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Tigard resident asks council to consider more city support for senior center staffing and programs
Summary
During public comment, Rafael Palacios urged the council to include support for the Tigard Senior Center in the upcoming budget, saying the center lacks city staff oversight and is 'orphaned' despite a sizable older population locally.
Rafael Palacios, a Tigard resident who said he moved to the city in April 2020, used the public-comment period on April 22 to urge the council to consider increased support for the Tigard Senior Center during the upcoming budget process.
Palacios told councilors that, in his view, the center’s operations currently rely on staff paid by Meals on Wheels rather than city employees and that the senior community “feels like the senior center is kind of orphaned from the city support.” He said his group is preparing a proposal for the council and planned to participate in budget hearings.
Palacios also cited census figures to underscore local demand: he said the 55-and-older population totaled about 16,000 people in Tigard according to the 2020 census and that nearby jurisdictions’ senior centers appeared to offer stronger programming and staff support.
Why it matters: The comment shows resident concern about program capacity and oversight for services that serve older adults; such testimony can inform council budget priorities and staff follow-up.
What’s next: Palacios said he plans to submit a proposal to the council next month and to take part in the budget process; councilors did not take immediate action but acknowledged the speaker’s request.
