Key Priorities For Our Community
Along with the importance of maintaining and increasing Tigard’s outdoor spaces such as our parks, outdoor museum, nature centers, creeks, and the (Tigard) Tualatin River, the following are key priorities:
Business Support and Economic Development
Businesses are one of the key backbones in driving our economy. We need to continue targeted relief for small businesses that have been closed during the pandemic. Tigard’s establishment of the Commercial Assistance & Relief for Economic Stability (CARES) and the Resident Aid Fund of Tigard (RAFT) and Tigard Aid Programs should provide additional resources as the pandemic continues. I support expanding the 2013 ‘small business tax cut’ to include sole proprietors and other small family businesses as well as ensuring revitalization and economic business growth within Tigard’s Urban Renewal District, Industrial/Mixed-use zones and within the Tigard Triangle.
Access
Access is key to ensuring a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community in Tigard. We need to ensure all community voices are heard, particularly for those who lack time, money, or information when key decisions are being made. To that end, Tigard should continue to upgrade its digital online presence and access to increase citizen participation. We also need to ensure the availability and affordability of housing choices to keep workers, attract workers, to keep senior citizens in our community, and to ensure low and moderate-income community members have a place to live.
Transportation Electrification
As a community that is intersected by I-5, 217, and 99, we need to ensure all modes of transportation mobility are equitable and sustainable and meet community-identified mobility needs. Additionally, exhaust from cars, trucks, and buses contribute to negative climate change which impacts the health of Tigard residents. Electric buses, cars, light rail, rideshare, e-bikes and e-scooters, medium and heavy-duty trucks, and city fleet vehicles can play a big part in solving these problems. Increasing clean transportation options and access is not just about protecting the environment, it is also a critical factor in protecting our community’s health. Transportation is key to the community of Tigard and I will work hard to secure federal and state financial support for our community’s vital transportation needs.
Investing in Education
Education is the key to the long term success of our children. This requires our public education system to be well managed, funded, trusted, and one that truly ensures equity and safety for ALL Tigard Students. In addition, continuing to support trade and technical schools is vital to our educational system to ensure those who are not interested in a four-year degree have an alternative.