Washington County Board of Commissioners met Nov. 10, 2026. Commissioners received updates on the Metro Affordable Housing Bond and supportive housing services, approved the Jail and Community Corrections Expansion (JACE) project plan, heard multiple public comments on elections and housing, and set upcoming meeting dates.

Discussion Points

•Allocation of interest earnings (~$5.5M) to specific projects
•An alleged double‑voting case was presented to the board and sheriff’s office
•Claim of denied VAWA accommodation and lack of caseworker response
•Concerns about camera clarity, periodic blackouts, and limited secondary signature verification
•Consent agenda items listed from CAO, juvenile, LUT and HHS
•Contingency: funding availability and competing projects
•Financial spend ~ $21M through Q1, with invoice lags
•Local implementation plan update planned for January
•Need for financial analysis to estimate capital and operational costs
•Observers given tours and access to rotating camera views
•Project delivery: 11 completed projects, 872 units; 3 projects underway
•Projection of 1,004 units vs original target of 814 units
•Reduced usable jail capacity due to COVID, staffing and infrastructure issues
•Request for interim hotel or safe shelter
•Request to reopen voucher case and reinstate voucher
•SHS ahead of Q1 targets

Decisions

•Consent agenda approved 4–0
•Project plan approved to proceed through planning phase

Directions

•County staff to continue communication with observers
•DLR to provide detailed financial analysis for expansion
•Staff to receive testimony and follow up (per Commissioner Treece)

Nov

Washington County Board of Commissioners PM Worksession, 11/10/26

Washington County Board of Commissioners work session covered election timeline updates and staff appointments; a detailed budget forecast showing a short-term gap and long-term structural imbalance; a contentious discussion of $20.1 million in one-time Supportive Housing Services (SHS) recommendations that the board sent back to the Solutions Council for refinement; and a long ARPA "five-year" recap of projects including public health, childcare, workforce, small-business supports, major congregate-facility HVAC upgrades, and county ERP modernization.

Discussion Points

•Certified tax roll (Oct. 7) and tax-roll mechanics; property taxes due Nov. 16 for the full three‑percent discount.
•Change management included months of listening sessions and a Change Champions network.
•Highlighted projects across public health, childcare, behavioral health, economic development, facilities, and Workday ERP.
•Large ARPA‑eligible HVAC projects completed to meet CDC/ASHRAE guidance and improve indoor air quality.
•Primary drivers: property tax growth, SIP transfers, personnel and healthcare costs.
•Projected general revenue growth ~4% to ~$299M and expenditures growth ~6% to ~$305M, creating a near‑term gap of $1.1M.
•Projects included filtration upgrades (to MERV‑13), UVC duct lights, rooftop unit replacements and roof work.
•SIP conversions (e.g., Intel) explain prior atypical AV growth.
•Solutions Council said staff changed ranking method (tiered vs 1–9 ranking) and asked for additional review.
•Staff recommended one‑time package totaling ~$20.1M with specified priorities and potential RIF coordination.
•Status: ~98% of funds expended; closeout on track for Dec. 31, 2026; final audit closeout April 2027.
•Workday go‑live metrics: >2,400 employees moved; >30,000 paychecks and 13,400 supplier invoices processed post‑go‑live.

Decisions

•No formal vote; policy language to be refined and returned.
•No funding approved; item deferred to Dec. 1 after Solutions Council review.
•No new funding decisions; board accepted the presentations and supported closeout planning.

Directions

•Facilities to finalize documentation and monitor air‑quality operational outcomes.
•Item scheduled to return Dec. 1.
•Ongoing training, support channels and centralized teams to continue post‑go‑live stabilization.
•Staff to assemble centralized archive and finalize Treasury reports and project closeout packages.
•Staff to reconvene Solutions Council for refinement and clarify funding sources and priority order.
•Staff to revise reserve/vacancy policy language and return during the budget process.

Nov

HSSN Meeting November 4, 2026

Washington County Hissen Network meeting: program updates on new shelter and transitional housing projects, emergency-preparedness briefing for providers serving unhoused people, training announcements and an announcement of $20 million in end fund balance recommendations to be presented to the county board.

Discussion Points

•2026 trainings and attendance metrics presented (avg. ~56 attendees).
•BitFocus HMIS teaser sessions and HealthShare of Oregon collaborations upcoming.
•City of Hillsboro to accept CDBG applications for nonprofits across public facilities, housing rehab and acquisition.
•Community Connect team has a bilingual vacancy for phone assessments and walk-ins.
•County encourages individual and household preparedness for two weeks.
•County fiscal year closes in October, generating an end fund balance.
•Crowe will post the job link in chat and forward it for Hissen distribution.
•Disaster Services Network will be action-oriented and support existing programs.
•Emergency Management provides supplemental equipment/staffing and activates EOC for large incidents.
•Focus on coordination and preparation for advisory bodies.
•Forest Grove Foundation transitional housing (16 units) to open end of November for recovery-focused referrals.
•Mandatory workshop Dec. 2; applications open Dec. 2–Jan. 21 for plan year 2027 funding.
•Manette accepted permanent coordinator role after interim period.
•Network aims to quickly coordinate referrals and pooled resources to meet unmet needs.
•New fee-for-service option to pay for targeted trainings after vetting.
•Next Step Community grand opening; move-ins expected in December.
•Organizations should develop EAP/ERP/COOP documents and succession/backups.
•Staff will present nine recommendations for programming and capital infrastructure.
•Sunrise Hope Center (85 units) scheduled for spring opening.

Directions

•Applicants instructed to consult city website and contact Hawkins for questions; materials to be forwarded to Hissen distribution.
•Board work session scheduled next Tuesday to review recommendations.
•Courtney to provide contact info and slides; interested organizations to reach out.
•Interested candidates to contact Crowe by email for more information.
•Links and flyers to be posted; attendees asked to complete satisfaction surveys.
•Providers can email Courtney for templates, feedback, or to arrange workshops.
•Staff to publish referral information and RFP timelines on OpenGov and board web pages.
•Use Hissen Local and Services inbox or contact Manette for presentations.

Nov

Housing Overview Video

Washington County Department of Housing Services staff and residents described recent expansions in shelters and affordable housing, funding sources used, and personal accounts of how stable housing changed lives.

Discussion Points

•Community-building through resident engagement and on-site design changes.
•Department mission and strategy to reduce homelessness, combining housing units with supportive services.
•Design and operations are adjusted based on resident feedback.
•Design change: moving playground outside laundry area so parents can supervise children.
•Encampment experience after a house fire; relief on obtaining an apartment.
•Funding mix includes federal, state, and regional sources; Metro Affordable Housing Bond and supportive housing services measure named explicitly.
•Personal narratives of homelessness and recovery after housing.
•Presentations and testimony only; no motions or votes recorded.
•Program results: >400 shelter beds opened; transitional housing program created; >1,000 new apartments developed; >600 apartments rehabilitated.
•Volunteer/staff involvement in move-in support and assembling welcome kits.

Nov

Washington County State of the County 2026

Vice Chair Jerry Willie delivered Washington County's 2026 State of the County address, reviewing public safety planning, courthouse and justice facility needs, major economic investments including a Lam Research expansion, progress on homelessness and recovery services, and upcoming ballot measures for a local public-safety levy.

Discussion Points

•$1,250,000 in state matching funds secured to begin planning for courthouse replacement.
•Acknowledgement of Katherine Harrington\u0002s resignation and the need to rebuild trust; steps to safeguard against future harm.
•A steering committee has been formed to coordinate jail and corrections planning.
•Board is considering placing a five-year renewal on the May 2027 ballot and will release details later this year.
•Cornell Road Recovery Transitional Housing will provide up to 85 transitional units; recovery centers have served 2,500 unique individuals.
•ESPD covers urban unincorporated areas and is funded in part by a local option levy expiring June 2028.
•Facilities are aged and strained; current funding is insufficient for beds and evidence-based programs.
•Levy funds 142 essential public-safety positions.
•MSTIP celebrated its 40th year; program funds road and multimodal projects across the county.
•Program maintains approximately 1,300 centerline miles and was folded into the county's permanent rate after Measure 50 in 1997.
•Program offers 15-year partial property-tax abatements to major investors.
•Regional funding measures and Metro bond are supporting construction of more than 1,000 affordable homes.
•Strategic investment agreement with Lam Research could leverage up to $1.7 billion in equipment investment and create hundreds of jobs.
•WoodSpring project opens mid-December; county purchased and refurbished a 172-unit complex to preserve affordability.

Directions

•Form steering committee to assess comprehensive needs (announced).

Nov

Washington County Land Use Planning Commission Meeting, 11/04/26

Washington County planning staff briefed the commission on new Census Bureau / ACS data and on proposed Housing Facilitation Ordinance 9‑20; a public commenter urged worker-protection language for fast‑tracked housing projects; hearings and appointments were scheduled for November–January.

Discussion Points

•Announcement of vacancies and timeline for appointment and leadership elections.
•Data showing slowing population growth and increasing racial diversity.
•High renter cost‑burden and rising median rents were flagged as key policy concerns.
•Legal counsel and director clarified the county's planning department lacks jurisdiction over labor relations.
•Ordinance 9‑20 implements multiple state mandates affecting notice, appeals, middle housing, SROs, prefabricated structures, and design standards.
•Public commenter raised potential worker exploitation tied to fast‑tracked housing projects.
•Staff seeks a planning recommendation without engrossment on Nov. 18 to meet a Jan. 1 state deadline.

Directions

•Staff to compile candidate summaries and forward to the Board on Jan. 5.
•Staff to present ordinance for a Nov. 18 hearing and forward to the board by Dec. 15 if recommended.
•Staff will research which agency can address the labor‑relations complaints and report back.

Nov

Washington County Board of Commissioners PM Worksession, 11/03/26 (Part 2)

County staff briefed commissioners on development of an Enhanced Sheriff Patrol District (ESPD) local-option levy, the steering committee's second round of voter polling and a tight timeline for ballot work; staff also updated the board on election-night procedures, winter air monitoring, a AAA bond rating and upcoming executive sessions.

Discussion Points

•AAA rating lowers county borrowing costs for capital projects.
•Camera upgrades and display improvements implemented to increase transparency.
•County and state result systems can be briefly out of sync.
•Deputy county counsel and outside attorneys to attend.
•Drone first-responder program under consideration; would support interagency response.
•Executive session scheduled for Friday rather than Tuesday; staff cited scheduling and agenda load.
•Modeling used a 4% AV baseline; staff presented 9% and ~22% levy scenarios.
•Moody's cited diverse economy, reserve ratios and management.
•Round-2 polling scheduled Nov. 29\u0002Dec. 2; results due Dec. 8; potential filing deadline Dec. 23.
•Small AV growth differences materially affect levy revenue and staffing capacity.
•Staff has created a transparency page to publish flights and educate residents.
•Staff provided a timeline and polling plan for a replacement ESPD levy.
•Turnout ~46% during vote-by-mail period; 21 official drop boxes accessible until 8 p.m.

Directions

•Board to review transparency materials with polling results.
•Elections staff to provide talking points for commissioners addressing public fraud claims.
•If directed, staff to file measure with Elections by Dec. 23.
•Staff to follow up with more detailed responses at next meeting.
•Staff to present poll results and draft ballot language on Dec. 8.
•Staff to provide materials to commissioners before Friday's session.
•Staff to refine messaging and include tested language in round-2 polling.
•Staff to return with general-fund impact analysis at next meeting.
•Staff to share Moody's press release and an explanatory memo with the board.

Nov

Washington County Board of Commissioners AM Worksession, 11/03/26 (Part 1)

Washington County commissioners reviewed survey results and three options to update the Metzger Park Local Improvement District assessment, discussed a phased approach to raising the maximum assessment to fund playground replacement, and asked staff to return with lifecycle, liability and levy-forecast details before any public hearing or formal vote.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners debated affordability, urgency and the feasibility of phasing increases
•Commissioners requested an equipment list with lifecycle and imminent failure risk
•Consultant reported ~15% response rate; staff said ~92% of respondents self‑identified as LID residents
•Proposal to set $750,000 maximum while phasing levy implementation over multiple years
•Requested a dollar figure tied to minimum liability mitigation
•Staff clarified statutory hearing requirements and the difference between setting the maximum and levying up to it annually
•Staff clarified statutory public‑hearing requirements and agreed to return with further data
•Staff presented three LID assessment options and survey results showing majority support for an increase
•Survey methods and outreach included mailers, yard signs, QR codes and social media

Decisions

•Commissioners signaled interest in setting a $750,000 maximum assessment while implementing levies incrementally; no formal vote recorded

Directions

•Provide short 10–15 minute update at next work session
•Staff to clarify respondent composition, de‑duplication methods and return with additional clarification
•Staff to compile lifecycle and imminent risk list and estimate minimum funding required
•Staff to model phased levy scenarios and return with forecasts
•Staff to return with equipment life‑cycle details, minimum liability mitigation amount, and five‑year levy/reserve forecasts

Nov

Washington County Board of Commissioners/ Housing Authority Directors Public Meeting, 11/03/26

Washington County officials met Nov. 3, 2026. The Housing Authority board adopted a limited‑partnership policy framework to guide tax‑exempt partnerships; the County Board approved a 28‑acre annexation into Clean Water Services and moved several land‑use and fee updates. Public commenters raised labor and election‑integrity concerns.

Discussion Points

•Commissioner asked for more information about the proposed development type and whether data centers might be included; another commissioner raised procedural questions (quasi‑judicial vs. legislative).
•Commissioners said they heard the comment and would follow up with staff.
•Directors asked for clarification on 60% AMI standard for new construction and 60–80% for preservation and on the 300‑unit annual ceiling.
•Directors signaled support and staff committed to annual public reporting.
•Multiple public commenters alleged registration and ballot anomalies at specific addresses and asked for review and more transparent reporting.
•One commenter requested county posting of tabulation prints from the tabulation system and daily public posting of results for verification.
•Residents testified about personal experiences resolving property boundary disputes using monumentation.
•Speakers also flagged a staging instance of the Secretary of State’s results site and asked for an independent audit of logs and messaging.
•Speaker urged the board to include local workforce incentives and protections when granting developer incentives.
•Staff described the historical context (easement granted 2000 to facilitate a road project; ditch later filled).
•Staff explained the board’s decision is on objective criteria for a boundary change and not on subjective development preferences.
•Staff explained the history and technical importance of public land corners and the reasons to manage fees in the budget process.
•Staff presentation describing annexation to serve Sewell Corporate Park Phase 2 and Clean Water Services endorsement.
•Staff presented framework scope, affordability targets, monitoring and fee schedule.
•Willamette Water Supply System requested clarification that its separate easement would not be affected; staff included clarifying language in the record.

Decisions

•Board adopted the limited‑partnership policy framework; motion passed unanimously.
•Board approved annexation 3–1.
•Board voted to vacate the county drainage easement; motion passed unanimously.
•Ordinance 9‑18 adopted unanimously on second reading.

Directions

•Annexation effective 11/04/2026; staff to complete administrative steps.
•Board directed staff to finalize the resolution and record the order.
•Clerk to collect contact info; staff to provide information to the commissioner who asked for follow‑up.
•County to keep fee language in fee schedule rather than code; update code to remove the conflicting amount.
•Executive director authorized to execute partnerships within framework parameters (subject to cumulative annual limit).
•Staff to provide additional briefing material on request to individual directors and to provide annual public reporting.

Oct

Housing Advisory Committee October 22, 2026

Washington County Housing Authority advisory meeting covered director updates on federal voucher conversions, financial results including Section 18 home sales, Metro bond interest allocations to five projects, a detailed limited-partnership tax-exemption framework and a motion to forward that framework to the board.

Discussion Points

•$3.3M positive developer‑fee variance driven by HP4 and WoodSpring; WoodSpring sold in September 2025 to a limited partnership producing a gain.
•$5.498M in Metro bond interest is available regionally; staff and an external panel recommended allocations based on risk/readiness.
•Fiscal-year revenue exceeded budget by $9.6M; expenditures were $1.8M below budget.
•Framework proposes default 60% AMI for new construction; flexibility up to 80% AMI for preservation/conversion with a market comparability test.
•Housing Authority had moved roughly 20 households into mainstream vouchers prior to the HUD decision.
•HUD will convert emergency housing vouchers into tenant protection vouchers, preventing abrupt loss of assistance for households.
•Members expressed thanks and invited colleagues to the forum.
•Members queried whether developer fees could be adjusted to spur more development and noted caps exist for specific programs.
•Projects receiving recommendations include Planbeck Gardens, Woodland Hearth, Hartwood Commons phase 2, Aloha 209 and Forest Grove.
•Section 18 sales of public-housing homes accounted for both revenue gains and higher repair expenditures; staff used capital grants to address deferred maintenance before sale.
•Staff member announced personal transition and last day will be at the Nov. 6 forum.
•Staff proposed a 15‑year minimum partnership term, discounted fees for nonprofits and a 300‑unit administrative cap to limit foregone tax revenue.

Decisions

•Framework forwarded to the board by committee voice vote

Directions

•Forward framework to the Board of County Commissioners; staff to draft administrative rules for expiry terms, market comparability and reporting.
•Staff to analyze developer‑fee timing and to discuss fee caps and feasibility implications at future meetings.
•Staff to circulate RSVPs and final event schedule.
•Staff to continue casework to implement voucher conversions and report back to advisory committee.
•Staff to monitor timing-related capital outlays (Cornell Road hotel) and incorporate run-rate guidance into the upcoming budget cycle.
•Staff to take the recommended allocations to the board of county commissioners for final approval and to complete IGA paperwork.

Oct

Solutions Council Meeting October 15, 2026

Washington County Housing Solutions Advisory Council met Oct. 15, 2026. Staff gave updates on programs and regional coordination, Community Action presented Emergency Solutions Grant outcomes, the council approved a prioritized list of investment recommendations to forward to the board, Metro KPIs/KEIs were reviewed, and counties discussed operational steps for upcoming Medicaid work requirements (HR 1) and related trainings.

Discussion Points

•Council members expressed appreciation and asked for event details for a send-off.
•Explanation of three regional goals, KPI/KEI counts, and the technical basis in HMIS data.
•HealthShare and county partners plan toolkit reveal (Nov. 4) and provider training (Dec. 7).
•Larson announced her departure and reflected on six years of system-building in Washington County.
•Member concerns about county averaging effects, KPI 7 (outreach impact) and KPI 10 (wage/turnover survey) measurement clarity.
•Members questioned how an estimated $14,000,000 end-fund balance would be apportioned across priorities and requested transparency on allocation choices.
•Oregon Health Authority must release guidance on exception submission and documentation.
•Presentation of FY25 ESG outcomes (49 people; 25 households; 84% housed; average 77 days).
•Staff emphasized landlord outreach, flexible assistance, and cross-agency supports.
•Staff explained the scoring/ranking process and corrected a spreadsheet error that changed one item's rank.
•Work/education/volunteer requirements start Jan. 1 for certain Medicaid expansion adults.

Decisions

•Council voted to adopt the prioritized rank-and-order list to forward to the board; final appropriation left to the board.
•No formal policy decision; operational rollout and training plan endorsed and scheduled.
•No new funding decisions made at the meeting; ESG program outcomes noted for annual reporting.
•No policy changes adopted at the meeting; information was presented for feedback.
•No replacement or personnel decision made at the meeting.

Directions

•County staff will continue reporting ESG accomplishments to the Continuum of Care and bring fund direction to the council next year.
•Data work groups to refine KPI/KEI definitions and provide detailed descriptors to the council.
•No formal personnel action described during the meeting.
•Staff to consider quarterly dashboard updates and return to council with questions or clarifications.
•Staff to document decision criteria used if staff judgment alters recommended order.
•Staff to finalize end-fund balances with finance/auditors, operationalize prioritization, and report back with more detailed allocation proposals.
•Staff to host toolkit reveal and training, prepare virtual/recorded materials, and continue cross-county coordination.
•Staff to share send-off and contact information via email.
•Staff will use data-sharing agreements to match HealthShare members in HMIS for targeted outreach and exemptions support.

Oct

Washington County Board of Commissioners PM Work Session, 10/13/26 (Part 2)

Washington County commissioners received an update on implementation of Ordinance 8‑78 (flavored tobacco ban), including legal history, enforcement roles, and questions about retailer vs. wholesale coverage and proactive enforcement plans.

Discussion Points

•Board members asked for clearer communications to retailers and clarification of ordinance scope regarding coupons and all tobacco products.
•Commissioners asked what a proactive enforcement model would look like and what resources it would need.
•Commissioners queried whether Costco or other wholesalers could sell flavored products that reach county consumers, expressing concern about potential circumvention.
•Commissioners requested precise operational definitions of observable violations to include in retailer communications.
•Director Cemento clarified the coupon/price promotion prohibition applies to all tobacco products.
•Staff read ordinance language specifying no person shall accept or redeem coupons or instruments providing tobacco products at no cost or below standard price.
•Staff said county citations require county staff to observe violations; OHA complaints will be used as complaint sources but are insufficient alone for a county citation.
•Staff said proactive enforcement is commonly supported by a local tobacco retailer license; Washington County currently lacks its own TRL.
•Staff said the state's TRL definitions and whether a sale is to an end user determine county applicability; wholesale sales to retailers generally are not county enforcement targets unless the retailer resells to consumers in Washington County.
•Staff stated OHA inspections will generate complaints but county staff must inspect and observe violations to cite.
•Staff summarized ordinance purpose, litigation history, and implementation strategies (education, enforcement, evaluation).

Decisions

•No policy or code change decided; staff to follow up with counsel/briefing.

Directions

•Staff to include this clarification in retailer communication and consult county counsel if questions remain.
•Staff to monitor wholesale/retail scenarios and report back if specific enforcement issues arise.
•Staff to prepare a briefing comparing Multnomah County's TRL model and enforcement experience and to outline options and potential code changes for proactive enforcement.
•Staff will consult county counsel for legal clarity on evidence standards and provide a concise guidance document to retailers.
•Staff will consult county counsel to clarify ordinance scope and return with a briefing comparing Multnomah County licensing and enforcement options.
•Staff will provide periodic implementation updates in quarterly management reports and prepare a retailer communication summarizing ordinance prohibitions.

Oct

Washington County Board of Commissioners AM Work Session, 10/13/26 (Part 1)

Washington County Board of Commissioners held a work session on Oct. 13 focused on a fall supplemental budget that included FTE corrections, funding for emergency fuel planning, tenant improvements at the Family Peace Center, housing and supportive-housing allocations, and steps toward a bond issuance for the Elam Young Building; the board closed to executive session on pending litigation.

Discussion Points

•$8.4M increase from Oregon Housing & Community Services includes shelter and rental assistance.
•$9.0M contingency request includes $6.9M for infrastructure and $2.0M for eviction prevention.
•Align FTE counts during supplemental to position control.
•Ballots to be mailed to a record ~408,140 registered Washington County voters.
•Close 11 vacant developmental‑disability positions due to lower state funding.
•Commissioners shared leadership updates and staff recognized an Animal Services employee.
•Community Action contracted to deliver eviction‑prevention services.
•County added explanatory note and will offer to work with Secretary of State on process improvements.
•Courtney will travel and deputy county counsel Jason Bush will act in her absence.
•Positions may be requested again in next biennium if funding changes.
•Proceed with bond issuance preparations for Elam Young Building; Moody's rating call scheduled.
•Secretary of State inserted county pages in the wrong place, affecting candidate placement in the pamphlet.
•Staff avoided layoffs but expect service reductions and longer wait times.
•State funding lower than anticipated caused hiring pause and closure of vacant positions.
•Three public‑records appeals require rapid staff response.

Decisions

•Motion to go into executive session passed 4‑0.

Directions

•Communicate service capacity and expectations to the public.
•Confirm exhibit A details and provider notification prior to public hearing.
•Monitor constituent calls and coordinate further with Secretary of State communications.
•Prepare exhibit A and final supplemental packet for Oct. 20 public hearing.
•Proceed into executive session under ORS citation to consult on litigation.
•Schedule Moody’s rating call and circulate Preliminary Official Statement to the board for review.

Oct

HSSN Meeting October 7, 2026

Washington County homeless services staff and partner agencies reviewed program updates, sought public comment on federal CoC rule changes amid ongoing litigation, and heard presentations from Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue on community risk reduction and community paramedics and from housing staff on VAWA protections and procedures.

Discussion Points

•Acceptable documentation: HUD certification form, police report, or third-party written statement; staff should not ask for more documentation unless conflicting evidence exists.
•APCP team aims to reduce unnecessary 9-1-1 responses and partner with mental-health and crisis teams.
•Chaplaincy support helps staff cope with client deaths and burnout.
•Community partners can help with tenant advocacy and short-term funding for survivors.
•County submitted CoC application ahead of deadline and the application is under litigation.
•Federal public comment is open on CoC changes with deadline Oct. 13; county and Solutions Council will submit comments.
•Training availability for fall-prevention, CPR and trauma-informed care.
•TVFR covers a multi-city, multi-county area and focuses on risk reduction, wildfire preparedness and community education.
•VAWA provides eviction and assistance protections; staff must preserve confidentiality and follow HUD guidance.

Directions

•Presenters to share contact info and add interested organizations to training rosters; housing liaison materials to be distributed.
•Staff will share templates and assist partners in submitting public comments.
•Trainer to share administrative-plan references and contact information for follow-up.
•TVFR requested interested organizations share contact info so trainings can be offered and coordinated.

Oct

Washington County Board of Commissioners AM Work Session, part 1, 10/06/26 (Part 1)

Board work session covered three comment letters (Head Start, proposed census rules, HUD COC rules), a contentious exchange over a pulled resolution and a late-night press release, staff updates on CPACE, courthouse project and HUD grant impacts, transit committee recommendations, and workplace-culture concerns; item pulled for further work session review.

Discussion Points

•ACRE raised concerns about workplace culture, equity and accountability
•Chair explained item pulled to allow commissioners time to study amendments
•Commissioners questioned confidence in the 2020 census and requested staff input on wording
•Concerns raised about late-night distribution and press release tone
•HUD rule shifts toward transitional- and services-only models create uncertainty for COC applications
•NCSC conducting courthouse needs assessment
•One commissioner urged immediate deliberation; another defended need for more staff input and public notice
•Recommended updates include incorporating equity analysis and investment priorities
•Staff estimated 80 local households could be affected; tenant protection vouchers protect 57 households locally
•Staff to develop procedures for investigations involving elected officials
•Staff warned the proposed rules could lead to an undercount and affect formula grants
•Staff will provide memo within 30 days and offer individual briefings
•Transit Committee completed year-end work and recommended FY28–29 budget

Decisions

•Board to consider project plan at December meetings (work session Dec. 8; potential action Dec. 15)
•Board to receive report and monitor forwarding to partners
•No substantive action taken on the resolution; item deferred to a future work session
•Proceed with letter; continue staff briefings on HUD rule impacts
•Proceed with the comment letter; staff to finalize and submit
•Staff to draft procedural language and return for board review

Directions

•Advance recommendations to TriMet and ODOT; update transit development plan
•Bring proposed rules of procedure and investigations procedures to board on Dec. 1 for consideration
•Item to be returned to a work session for staff briefing and commissioner review; staff to propose scheduling options
•Staff to draft and circulate briefing memo and offer commissioner briefings
•Submit a letter commenting on census rule proposals emphasizing the need for a true count
•Submit county comment letter to HUD describing concerns and potential impacts on local service continuity

Oct

Solutions Council Special Session October 2, 2026

Special session of the Homeless Solutions Advisory Council on Oct. 2 to review options for allocating Washington County's one-time year-end fund balance; informational only, no votes taken.

Discussion Points

•$2.3M onetime proposal aligns with prior allocations (80% client assistance, 20% admin/staff).
•Access centers are fully SHS-funded and not eligible for other braided funds. Only 1.5 of 4 planned centers are currently operating.
•Cost estimate of $12–$15M for Bridge shelter replacement; $1–$2M expected from disposition; $3M federal request.
•Council members questioned whether neighboring counties will contribute and how funds would be used.
•County received a one-time SHS tax recovery yielding approximately $7M for Washington County.
•No site secured yet; staff and Council discussed tradeoffs of reserving funds vs. diversifying allocations.
•Pilot design: ~60% rental assistance, high staffing ratio for wraparound supports, six-month target to sustain rent payments.
•Positions funded onetime; sustainability would require budgeting if need continues.
•Proposal: $600,000 to fund 4 floating navigator FTEs; RFP to determine host organization and housing of positions.
•Proposal to increase access-center day rate by ~50%, add asset management allowance and a liaison per center.
•Proposed $300K addition to fund housing liaisons for wraparound supports.
•Proposed communications work would build messaging and media buys to support SHS renewal in 2028, elevate provider and participant voices, and coordinate across Metro-area counties.
•Providers report significant demand and limited follow-up capacity; last year nearly exhausted eviction-prevention funds.
•Providers stressed high non-shelter operational expectations (data, staffing) and the need for sustainable funding.
•Questions about referral pathways, overlap with rapid rehousing, and the requirement that rapid rehousing go through coordinated entry for HUD compliance.
•Staff emphasized pilot is an opt-in tool for specific participants not currently well served by coordinated entry referrals.
•Staff emphasized this is a communications strategy (not a campaign) and noted limited county videography/graphic design capacity beyond 2026.
•Uncertainty about the number of clients affected by HR 1 (staff estimate 3,000–7,000 active HMIS clients).

Directions

•Consider access-center funding as part of the regular budget conversation, not only one-time funding.
•Staff to clarify referral sources and how pilot will coordinate with coordinated entry in RFP language.
•Staff to clarify scope (contracted services vs. staff work), provide budget detail, and highlight regional partners and expected deliverables prior to October.
•Staff to complete asset-management evaluation and present detailed cost estimates to the Council and Board.
•Staff to coordinate with Metro and neighboring counties on shared messaging and roles.
•Staff to draft RFP language reflecting portability of positions, service expectations, and sustainability requirements.
•Staff to incorporate feedback into an October proposal and to include rationale for any land/purchase strategy if proposed.
•Staff to monitor OHA HR 1 rollout and incorporate updated client counts and requirements.
•Staff to provide additional outcome data for eviction-prevention (e.g., six-month housing retention) before October meeting.
•Staff to require clear sustainability and partnership plans from applicants.
•Staff to scope whether additional funding should be an RFP or increase to existing contract (Community Action).

Oct

Washington County Board of Commissioners Public Meeting, 10/06/26

Washington County Board of Commissioners met Oct. 6, 2026. Public testimony focused on a proposed flavored-tobacco ban (ordinance 878) and a pulled data-center resolution; the board approved legalization of part of NW Timmerman Road, took first reading of an ordinance on public land corner preservation, and unanimously approved allocation of $5,498,000 in Metro affordable housing bond interest to four projects.

Discussion Points

•Allegations of possible double voting and discrepancies in daily ballot reporting.
•Businesses warned of black-market growth and economic harm from local flavored-tobacco bans.
•Commissioner Fye said staff had been unfairly criticized and pushed to restore the item.
•No public testimony at the hearing.
•Panel recommended prioritizing funds to higher‑risk projects to stabilize construction loans and operations.
•Request for a work session with county administrator and elections staff to present findings and discuss remedies.
•Retailers requested engagement on enforcement to keep products out of minors' hands while preserving businesses.
•Staff presented allocation criteria and project risk assessments.
•Staff recommended a work session on Oct. 20 and a formal adoption opportunity on Oct. 27.
•Staff reported on survey findings and public-notice steps.
•Vice Chair Willie explained he pulled item G3 to allow review of late amendments.

Decisions

•Allocation approved unanimously.
•Legalization of portion of NW Timmerman Road approved 4–0.
•Motion to restore item G3 carried; staff instructed to schedule public work session Oct. 20 and post for Oct. 27 adoption.

Directions

•Allocate funds per panel recommendation and process IGA amendment.
•Office of Community Development to manage disbursement and reporting.
•Place item G3 on Oct. 20 work session; if amendments agreed, bring to Oct. 27 meeting for formal adoption.
•Proceed with resolution adoption and recordation.
•Staff to consider industry engagement and return with implementation options (no formal directive recorded at this meeting).

Oct

Washington County Board of Commissioners AM Work Session, part 2, 10/06/26 (Part 2)

Washington County commissioners reviewed round‑1 voter survey for a proposed Enhanced Sheriff’s Patrol District (ESPD) levy replacement; survey of 400 likely ESPD voters showed 41% initial support, 49% opposition, with education moving support to about 46%–43%. The board directed further polling and set a schedule to consider ballot materials in December and a May 2027 ballot filing.

Discussion Points

•16¢ option tested best (approx. 45% yes/48% no) but may not fully maintain service.
•19¢ and higher options had weaker support; price sensitivity evident.
•Board must approve ballot language and direct staff to file if ready by December.
•Further polling and scenario analysis required to map rates to service outcomes.
•Round‑1 survey shows 41% yes/49% no baseline with 400 likely voters; explanatory text moves support to ~46%–43%.
•Significant undecided cohort and price sensitivity suggest a need for further testing and messaging.
•Staff recommended two survey rounds, with round 2 after Thanksgiving and board review in December.
•Staff timeline for second polling round and board review.

Decisions

•Board voted to enter executive session; motion declared unanimous though individual votes not listed.

Directions

•Board adjourned to executive session pursuant to ORS 192.660(2)(f).
•Second-round polling to test additional price points and messaging.
•Staff to prepare ballot title and explanatory statement for board review in December.
•Steering committee to meet Oct. 28; Nov. 3 work session update; round‑two polling after Thanksgiving; return Dec. 8 with materials.
•Steering committee to meet Oct. 28 to plan round‑2 and messaging.
•Workgroup to model service impacts at different levy rates for board review.

Oct

Washington County Board of Commissioners AM Round Table, 10/01/26

Washington County commissioners' roundtable on Oct. 1 focused on rolling-agenda adjustments and November meeting cancellations, appointments to AOC representation, executive performance reviews and staffing for county counsel, rules-of-procedure and public-comment timing, and a budget kickoff presentation covering fiscal systems, assumptions and key risks.

Discussion Points

•14 finance policies to update; risk management/internal controls and economic-development financial policy next.
•Active recruitments for deputy reclass (internal), senior county counsel (external), and senior paralegal.
•Cancel two November Thursday roundtables (week of Thanksgiving and conflict with AOC).
•Consider facilitated session for decorum and behavioral agreements for new board.
•Investments in finance systems (Workday, Questica, Cobblestone) and integration of 10 years of data.
•Key drivers: property tax, COLA (1% ≈ $1M general fund), PERS, federal/state grant uncertainty (2 CFR 200).
•Major capital projects (courthouse, jail, community corrections, archives) with operating cost implications.
•Move fiscal forecast and rolling-agenda check-ins to Nov. 10 work session.
•New org chart: shift to vertical structure and creation of senior paralegal supervising paralegal staff.
•Notify AOC and seek appointment of Commissioner Snyder to AOC board/legislative committee.
•Operational suggestions to help enforcement (timer behavior) and rules housekeeping.
•Public-records requests increasing in complexity (AI-driven), increasing attorney/paralegal workload and fee impacts.
•Whether to standardize public-comment time (proposed 3 minutes) and move more testimony to the start of meetings.

Decisions

•Administrative calendar changes approved by consensus; board to inform AOC of appointment request.

Directions

•Add fiscal items to Nov. 10 work session agenda.
•Board to consider on-the-fly amendments if sign-up volumes require it.
•Courtney to return with recruitment job descriptions and timelines.
•Staff to circulate calendar holds and begin budget development the first week of December.
•Staff to return Nov. 10 with property-tax assessment and general-fund forecast.
•Staff to return with edits and options for the rules of procedure and timer configuration.
•Staff to share and periodically update attorney assignment list with departments.
•Staff to update calendars and notify AOC.

Sep

Housing Advisory Committee September 24, 2026

Washington County housing advisory committee met to discuss a projected Housing Choice Voucher shortfall and options to accelerate a previously announced payment-standard reduction, review occupancy and lease-up data, and begin framing a policy for limited-partnership property-tax exemptions for affordable housing.

Discussion Points

•Chair Catherine Harrington resigned; vice-chair will serve as pro tem when available; Jason Snyder is interim pro tem representing the county in the short term; HUD guidance and federal funding outlook remain uncertain.
•Committee preference for prioritizing preservation of existing regulated affordable housing; consensus to treat nonprofit partners differently in fee structure.
•Draft framework purpose and components (affordability levels, partnership structure, fee schedule, monitoring); regional survey findings (variability in terms and durations); estimate of 12 projects producing ~$3M in tax exemptions and over 2,000 units in 2026; proposed annual cap of ~300 units (~$464,000 foregone taxes); enforcement options (exit of HAWK resulting in loss of exemption).
•Portfolio occupancy is 88% including offline units, 95% when excluding them; 110 units vacant (66 rehab, 44 turnover); specific properties (Hartwood) need targeted approaches; WoodSpring has 17 units available and targets year-end lease-up.
•Public-records request concerning communications on Aloha 209; staff will follow up by email; scheduling requests for October photo and December luncheon.
•Three implementation options for accelerating voucher payment-standard reductions; potential savings ~$90,000/month; need HUD waiver to expedite; projected near-term shortfall (~$300,000) could hit December; ~3,000 households use vouchers and ~20% could be affected; hardship policies exist and seven households identified as at-risk for extreme rent burden.

Decisions

•Straw poll: committee favored treating nonprofit partners differently; committee prioritized preservation of existing regulated affordable housing as the top public benefit.

Directions

•Asset management to continue monthly monitoring and step up WoodSpring marketing.
•Members should respond to staff's email about the records request and plan to attend October meeting for committee photo.
•Staff submitted waiver to local HUD; staff to brief housing authority board and continue monitoring federal appropriations; follow up with advisory committee before final decision.
•Staff to monitor HUD guidance and keep committee informed; members invited to WoodSpring reopening Dec. 17.
•Staff to return in October with more detailed affordability caps, fee schedules, monitoring and enforcement options, and to coordinate with taxing jurisdictions.

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