid local seniors

A significant push for funding was made during the Oregon Legislature's Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Capital Construction meeting on May 16, 2025, as local leaders presented critical projects aimed at enhancing community infrastructure and addressing pressing needs across the state.

Among the standout requests was a $1.7 million appeal for community gathering spaces and educational opportunities to improve park safety, reflecting growing concerns among residents. Additionally, a $15 million request was made for the Fair Complex update, which aims to construct a new barn and multipurpose building to support horse and livestock show programs and emergency response efforts.

Beaverton City Councilor Ashley Hartmeyer Prigg advocated for $3 million in funding for the Meadowlark Senior Housing Affordable Development, which will provide 104 affordable homes for seniors, including units reserved for low-income residents. This project also includes a Head Start program, emphasizing the importance of affordable housing and early childhood education.

Tim McCarthy, COO of Harbor Industrial Services, urged support for $20 million in state funds for critical maintenance at the Oregon Container Terminal, highlighting its role in supporting over 1,400 jobs and facilitating trade for small and medium-sized businesses. Without this funding, he warned of potential closures and increased costs for consumers.

Benton County Commissioner Pat Malone called for $1.5 million to reconstruct the Jackson Fraser Wetland Boardwalk, a vital resource for education and community access to nature. This project has already garnered significant local support and aims to enhance environmental stewardship.

In a notable initiative, Heart of Oregon Corps requested $1 million to build a central campus in Redmond, which will serve as a workforce training hub for youth, addressing both job skills and the affordable housing crisis.

The meeting also featured discussions on the Tillamook Bay Commons project, which seeks $6.3 million to develop workforce housing for essential workers in Tillamook County, marking a pioneering effort in nonprofit-led housing development.

As these projects highlight the diverse needs across Oregon, the committee's decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the state's infrastructure and community support systems in the coming years.