Planning commission reopens 2025–26 work plan, asks for clearer problem statements and priorities

The Oregon City Planning Commission on Aug. 24 revisited its 2025–26 biennial work plan and asked commissioners to refine problem statements and rank priorities before the commission forwards a recommendation to the City Commission. Planning manager Pete Walter told the commission he included a red-line copy of the earlier draft and added a column aligning planning items with City Commission goals.

"What basically we were looking to do is to revisit this table, clarify any of the problem statements and prioritize the list," Walter said, framing the session as an informal dialogue and a chance for commissioners to propose additions, deletions or revisions. He asked the group to reach majority agreement on problem statements and prioritization so staff could pursue follow-up actions, such as grant applications or long-range projects.

Commissioners broadly endorsed the three-category organization staff proposed — projects underway, education and interdepartmental coordination, and future policy/code considerations — but pressed staff for more specificity and clearer next steps for items tied to infrastructure and funding. The commission agreed to schedule follow-up work sessions for deeper dives (including a focused session on the 7th Street/Molalla corridor), and staff said it would bring presentations from Public Works and Parks as requested.

The meeting closed with staff listing next steps including SDC (system development charge) training, a parks update and potential code work on temporary structures; the commission adjourned after public comment and additional follow-up items were noted.