Tigard City Council and Local Contract Review Board Meeting - July 7, 2026

The Tigard City Council and Local Contract Review Board convened on July 7, 2026, at 6:30 PM. The meeting covered routine approvals, public comments, updates on downtown redevelopment and housing initiatives, and the selection of a new city manager. Several key decisions were made, including adoption of the consent agenda and approval of the city manager employment contract.

Consent Calendar

• The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included the May election canvas of votes, approval of minutes, a related service contract, the Lake Oswego Tigard Water Supply Expansion Engineering Service contract, and an amendment to the McDonald's Street Engineering Service contract. All items were enacted in one motion without separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Written public comments received (seven by Monday noon deadline) covered topics including downtown reimagine, intersection safety at Walnut and Highway 99W, safety on Southwest Garden Place, River Tars 2.0, the splash pad, concerns with a person living in their car, commercial solicitation, and firework enforcement.
• In-person public comment: One speaker (Louis) praised the city's Fourth of July fireworks display over the drone show, stating they heard no negative comments and observed a large crowd of all ages. The speaker thanked the council.
• No phone or online callers were in the queue.

Discussion Items

• City Manager Report: Acting City Manager Brian Rager reported that the "One Big Fourth" event drew over 12,000 attendees to honor America's 250th anniversary, with perfect weather and partnerships with King City, Tigard-Tualatin School District, and Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue. He thanked city staff and encouraged residents to check the city events calendar for summer activities.
• Downtown Reimagined Project Update: Senior Planner Susan Shanks presented an update on the long-range planning project to update the downtown development code. The draft proposal includes new zoning maps, transportation networks, and design standards aimed at balancing multimodal connectivity, housing, and commercial needs. Staff sought council feedback on specific transportation facilities (P2 paths, C4 one-way streets, and N1 facilities).
  • Councilor Robbins supported the paths and liked the idea of street trees for cooling.
  • Councilor Shaw expressed concern that policy implementation was premature, citing the need to align with the economic development strategy, survey downtown businesses, and hold a work session to see how all pieces fit together. Council President Wolf and Councilor Schlack echoed concerns about connecting the project to the economic development plan and wanting more clarity.
  • Councilor Anderson supported staff recommendations but asked about variances for mixed-use zones. Senior Planner Shanks clarified that the proposed two-zone system (mixed-use residential and mixed-use commercial) allows flexibility and noted that restrictions (e.g., retail size cap) prevent unwanted large-scale businesses.
  • Ultimately, the council did not provide specific direction on the transportation proposals; they agreed to wait for more community feedback (including an online survey) and discuss in a future study session. The item was effectively tabled for further engagement.
• Tigard HOME (Housing Opportunity Mobility and Enterprise) Project Update: Associate Planner Amber Gomez presented on engagement efforts for introducing small-scale shops and services in residential neighborhoods. Over 1,000 community members participated in 27 events. Staff recommended a three-tier business types framework (home occupations, home businesses, neighborhood-scale commercial) with corresponding standards. Key feedback favored locating neighborhood-scale commercial along main roads and near parks/trails, though some preferred keeping parks quiet.
  • Councilors generally supported proceeding with code development for home occupations and home businesses but expressed concerns about defining "main roads" and distinguishing between home businesses and neighborhood-scale commercial (e.g., a barber vs. a small restaurant). Councilor Robbins suggested allowing small coffee shops on quieter streets. Councilor Schlack noted the need to clarify rules for food services. Councilor Shaw emphasized drilling down on these distinctions.
  • The council provided consensus to proceed with policy development, asking staff to refine definitions and highlight concerns in the final engagement phase.
• City Manager Employment Contract: Human Resources Director Laura Gomez reported that following a recruitment process with Prothman, the council selected Brian Rager as city manager after interviews, panels, and a community meet-and-greet. The council unanimously approved the employment contract. Brian Rager thanked the council for their confidence.

Key Outcomes

• The consent agenda was adopted by unanimous vote of the council present.
• The Downtown Reimagined project discussion concluded without specific policy direction; staff will continue stakeholder engagement and return for a study session.
• The Tigard HOME project will proceed with drafting regulations based on recommended policy approaches, with special attention to defining "main roads" and the boundary between home businesses and neighborhood-scale commercial. A third phase of community engagement will occur in summer 2026.
• The city manager employment contract with Brian Rager was approved by unanimous vote. Brian Rager is the new city manager.
• The meeting adjourned without executive session or non-agenda items.