City of Tigard Council Meeting - December 16, 2025

On December 16, 2025, the Tigard City Council met to discuss and take action on several key items: a bond package for facility improvements, reductions to social services and community event grants, and amendments to the camping ordinance. The meeting included a public comment period, presentations, and deliberations by council members. Mayor Who was absent; Council President Wolf presided.

Consent Calendar

• Resolution 25-42: A resolution supporting a housing infrastructure financing program grant application was approved unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jessica Williams (Tigard resident since 2019) spoke against ICE actions in the community, urging the city to become a sanctuary city. She expressed fear among families and children, and requested stronger protections for residents.
• Michael Austin (Deputy Director, Just Compassion) supported the proposed camping ordinance changes, noting that allowing camping in a consolidated area (public works lawn) enables service provision and reduces impacts on businesses. He highlighted successes in getting individuals housed.
• Kim Marshall (Executive Director, Project Homeless Connect) urged council to consider consequences of grant reductions on social service agencies and emphasized that the city has not done enough on homelessness. She offered to provide additional data.
• Anna Murphy (caller) urged consistent enforcement of the camping ordinance, opposing any language that allows suspension of enforcement. She supported the increased sidewalk clearance but called for accountability.
• Lindsay Borhe (caller) expressed frustration over lack of clarity among council and staff about where camping is currently permitted. She described the situation at public works as a "mess" and called for stronger leadership and clear rules.
• Megan Hamilton (caller) observed inconsistent enforcement of camping rules on public works properties and requested transparency and accountability. She supported Councilor Schlack's idea for open CHART meetings.

Discussion Items

• Committee for Community Engagement (CCE) Annual Report and Bylaw Amendment: Nicole Hendricks (staff liaison) and Caitlin McKinley (chair) presented the CCE annual report, detailing their work aligning with council goals, tracking feedback, and engaging on housing, economic opportunities, and community events. They requested a bylaw change to meet monthly instead of six times a year to allow more time for discussions and nimbleness. The council approved Resolution 25-43 unanimously after brief discussion.
• Building a Better Tigard – Project Funding and Bond Package Discussion: Finance Director Eric King, with Duncan Brown (PFM) and Gulgen Urr (bond counsel), presented options for a general obligation bond to fund a facility project (e.g., police, public works). Four scenarios were presented: $130M or $150M over 20 or 30 years. Council gave direction: $150 million bond over 30 years (preferred by 5 of 5 voting members; youth councilor advisory vote concurred). Council also expressed interest in exploring funding from Tigard Water District, King City, and Durham through water rates for the water-related portion of the project, but with a caveat against double taxation for Tigard residents. Staff will return with scenarios.
• FY27 Social Services and Community Event Grants Direction: Eric King presented three options: maintain current funding (~$300K general fund + $50K TLT), reduce (maintain TLT + 20% marijuana tax revenue), or pause. Due to a projected $6M general fund gap, council leaned toward Option 2 (reduce). No formal vote was taken; staff will synthesize feedback. On priorities for social services (housing/homelessness, after-school programs, healthcare, hunger, immigrant/refugee resources), council members emphasized hunger, healthcare, and immigrant/refugee resources as top priorities. The community events grant (TLT-funded) was seen as vital and should be maintained if possible.
• Legislative Public Hearing – Ordinance Amending TMC 7.80 (Camping): Megan Cohen (City/County Homelessness Liaison) presented proposed changes: shift allowed camping hours from 7pm-9am to 7pm-8am; increase sidewalk clearance from 36 to 48 inches; remove safe lot exception; clarify public works lawn rules; add emergency suspension authority for specific threats (e.g., flooding, water main break). Council debated the exception language for campsite spacing on the public works lawn. City Attorney Holly clarified that the emergency suspension is only for specific emergencies, not arbitrary. An amendment was offered to move the "except for camping on the lawn of public works property" phrase to apply only to the 20-foot spacing requirement, not the 12x12 size limit. The amendment was accepted.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved (Resolution 25-42) – unanimous.
• CCE Bylaw Amendment approved (Resolution 25-43) – unanimous.
• Bond package direction: Council supports a $150 million GO bond with a 30-year term, and requests staff explore funding from Tigard Water District, King City, and Durham for the water-related portion. Staff will bring back detailed scenarios.
• Grants direction: Council favors reducing social services grants (Option 2) while maintaining TLT-funded community events grants. Staff will refine priorities based on council input (hunger, healthcare, immigrant/refugee resources) and consult budget committee members.
• Camping Ordinance 25-08 amended and adopted – unanimous roll call vote (6-0 including youth councilor advisory vote). Changes include: camping hours 7pm-8am, 48-inch sidewalk clearance, revised public works lawn provisions (except from 20-foot spacing rule but still subject to 12x12 footprint limit), and added emergency suspension clause.

Next steps: Staff will return with bond funding scenarios, updated grant priorities, and further camping ordinance clarifications after the state short session.