City staff reviews nine council priorities; transportation funding, rec center and water projects highlighted

West Linn — City staff used the April 7 work session to brief the City Council on progress across nine adopted council priorities, highlighting transportation funding work in Salem, potential partnership options for a community recreation center, drinking-water capital needs, waterfront and Highway 43 planning, environmental strategies and the operations facility design.

The update, presented by a senior city staff member, recapped recent activity and next steps for each priority and identified potential funding and staffing gaps the city expects to raise during the 2025 budget process.

The transportation item noted a recently released state transportation‑funding framework that, according to staff, focuses on maintenance and appears not to include tolling as a proposed revenue source. Staff also reported success getting several West Linn projects placed on a legislative project list for potential funding, and reminded the council that discussions continue about local priorities such as jurisdictional transfer of Hwy. 43 and local road maintenance funding.

On recreation, staff said the city is exploring a partnership with the YMCA to reduce capital and operating costs if West Linn pursues an indoor community or recreation center. "If we could get [the YMCA] involved and interested in our project, I think that…