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Troutdale Council votes 6-1 to renew $7,500 sponsorship for Mount Hood Jazz Festival
Summary
Mount Hood Jazz Festival director Dan Davey asked the council to continue a $7,500 sponsorship citing increased student participation, concerts and local business use. After debate and an unsuccessful amendment to cut the amount to $5,000, council approved the full $7,500 by 6-1.
Dan Davey, jazz director at Mount Hood Community College, asked the Troutdale City Council on Oct. 28 to renew the city’s sponsorship of the Mount Hood Jazz Festival at the same level the city provided last year: $7,500.
Davey said the festival’s recent growth has expanded its footprint in East County and Troutdale, and emphasized education and student participation. He told the council the 2025 festival included about 80 school ensembles, roughly 1,350 student participants in educational offerings and an estimated 3,000 total tracked attendees across events. "We offered 12 free master classes for students and the public," Davey said, and described the festival as creating "a scaffolding effect for students" from middle school through professional performance.
Councilors asked about local economic impacts and previous city contributions. Davey said 100% of the festival’s 2025 catering came from Troutdale restaurants and listed area hotels and businesses that host and feed visiting ensembles and artists. He requested a repeat of last year’s city sponsorship of $7,500 to support the festival’s continued growth and local partnerships.
Council discussion ranged from budget limits to the festival’s educational benefits. Councilor Lamey summarized a common view during debate: "If it saves one kid, it’s worth it," noting the program’s impact on youth. Councilor Andrews proposed lowering the contribution to $5,000 or $6,500 as a compromise. A motion to amend the sponsor amount to $5,000 failed on roll call 2-5. The council then voted on the original motion to provide a $7,500 sponsorship, which passed 6-1.
The city clerk called the roll for the final vote: Councilor Allen — yes; Councilor Wynne — yes; Mayor Bridal — yes; Councilor White — yes; Councilor Davidson — yes; Councilor Leaney — yes; Councilor Andrews — no.
The council did not attach additional conditions to the sponsorship in the motion. Staff reminded the council that the city’s community-events budget is a pooled line item used for First Fridays, Windy Wonderland and other events; staff said a separate grant process is used for some external requests but a direct sponsorship is acceptable and administratively straightforward.
The festival director said he will continue outreach to attract grants and economic-impact analysis; council members and staff mentioned the value of better tracking visitor spending and lodging impacts for future requests.
Ending: The council’s sponsorship secures Troutdale’s continued role as a named community sponsor for the 2026 Mount Hood Jazz Festival, which Davey said will run April 22–26, 2026, and will include community events in Troutdale.
