Canby City Council approves IGA with Clackamas County for homeless services funding

The Canby City Council meeting on May 21, 2025, focused on several significant intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) with Clackamas County aimed at enhancing local services and infrastructure. The primary discussion centered on securing funding for homeless services, which has been a pressing issue in the community.

City officials announced that Clackamas County has allocated funds to support jurisdictions and community partners providing services to low-income individuals, particularly those experiencing homelessness. The city plans to utilize these funds to enhance existing services at the Canby Center, a local nonprofit, and to support initiatives from the police department and library. The agreement will allow the city to act as an intermediary, facilitating the flow of funds from the county to the Canby Center without the need for a cumbersome procurement process.

Council members expressed their support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of helping vulnerable populations. Concerns were raised about the potential for increased homelessness in the area, but city officials reassured that the funding would primarily support existing clientele and services, including financial literacy and safety improvements in public spaces.

In addition to the homeless services funding, the council approved an IGA for the transfer of jurisdiction over North Pine Street from the county to the city. This agreement includes a financial contribution from the county for road improvements, which city officials welcomed as a significant step forward in local infrastructure management.

Another IGA was approved concerning storm drainage maintenance on several roads, which aims to ensure that future developments meet city standards, thereby reducing future costs and facilitating smoother transitions of road management from the county to the city.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts between Canby and Clackamas County to address community needs and improve local infrastructure, with a strong focus on supporting vulnerable populations and enhancing public safety. The council's unanimous votes on these agreements reflect a commitment to proactive governance and community welfare.