Oregon City Commission approves $900 for Grand Floral Parade entry, sets logo and reporting conditions

The Oregon City Commission on May 7 approved a $900 allocation to support an Oregon City Heritage Coordinating Committee entry in the Portland Grand Floral Parade, directing that the citylogo appear on parade signage and that organizers submit a brief accounting of how the funds were spent.

Supporters said the parade is cost-effective tourism exposure and requested $900 to cover floral materials and signage for a bus entry celebrating the 200th anniversary of Fort Vancouver. Opponents and several commissioners said the request arrived at the last minute without a written budget or clear explanation of the funding source and pressed for a formal process for future requests.

The request was described at the meeting as covering three items: $5,500 for floral work on the bus (funded by organizers), $200 for signage, and a $200 contingency. Organizers asked the city for $900 to help with signage and floral decorations; they said much in-kind contribution and volunteer time would support the entry.

Several commissioners said the request highlighted a gap created this year as the city transitions tourism funding and the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) was not yet handling grants. Commissioners who opposed the allocation argued that recurring requests like this should come through a competitive program or be budgeted during the annual budget process.

After discussion, the commission amended the motion to require the citylogo on parade signage and a post-event expense report and voted 3-2 to approve the $900. The roll call was: Commissioner Rocky Smith, Aye; Commissioner Mike Mitchell, Aye; Commissioner Scott Wilson, No; Commissioner Adam Marl, No; Mayor Denise C. McGriff, Aye.

Commissioners asked staff and organizers to ensure the parade script and signage briefly link the Fort Vancouver commemoration to Oregon City and to include a reference (website or tourism line) that directs parade viewers to city tourism information.

Organizers acknowledged the concerns about timing and process and said they would work with staff on script wording and the required acknowledgement.

The commission did not create a permanent new grant program during the meeting; several commissioners said they expect to address a more formal event and tourism funding process in coming meetings as the DMO and transient lodging tax policies are finalized.