Clackamas commissioners urge governor to fill TriMet District 7 seat, ask to be included at retreat

The Clackamas County Board of Commissioners voted 5‑0 on May 7 to send a letter to Gov. Tina Kotek asking that the vacant TriMet District 7 seat be filled promptly and that TriMet invite a county representative to its forthcoming retreat or postpone the retreat until the county is represented.

The action followed public comment and weeks of intergovernmental discussions about service reductions at TriMet and the county’s lack of representation at recent TriMet meetings. Commissioner Savas said the vacancy has left the county out of ‘‘critical conversations’’ about cuts and urged urgency; during debate he highlighted that ‘‘we have over 200,000 people in Clackamas County that don't, by the technical terms of access, do not have access to transit,’’ emphasizing the regional stakes.

Commissioners discussed the tone and timing of the letter, whether to name a preferred candidate, and how to press TriMet for access to decision-making. Several members supported adding language that asked TriMet either to invite a Clackamas County representative to the retreat or to postpone it until the county can participate. Commissioner West said the letter should show ‘‘urgency and please show action’’ while also keeping professional relations with the governor’s office.

The board amended the draft on the dais to include a request that TriMet invite a county representative to the retreat (or delay it) and authorized staff to send the letter that day; commissioners indicated they would all sign the final version. The board and speakers repeatedly tied the representation question to the practical impacts of service reductions for seniors, rural residents and workers.

Public commenter Abigail Eberhart urged the board to frame TriMet service cuts as a health issue, recommending a health‑impact analysis of planned reductions. In the meeting, commissioners noted that reduced routes and service frequency have consequences for older residents and people who rely on transit for medical appointments.

What happens next: Staff will finalize the amended letter and distribute it; county leaders expect the governor’s office and TriMet leadership to receive the county’s request and, separately, to begin discussions about District 7 representation ahead of the June appointment window cited in the meeting.

Provenance: This article is based on the board discussion and vote recorded primarily in the public hearing and board discussion segments on May 7, 2026.