Cassi Bergstrom

The meeting focused on an in-depth presentation and discussion regarding the enterprise zone economic development program. Key topics included the history and purpose of the enterprise zone, state and local requirements for tax abatement, the differences between three-year and five-year programs, and administrative procedures for business applications. The council discussed the implications of recent state legislative changes, including a one-year moratorium on data center eligibility and the implementation of a school support fee.

The committee held a meeting to discuss the mid-biennial budget update for fiscal years 2026-2027. Key topics included a review of city economic trends, such as population growth, inflation, building permit activity, and housing market conditions. The committee reviewed staffing levels and potential future adjustments in various city departments. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding retirement plans, insurance premium increases, and the city's financial outlook, including tax rates and fund balances.

The council held a work session focused on downtown placemaking, exploring various options and attributes to create a central community gathering space and festival street. Key topics included reviewing parking code enforcement, wayfinding improvements, stall management, and the feasibility of different street locations for public events and placemaking. The council discussed the business impacts, parking displacement, and historical usage of various downtown sections while setting parameters for future recommendations.

The City Council meeting included a presentation from Clean Water Services regarding their cost of service study, financial forecast, and rate proposals for the upcoming fiscal year. Discussions focused on regional versus local service costs, capital improvement projects, reserve policies, and the upcoming budget adoption process. Council members also inquired about the specific local infrastructure projects planned for Forest Grove and expressed interest in greater representation and accountability within the Clean Water Services governance structure and advisory committees.

The City Council conducted a work session to discuss historic downtown design standards and guidelines, focusing on project scope, timeline, and alignment with the Vision 2040 plan for revitalizing the downtown area. Key topics included the regulatory difference between standards and guidelines, the importance of architectural design in maintaining community character, and strategies for promoting walkability and residential development near the downtown core. The council also explored material and construction methods for commercial renovations, the role of historic districts, and the necessary federal compliance requirements for future historic preservation projects.