Beaverton City Council Meeting - February 17, 2026
Beaverton City Council Meeting - February 17, 2026
The Beaverton City Council met on February 17, 2026, at 8:00 AM to receive public comments, hear an update on the Impact Beaverton program, adopt the 2035 Climate Action Plan, and address council business including the city manager's resignation. The meeting included a unanimous vote on the climate plan and the formation of a subcommittee to manage the city manager transition.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Jennifer Croft, a Beaverton resident and volunteer with the Center for Mediation and Dialogue, provided feedback on a proposed property tax levy. She expressed that working families are "being squeezed from both sides" and noted that Nike, located on unincorporated land, would generate $11–$15 million annually in property tax revenue if annexed (currently not possible until around 2035), while the levy asked for $5–6 million. She suggested the city focus messaging on services rather than staff when discussing budget cuts, as staff details cannot be shared and the message is less compelling.
- David Kearns, a Beaverton resident, stated that "IS and Border Patrol agents continue to operate in Beaverton with zero regard for the inalienable human rights of our community" and called for "unprecedented solutions" to address what he termed a "state of emergency." He indicated he would meet with each council member to discuss potential less-obvious levers of control.
Discussion Items
- Impact Beaverton Program Update: Mike Williams, Economic Development Manager, introduced Christian Arroyo of the Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce, who presented on the Impact Beaverton program. The program, established in 2015, provides one-on-one technical assistance to new micro and small businesses, focusing on the crucial first two years. In the past year, it supported 36 new businesses to open or formally register. Activities include canvassing along Allen Boulevard, where residents and business owners have requested improved lighting. In response to reduced foot traffic due to federal enforcement actions and social challenges, Impact Beaverton collaborated with the city and chamber to produce spotlight videos on Latino businesses, reaching over 20,000 views across Oregon. One featured business received financial help from Adelante Mujeres. Future plans include doubling the number of workshops and expanding outreach. Council members expressed strong support, noting the program's critical role during COVID-19 and its ongoing work supporting businesses affected by immigration enforcement. Several members highlighted the hands-on, relationship-driven approach and called for continued support for businesses on Allen Boulevard.
- 2035 Climate Action Plan Adoption: Scott Keller, Senior Program Manager for Sustainability and Recycling, and Kevin introduced the updated Climate Action Plan, the culmination of over 18 months of community engagement, greenhouse gas inventories, and future conditions studies. The plan is organized around six focus areas with 12 measurable objectives (down from 86 individual actions in the previous plan). It emphasizes organizational capacity, actions within the city's range of influence, and a streamlined structure with indicators to track progress. The plan does not price every strategy but calculates community costs avoided by acting. Implementation will include a public digital dashboard and two-year work plans aligned with the budget. Council members praised the plan's strategic framework, improved metrics, and community input. Mayor Beatty noted ongoing climate work (e.g., composting, ASR wells, future-proofed parking garage) but expressed frustration at the lack of a tree code. The plan was adopted unanimously.
- Liquor License Renewal Processing and Development Code Amendments: Agenda Bills 26044 and 26045 were introduced as ordinances. A public hearing on both is scheduled for the March 3, 2026 city council meeting. The meeting also marked the last time alcohol license approvals will appear on the consent agenda as part of a streamlining effort; the council asked for a quarterly report from the city manager to stay informed about new businesses.
Key Outcomes
- Resolution 4945 adopting the 2035 Beaverton Climate Action Plan and repealing Resolution 4610 passed 7–0.
- Mayor Beatty announced that City Manager Jenny gave official notice she will be taking a job in Eugene. A subcommittee composed of Councilors Duggar, Teeter, and Mayor Beatty was formed to develop a recommendation for an interim city manager (aiming for March 1, 2026) and to manage the long-term hiring process, including selecting a firm, reviewing the job description, and overseeing the process (estimated 3–6 months). The full council will make the final decision, with multiple interview panels including staff and union representatives.
- The consent agenda was approved unanimously (7–0).
Meeting Transcript
Yeah. Happy Tuesday. Okay. Counselor Duggar. I am here. Councilor Hartmeyer Praig. Here. Councilor Hassan. Can you do that again? We can't hear you. I don't know if it's our end or your end. Hold on. Okay, sorry, Counselor Hassan. Can you try that one more time, please? Yes. Can you hear me? Counselor Kimmy. Counselor Teeter. Here. Councillor Tibnon. Here. Mayor Beatty. Here. Thank you. All right. We will now move on to visitor comments. The city requires pre-registration for online in-person visitor comments at council meeting. Registration closed at noon today. All registration was conducted through the city recorder's office via email or phone in preparation for this meeting. There are four people registered at tonight's meeting. As a reminder, visitor comments provide the opportunity for the community to speak about matters, even if they are not on the agenda. Visitors may state their comments and should not expect the council to engage in back and forth dialogue regarding the comments. At this, as this is the time for the council to hear from the community. The city council seeks to be welcoming and inclusive towards all speakers at public meetings, and we strive to create an atmosphere of mutual care and respect. While community members may disagree with each other or the city on issues and may give critical feedback, they are expected to do so respectively and without disruption. Disruption interferes with the ability of other present in person or online to participate in tonight's meeting. Council members do not interrupt community members during their public comments, and we expect community members to offer the same courtesy to other speakers. Visitors are limited to three minutes for each person. If follow-up is needed, our city manager and city recorder are taking notes. So tonight we have four uh speakers with us tonight. First will be David Kearns, second will be Heather Hellman. All right, Alyssa Collier. Jennifer Croft. Thanks. Hi. Um I am Jennifer Croft. I'm a resident here in Beaverton. I've lived here for about five years. Um I am also uh volunteer with the city. I volunteer with the uh Center for Mediation and Dialogue.
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